Every parent has their own unique way of dealing with their children, and there is no textbook definition of the “correct” way to handle the ups and downs of parenting. In order to create a solid foundation behind your methods, however, you might want to pick a parenting style that works best for you and your kids as well as learn from the flaws of the others.

Remember that instilling trust between you and your child is important and can make it easier to establish your parenting skills.

4 Most Common Parenting Styles

There are many different types of parenting that you can try out. Each of these parenting styles has different end results, so you will have to choose which one will work best for you and your child. Combining different styles can result in a whole new style that is custom-fit to the relationship you have with your child, and can benefit you both in the long run.

1. Authoritarian 

In this type of parenting, your child follows a strict set of rules that you establish and enforce. If your child fails to follow these rules, they will be punished according to the repercussions you set forth. Authoritarian parents don’t explain their rules to their child, they just enforce them to a “T”, and place high demands on their children; sometimes too high. This type of parenting is all high expectations and little room for failure with a much more separated parent-child relationship.

Children raised in an authoritarian household are more likely to be aggressive outside of the home, be prone to shyness, and may encounter social difficulties, due to the high amount of stress they receive at home.

2. Authoritative 

Authoritative parents are much like their authoritarian counterparts, but instead choose to let their child know the reasons behind their rules and actions. They encourage curiosity, independence, and structured balance, as well as allowing the child to voice their opinions and reasoning with respect. The resulting relationship is of respect and trust, allowing the child to feel at ease. This type of parent will always hear their child out, even if their opinion is resolutely different.

Children of authoritative parents are often outgoing, do well in social situations, are balanced, and tend to lead healthy and structured lives later in life.

3. Permissive

The permissive parent is just that: asks for nothing and expects nothing, the typical “best friend parent”. Their children are undisciplined and rarely have an appropriate level of respect for their parents. Though the permissive parent is incredibly attentive, they hate enforcing rules because they fear or can’t handle confrontation between themselves and their kids, and will inconsistently establish rules that fall through with the first shove. Permissive parents use bribery to control their children, and are often incredibly loving and involved in their child’s hobbies rather than their development.

Permissive parents allow their child to become demanding, reliant, and unstable on their own. Because their relationship is so involved and dependent, it may become difficult for the child to be independent.

4. Uninvolved

An uninvolved parent is a neglectful parent. Their children are largely ignored, rarely have their basic needs met, and are, in essence, abandoned by their parents. Neglectful parents do not make rules and are ignorant to their child’s needs. This type of parent-child relationship is cold, unfeeling, and doesn’t allow for a nurturing and safe environment.

Neglectful parents completely destroy the trusting bond between them and their children. Instead of relying on their parents, kids from this type of household learn not to trust anyone and are constantly under stress from the lack of a reliable mentor. They are much more prone to substance abuse and shaky relationships later in life.

In conclusion, a successful parenting style uses elements of all of the top three styles, creating a nurturing and receptive environment while establishing a strong structure. Every parent is different, as is every child, and developing a healthy bond between you is important to making sure your kids are growing up confident and balanced.

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