WHAT TYPE OF PARENT ARE YOU?

Children are expected to follow strict rules established by parents. Failure to comply with such rules – which are rarely explained to the youngster – usually results in punishment. These parents have high demands, but are not responsive to their children. How do you know you might be one? You say ‘Because I said so’ a lot. How might children develop? Constant instructions might mean, in later life, they are proficient and obedient but they may also lack confidence and social skills. Like authoritarian parents, rules and guidelines are important, but in a much more democratic way. Mums and dads will hear children out before making decisions, while explaining why certain rules are in place. When children fail to meet the expectations, parents are more nurturing and forgiving. Assertiveness is key here. Discipline is supportive, rather than punitive. How do you know you might be one? You say ‘OK, let me hear what you have to say’. How might children develop? Explaining rules mean kids grasp right from wrong early, while encouragement allows confidence and happiness to grow. Permissive parents seek to avoid conflict, believing negativity and confrontation are bad for the family and should be avoided at most costs. They rarely discipline their children and are often more responsive when their child demands something. They believe, if trusted, children are capable of self-regulation. How do you know this might be you? You let your children play online games late into the night. How might children develop? Such freedom encourages creativity and aspiration but it can lead to long-term immaturity and lack of self-control. There is little if any communication. The parent has few demands of their offspring, and consequently expect few demands made of them. How do you know you might be one? You prefer a night out to seeing your eldest. How might children develop? Feelings of rejection in early life can lead to low self-esteem and low confidence later on.