Parenting is no easy feat. Taking care of a a little life takes up all of your attention and Moms and Dads develop different parenting styles to deal with this responsibility. Often, parenting style arises from the way parents were raised when they were children, which means parents can have a different style than their co-parent, e.g., Good Cop/ Bad Cop.
Here are four common parenting styles that kids are raised with.
1. The Ruler
This sort of parent sets rules and expects the child to follow them, come what may. They draw a clear line between who the parent is and who the child is, and the child must obey these boundaries. This kind of relationship can result in a great deal of respect or resentment based upon how it is implemented. In order to avoid animosity, the parent should not always adopt the “Because I said so” attitude, but instead explain why the rules exist and what the rules are trying to teach.
2. The Teacher
The Teacher makes rules but can forgive when they are broken. They use these moments as learning opportunities, instilling in their child the lessons of life and giving examples of how to do better. A common motto of The Teacher style parent is “Rules Backed by Reason”, where a child may dislike a decision but understands why it was made. The teacher also praises the child for following rules, rewarding good behavior as much as bad behavior is punished.
3. The Friend
This parent prioritizes relating to their child above disciplining their child. They encourage an open dialogue, which can lead to a very honest and close relationship. You can share just about anything with them and be rest assured of not being judged or yelled at. However, this dynamic can become overly permissive and the child may develop a lack of respect for their parent. Parents should make sure they draw clear lines to avoid this while also emphasizing that all rules come from a place of love.
4. The Ghost
This parent is focused on their own life, to the extent that their relationship with their child suffers. This can cause a child to grow up very fast as they have to parent themselves. While it is important that a parent lives their own life separate from their child, they must also be available for support and guidance. Parents need to role-model a successful work-life balance for their kids, which means being there for their child along with pursuing their own interests.
It is absolutely essential to strike a balance, not take discipline too far and instill a bond with your child. Be there, always – your child deserves it.
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