Alifya Bhanpurawala SBA 205

Dianna Baumrind’s Parenting Style

Parents' influences on children's development have long piqued the curiosity of
developmental psychologists. Finding true cause-and-effect correlations between individual
parental acts and children's later behaviour, on the other hand, is extremely challenging.
Diana Baumrind, a psychologist, did research on over 100 preschool-aged children in the
1960s. She found certain key aspects of parenting through naturalistic observation, parental
interviews, and other study approaches. Discipline tactics, warmth and nurturing,
communication styles, and maturity and control expectations are among these factors.
Baumrind proposed that the majority of parents have one of three parenting styles based on
these dimensions. Maccoby and Martin's later studies proposed introducing a fourth parenting
style. Each of these has a different impact on the behaviour of children. The four Baumrind
parenting styles are: Authoritarian Parenting, Permissive Parenting, Authoritative Parenting
and Uninvolved Parenting.
The first parenting style, Authoritarian Parenting, is characterised by parents who are seen
as disciplinarians. They have a rigid discipline style with limited room for bargaining.
Punishment is a common occurrence. The majority of communication is one-way: from
parent to child. The majority of the time, rules are not explained. This type of parent is
usually less nurturing. Expectations are high, and there is little room for error. Baumrind says
these parents "are obedience- and status-oriented, and expect their orders to be obeyed
without explanation." They are often described as domineering and dictatorial. Their
approach is "spare the rod, spoil the child." They expect children to obey without question.

Permissive parenting is the second parenting style, in which parents mainly let their children
do whatever they want with little guidance or direction. They are more like friends than
parents. Their approach to discipline is the polar opposite of strict. They contain little or no
rules, allowing youngsters to solve problems on their own. Although there is open
communication, these parents prefer to let their children make their own decisions rather than
giving them instructions. This type of parent is usually warm and nurturing. These parents'
expectations are usually low or non-existent. According to Baumrind, permissive parents "are
more responsive than they are demanding. They are non-traditional and lenient, do not
require mature behaviour, allow considerable self-regulation, and avoid confrontation." 

The third parenting style, Authoritative Parenting, is characterised by parents who are
reasonable and loving while also setting high and clear standards. Children with this
parenting style have a tendency to be self-disciplined and independent thinkers. Children are
said to benefit the most from this method. Disciplinary rules are outlined and the reasons for
them are made clear. Communication is frequent and tailored to the child's comprehension
level. Parents who are authoritative are nurturing. Expectations and goals are lofty, but they
are communicated plainly. Goals may include feedback from children. Baumrind says these
parents "monitor and impart clear standards for their children’s conduct. They are assertive,
but not intrusive and restrictive. Their disciplinary methods are supportive, rather than
punitive. They want their children to be assertive as well as socially responsible, and self-
regulated as well as cooperative."
 In addition to Baumrind's three basic parenting styles, Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin,
psychologists, proposed a fourth: uninvolved or neglectful parenting. Few demands, poor
responsiveness, and limited communication describe an uninvolved parenting style. Parents
who are uninvolved in their children's lives give them a lot of independence and normally
stay out of their way. Some parents may choose to parent in this manner consciously, while
others may be less interested in parenting or unclear of what to do. There is no specific
discipline style used. Because of a lack of information or concern, an uninvolved parent lets a
child do much of what he wants. There is a lack of communication. This group of parents
offers little nurturing. There are few or no expectations of children.

Parenting styles are associated with different child outcomes. The authoritative approach is
often linked to good behaviours such as strong self-esteem and self-competence, and it is
associated with varied child outcomes. Other key aspects, such as culture, children's
temperament, children's perceptions of parental treatment, and societal pressures, all
influence children's behaviour.