Authoritative parenting is when the parent is actively involved in the upbringing of the child.
Parenting in this age and time is getting more difficult because of the busy schedules of parents. The need to provide and take care of these children is keeping them away from their primary responsibility – which is parenting!
Parenting Styles
1. Authoritative
2. Authoritarian
3. Permissive
4. Indifferent
Of all these parenting styles, the most effective according to much research is the authoritative parenting style. Ordinarily, one would be curious as to what makes this style better than the rest.
The authoritative parenting style: It is a parenting style where the parent is actively involved in the upbringing of the child. The authoritative parent is both nurturing and firm, caring and attentive. Rules are set and adhered to. The authoritative parent makes sure there are consequences for every action. Whether good or bad.
Authoritative parenting is a lifestyle. An authoritative parent lives out the life he or she wants the child to emulate. He won’t give a rule that he’s not abiding by i.e. He won’t tell his child not to take alcohol and then goes beside to take it. This is because most children are wired to behave exactly as the adults around them. Parents are the children’s first teachers- they are their first role models.
In Authoritative parenting, parents pay close attention to the needs of the children. Their opinions are listened to but most of the time not always accepted.
Impact of Authoritative Parenting in the Modern World
There is no better time to use this parenting style than in this era of social media. This is much needed at a time when parents seem to be losing control of their kids. Children have multiple sources to get knowledge from, they have access to laptops and so many other mediums of interaction and learning. Though social media can be a useful tool, it is also harmful if used negatively. This is why being an authoritative parent in this era is the best bet for any parent who wants to make something out of their children.
Research has proven that children of authoritative parents are:
- Confident
- Creative
- Have high self-esteem
- Better at communication
- Problem solvers
- Build better relationships
Children from an authoritative home are in general more responsible. This is as a result of their firm upbringing. They learn at a young age that there are consequences for every action. So when they are old enough, they become better employees and employers. They become better suited to make great decisions and execute difficult tasks seamlessly. They also can raise and manage a family.
Parents must take charge of their children’s lives, because if they don’t, social media and other vices will and who knows what they will be taught.
Conclusion
Being a parent is very easy but being a responsible parent is a lot of work. A child is a precious gift. When a gift is considered precious, it is given detailed care and attention. Massive effort should be put into raising children for the refinement of society.
