Outline of 3 Parenting Styles
Where Do You Fit?

The 3 Parenting Styles developed from the work of Diana Baumrind, who observed parents and assessed their style of parenting, primarily based on the way parent's controlled their children.

We'll give you an overview of the 3 parenting styles here, and under each section you will find a link for a more indepth article on each of the three parenting styles.

Strict Parenting

The first of the three parenting styles is the strict parenting model, commonly called authoritarian parenting. The strict parenting model tends to be more conservative, and often has the father as the source of power. Some Christian parenting ideals see this as an important aspect of family life.

Of all of our three parenting styles, strict parents have a the highest value on children as having to conform to adults expectations. In our Grand-parents day, it would even go as far as "children should be seen and not heard". Strict parenting, or authoritarian parenting, tends to have lots of rules and regulations, and high expectations from their children to conform. Children are not encouraged to think for themselves or experiment.

I tend to refer to this kind of parenting as fear based parenting - children learn good behavior because they are fearful of the consequences. They have not learned to think through to learn from the outcome of their behavior, they simply have learned to avoid punishment.

Authoritarian or Strict Parenting Style will give you more indepth information plus give the effects on children being raised with a strict parenting style.

Permissive Parenting Style

The second of our 3 parenting styles is the permissive parenting style, sometimes referred to indulgent parenting. Permissive parents tend to be the polar opposite of strict parenting. Very few rules, or rules seldom enforced, and children are encouraged to be free-thinkers. Rules and regulations are seen under the permissive parenting style as restricting and limiting the child's natural development.

The permissive parenting style is one where there is lots of warmth and affection, lots of communication, and the child having rights pretty much equally with the parent. Children may even have more control than the parents under this style of parenting.

Visit this article for a more indepth discussion about Permissive Parenting and a look at the long term effects on children, raised with this style of parenting.

Democratic Parenting

The third of our 3 parenting styles is the democratic parenting style, also referred to as Authoritative Parenting. Democratic parents will set rules, and enforce them, but the child will have a say.

The democratic parenting style sees it important that children understand the reason behind rules or punishments, and learn what and why a behavior is not acceptable. Family discussions would be common, and parents value the child's input.

This is the middle ground of our 3 parenting styles, and many parents see the democratic parenting style as being a more balanced ideal.

For more insight into research to do with the democratic parenting style, visit our more indepth article on Authoritative or Democratic Parenting.

Four Parenting Styles

Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin expanded the 3 Parenting Styles into Four Basic Parenting Styles. Interesting how one theory of parenting expands as different researchers add their own ideas.

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Resources for Parents

Super Skills 4 Kids
This home study course designed to help kids solve problems, set goals, envision the future they want, and achieve anything!

Super Skills 4 Kids is packed with tools, parenting advice, tips and comes with a bonus workbook. I've had many parents say they use many of the techniques for themselves!

Free Parenting Games
One of the best parenting tips we can offer, is playing with your children! I've designed a free series of games to help and inspire you to raise happy, productive kids, who are excited about life on this beautiful little planet!

Ask Annie
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Online Coaching with Annie - ask your parenting questions, only $9.95. Your question and my answer becomes a page here on our site, so other parents can get inspired. Click the link above and scroll to the bottom to read what other parents have asked.

Inspiration for Managing Behavior Issues

Disciplining children.
For parenting advice on discipline read my article on disciplining kids and teens.

Do Children Misbehave?
More ideas on handling misbehaving children, and understanding their needs.

Negotiating with Teens
Teenage years can be a delight and a challenge for many parents. Heres some ideas on handling some of those tricky times!

Teenage Behavior
This Audio answers questions from readers about communicating with teenagers. You can listen to it here, or my members can download this and many others on our Parent Coaching Membership site.

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