In class, we discussed three child-rearing practices that parents use when raising children and exerting control over them. These parenting styles are authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative. Parents using the authoritarian style set rules for their children to follow and expect them to obey at all times. Permissive parents do not set rules for their children to follow and instead do whatever their children want to do. Parents following the authoritative style of parenting lie in between the other type styles. Authoritative parents set expectations for their children, but they also listen to their children and respond to their needs. Comparing the three child-rearing practices, authoritarian is too hard on the children, permissive is too lax with the children, but authoritative is just right. Of the three styles, authoritative is the most ideal parenting practice to follow because it best prepares children for the future. While many factors contribute to a child’s characteristics, the authoritative parenting style often positively influences a child’s self-esteem, independence, and social skills.
Growing Up with Authoritative Parents
I was raised by parents using a mostly authoritative parenting style. While I did have guidelines that I had to follow, my parents were also willing to hear my thoughts and opinions on things and respond to each situation in a reasonable way. This meant that I didn’t always get my way on things, but I knew that my parents heard my feelings on the matter and were acting with my best interest in mind. Sometimes this didn’t help at the time, but looking back, it makes sense. For example, I wanted a cell phone in elementary school. I argued that many of my friends were getting them, so I should too. My parents heard me out, but determined it wasn’t time yet. We talked about it and determined that I would get a cell phone once I was in middle school and would be further from home and more likely to need it to reach them between classes or after school. While it didn’t seem fair at the time, in retrospect, it really was for the best, as we didn’t need that added expense and I didn’t need that added responsibility at the time.