Parenting Tips and Advice
Parenting Tips & Parenting Styles
Navigating the early years of parenthood can feel daunting. Everyday decisions such as how to discipline, feed, and play with your child can feel like life-or-death choices. But, in truth, there is no single right way to parent. Instead, many different valid parenting styles and techniques can yield successful outcomes. The key is finding what works best for you and your family. The Informed Mommy can help you with this.
Let’s explore some of the most common parenting tips and styles so that you can make informed decisions about what will work best for you and your little one. Let’s dive in!
The Different Parenting Styles
Diana Baumrind, a developmental psychologist, and Stanford researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin are credited with identifying the four main parenting styles in use today. Each style affects children differently and can be characterized by certain attributes.
In addition, the styles differ in responsiveness (for example, how warm and sensitive to their children’s needs parents are) and demandingness (such as parents’ influence on their children’s behavior through rules).
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parenting is generally characterized as being low on demandingness and high on responsiveness. This style is also sometimes referred to as indulgent parenting. Parents who adopt this style tend to be very nurturing and supportive of their children, but they may also be more lenient when setting rules and limits. As a result, children who permissive parents raise may have difficulty following rules and may exhibit challenging behaviors.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parenting is considered the “ideal” parenting style. With this style, parents balance being responsive to their children’s needs and demanding their expectations. Authoritative parents are typically firm yet loving, providing structure while allowing for some independence. As a result, children raised by authoritative parents tend to be well-adjusted and academically and socially successful.
Neglectful Parenting
Neglectful parenting is characterized by being low on both responsiveness and demandingness. Parents who adopt this style often provide little structure or guidance for their children, leading to chaotic households. As a result, children of neglectful parents often have behavioral problems and may struggle academically. In extreme cases, neglect can even lead to physical or emotional abuse.
Authoritarian Parenting
Finally, authoritarian parenting is high on demandingness but low on responsiveness. This style is often seen as rigid or punitive, with parents imposing strict rules and providing little warmth or support. As a result, children of authoritarian parents may have difficulty thinking independently or expressing themselves creatively. They may also exhibit higher levels of anxiety and stress than other children.
While there is no “right” way to parent, the style you choose should be based on your own values and beliefs, as well as your child’s needs. Remember that each child is unique and will respond differently to different parenting styles. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a loving and supportive home environment where your child can thrive.
What Is The Best Parenting Style?
Parenting styles have been the focus of much research over the years. While there is no “one size fits all” approach to parenting, the authoritative style is the most effective in raising independent, self-reliant, and socially competent kids.
Authoritative parents are firm but loving and supportive, providing structure and guidance while allowing their children some autonomy. This type of parenting has been shown to produce kids who are more likely to excel academically and socially and who are better able to manage their emotions.
While there is no “right” way to parent, some methods are more successful than others. The most effective parents are flexible and know when to change their style depending on the situation. For example, a parent who is typically very lenient may need to be more strict in setting boundaries with a child who is testing limits. On the other hand, a parent who is usually very strict may need to be more lenient to build trust with a child who is feeling insecure.
The key is finding the right balance for each child and adjusting your parenting style as needed. You can create a healthy and supportive parent-child relationship by being flexible and responsive to your child’s needs.
The Most Common Parenting Tips (and Why They Work)
Being a parent is tough. You’re constantly pulled in multiple directions, and it can be hard to know what to do or where to turn for help. But don’t despair! Here are parenting tips every parent needs to know.
It Takes a Village
You’ve probably heard this one a million times, but that’s because it’s true! Parenting is hard. There’s no shame in admitting that you need help. Whether hiring a babysitter so you can have a date night or asking your mother to come over for a few hours on Sunday to get some laundry done, don’t be afraid to reach out for help when needed.
Adapt And Conquer
No parenting style is perfect, and you may find that your approach needs to change over time as your child grows. Embrace the process of trial and error, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments when necessary. The best you can do is be flexible and willing to adjust your parenting style as your child grows and changes.
What works when your child is a toddler might not work when they are teenagers. And what works with one child might not work with another. The key is to be open-minded and willing to experiment until you find what works best for you and your family. So don’t be afraid to try new things, and remember that the most important thing is to love your children unconditionally.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to parenting. Establishing and enforcing consistent rules and expectations will help keep your child on track and give them a sense of security. So, ensure you set clear boundaries for your children and be firm about the consequences of breaking those rules. This doesn’t mean you have to be rigid-be open to negotiation, but make sure your child knows that certain limits cannot be crossed.
Be A Good Role Model
Children learn best by example, so it’s important to be a role model for your children. This means setting the right example regarding how you express yourself and behave. If you want your child to treat others respectfully, ensure you are doing the same. And if you want them to be honest, make sure they see that you are. Your children will learn and grow from the examples you set for them, so make sure it’s good!
Never Go to Bed Angry
This is another tried and true advice that applies to parenting and marriage. If you go to bed angry, you’re just going to stew on whatever it is that’s making you mad, and chances are good that you’ll wake up feeling just as angry as when you went to sleep. If something upsets you, address it head-on and then let it go.
Say Sorry
Sometimes, even the best parents make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re wrong, and apologize to your children. This doesn’t mean that you’re giving in or letting them off the hook-it just shows them that it’s OK to make mistakes and that it’s important to own up to them.
It also teaches them that it’s important to take responsibility for your actions and that you can learn from your mistakes.
Express Gratitude
It’s easy to focus on the negative when it comes to parenting, but don’t forget to express your gratitude. Showing appreciation for the good things your child does will help them understand that their efforts are appreciated and that the things they do have value.
Encourage Independence
Make sure that you are encouraging your children to be independent and self-sufficient. Teach them to think for themselves, problem-solve, and take responsibility for their actions. Giving your child the tools and independence they need to navigate life will help them grow into confident, responsible adults.
Quality Time is Just as Important as Quantity Time
In today’s world, both parents often have to work long hours to make ends meet. And while it’s not ideal, rest assured that your children will understand. What’s important is that when you are home, you’re present. So put away your phone, turn off the TV, and give your undivided attention to your children. They’ll cherish those moments spent one-on-one far more than any material possession you could give them.
Give Them a Firm Foundation
This final piece of advice is twofold. First and foremost, instill strong morals and values in your children early. Teach them right from wrong and how to treat others with kindness and respect. Secondly, ensure they have a solid foundation at home-a safe place they can always return to, no matter what life throws their way.
Takeaway
No parenting style is better than another, but each one will produce different outcomes regarding your child’s behavior and character. It’s important to consider your parenting values before deciding which style is right for your family. Whichever route you choose, the most important thing is that you provide your child with unconditional love and support. Combined with the tips and advice above, you can confidently raise your children to be healthy, happy, and responsible adults.
