If you look on social media, you probably see tons of options. Gentle parenting, positive parenting, Montessori parenting, 90s style, on and on it goes.
Let's take a look at these three:
1. Authoritarian.
Parents set rules and high expectations. Children get little to no input.
Parents use fear, guilt and shame to enforce rules and expectations.
Example: Parent says, “It’s time to stop watching tv.” Toddler starts to cry. Parent says, “Stop crying right now or I’m going to spank you.”
2. Permissive
Parents set no rules and expectations.
Children and their feelings decide what happens.
Example: Parent says, “Are you ready to stop watching tv?” Toddler screams, “No!” Parent lets toddler continue to watch tv.
Note: Some people think this is gentle parenting. This is NOT gentle parenting! I repeat, NOT gentle parenting.
3. Authoritative.
Parent set rules and expectations.
Parent and child work together to help child meet the rules and expectations.
Example: Parent says, “It’s time to stop watching tv.” Toddler says, “No!” Parent turns off the tv. Toddler starts to cry. Parent says, “I know it’s hard to stop doing something you love. But we’re done with tv now. Would you like to color or have snack?”