Parents go through a lot when they bring up their children. National Parents’ Day, celebrated every fourth Sunday of July, celebrates the efforts and contribution of proud parents in the lives of their children. On this day, let’s talk about authoritarian parenting style and how it affects the child.
Health Shots consulted Dr. Rituparna Ghosh, Consultant Psychology at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, to know about the pros and cons of authoritarian parenting style.
What is authoritarian parenting style?
Authoritative parenting is a parenting style characterized by an approach that sets rules and expectations. Parents are also responsive to their child’s needs and feelings. Dr. Ghosh says that this is considered a healthy and effective parenting style that promotes positive development of the child. Parents who adopt an authoritative style are firm and consistent in their discipline, but also supportive and nurturing toward their children.
Advantages of Authoritative Parenting Style
There are benefits associated with the authoritative parenting style. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Social and Emotional Development
Authoritative parenting promotes healthy social and emotional development in children. Experts say that by providing warmth, support and consistent discipline, children who grow up with this style develop strong self-esteem, confidence and a positive self-image. They also tend to have better emotional regulation skills and display higher levels of empathy and social competence.
2. Academic Success
Authoritative parenting has been linked to better academic performance of children. The combination of setting clear expectations, providing guidance and nurturing independence encourages children to develop strong study habits, motivation and a love of learning. They are more likely to excel academically and get higher grades.
3. Autonomy and Responsibility
Authoritative parents strike a balance between setting rules and providing autonomy to their children. This style allows children to develop decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of responsibility for their actions. They learn to make choices within a supportive framework while fostering independence and self-reliance.
4. Positive communication and relationship building
Authoritative parents prioritize open and respectful communication with their children. This leads to the development of a strong parent-child bond based on trust and understanding. Children raised in this style feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and feelings, knowing that their parents will listen and provide guidance.
5. Reduced behavioral problems
Children raised in authoritative parenting are less likely to engage in behavioral problems such as aggression or disobedience. Clear expectations, consistent discipline and a nurturing environment provided by authoritative parents help children imbibe appropriate behavior and develop self-control, say experts.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility
Authoritative parenting style promotes adaptability and resilience in children. By encouraging independence, problem-solving, and decision-making, children learn to deal effectively with challenges and setbacks. They develop coping skills, resilience and a positive attitude towards overcoming obstacles, which contribute to their overall resilience in various areas of life.
side effects of authoritarian parenting
Authoritative parenting styles are generally associated with positive outcomes for children. However, it’s important to note that no parenting style is perfect, and it can still have potential side effects. Here are some of them:
1. High Expectations
Authoritarian parents often have high expectations of their children’s behavior and achievements. While this can motivate children to strive for success, it can also create pressure and anxiety if the child feels unable to meet those expectations. This can lead to stress or fear of failure.
2. Lack of autonomy felt
Although authoritative parents encourage independence and decision-making, some children may find the limits and rules set by their parents to be restrictive. This can make them feel less autonomous or hinder their sense of independence than children raised in more permissive parenting styles.
3. Struggle
Although authoritative parents favor open communication and dialogue, disagreements or conflicts can still arise between parents and children. These conflicts can occur when the child challenges or questions established rules, leading to potential power struggles or arguments.
4. Over-Dependence on Parental Approval
Because authoritative parents provide guidance and support, children may develop a strong dependence on their parents’ approval and validation. Dr Ghosh says this could potentially limit their ability to make decisions independently or seek validation from other sources as they age.
5. Perfectionism
Because of the high standards and emphasis on achievement, children raised in authoritarian parenting may develop perfectionistic tendencies. They may be overly focused on meeting expectations and have difficulty accepting failure or mistakes. This can lead to unnecessary stress and self-imposed pressure.
There is no one best parenting style. But parents should adopt a parenting style that maintains a balance in disciplinary methods. Be strict but never harsh with your child, spend time with them, pay attention to what they say, be generous in praise and have realistic expectations.
Source link: sensationsix.com
Source link: www.healthshots.com
Comments
Post a Comment