Good parenting makes a child more confident, secure, and emotionally intelligent. All of this has to be achieved while keeping them disciplined and promoting better time management. As per the Parenting Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, parents can play a significant role in their child's physical and mental development. Parents can act as the most important pillar in a child's life, guiding them through challenges and helping them discern right and wrong. Being a warm and responsive parent who establishes clear boundaries can make your child more independent while being extremely respectful and disciplined. While one can adopt different parenting styles, the authoritative parenting style puts forward a very balanced perspective. It is a practical and more executable way of dealing with your child so they don't feel secluded, yet learn all the necessary life values.
In simple words, authoritative parenting can be described as a parenting strategy adopted by parents to balance discipline with independence. It combines authoritarian parenting, which is a bit rigid, with permissive parenting, which is extremely relaxed. As per the World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, it creates a holistic blend of values that can make a child more confident while also being aware of their academic duties. In such a parenting style, parents are more emotionally available and supportive. Here are some of the distinct characteristics of an authoritative parenting style.
An authoritative parent is emotionally present and always there to guide their child. However, they refrain from overindulgence and play the role of a guiding figure rather than a controller. Such a parent may allow the child to express themselves properly without any fear of embarrassment. Hence, a child is allowed to navigate their life decisions while having the security of their parents.
In an authoritative parenting style, a child is given the liberty to make their life decisions independently. Such a parent may not overly criticize the child for choosing to do certain things in life and making friends on their own. An authoritative parent may gradually give more independence and liberty to a child as they grow up and gain more trust.
An authoritative parent will never shy away from open and effective communication with their child. In fact, such a parent would welcome their kid to express their problems to find the perfect solution. In this style of parenting, parents often go the extra mile to help their children express themselves comfortably and build a strong bond with them without any judgments.
While authoritative parenting promotes emotional intelligence and freedom, it also stresses the importance of fostering self-discipline among kids. An authoritative parent will help their child fully understand their responsibilities and boundaries. Additionally, the child will be informed about the repercussions of not fulfilling those responsibilities. This helps the child become more credible and responsible for their day-to-day tasks.
Authoritative parenting may also focus on enhancing a child's self-esteem. In fact, this parenting style focuses on making a child more autonomous by letting them make important life decisions. In addition, an authoritative parent may focus on using positive words and not indulging in unnecessary criticism that may hamper a child's self-image.
Authoritative parenting can be a practical approach to developing a positive parent-child relationship. If you're looking forward to implementing this parenting strategy at home, here are some tips that may be helpful.
It's very important to establish a clear and honest communication channel with your child. This may allow them to express themselves more honestly. As a parent, you can be a good listener and not pass too many judgments about your child. Try to adopt a solution-oriented approach and make your child feel more comfortable.
An authoritative parenting approach may require you to establish clear boundaries with your child. This includes encouraging them to study well, keep their room clean, help parents with household chores, and more. All these activities may make a child more responsible and independent.
Being adaptable is extremely helpful while parenting a child. There will be instances where you will be surprised and feel confused. During this time, it's always better to adjust some rules and consequences and change things accordingly. Always remember that the key to a balanced life is to be flexible and dynamic.
Try to remember that as an authoritative parent, it's important for you to spend quality time with your child. Instead of being passively present around your child all day, try being actively present for your kid and engage in various activities with them. This may create a better impression in your child's mind and lead to quality interactions.
While each child is different, having a balanced parenting style can always work magically for a child. A parent who lets a child be their authentic self while making them aware of their duties can transform the child into a truly responsible and confident person.