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Parenting Styles Defined
Based on the work of Diana Baumrind, a developmental psychologist, the concept of
parenting and its different styles came to be. She observed different behaviors of preschoolers
that was linked to a different type of parenting she identified through detailed observation; the
style of authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive. Responsible for the parenting model
expansion, Maccoby & Martin used a 2D framework to categorize permissive parenting into two
subtypes: indulgent and neglectful.
4 Parenting Styles
Based on how demanding the parents’ behavior and how they respond to the children’s
developmental needs, parenting styles are categorized as permissive, authoritarian, authoritative,
and indulgent/neglectful.
Human Development
The elementary years of our lives play a key role in our development; most notably, our
brain development. Learning begins before birth and continues rapidly afterward. The
attachments formed with our parents have a major influence on the cognitive, social, physical,
and emotional development. Our parents’ parenting styles impact who we become as we venture
into adulthood and there are critical implications for future security. The behavior of the adult
responsible for the household molds and shapes the child’s behavior for the remainder of their
lives. This is called parent socialization. Parents, or those persons raising the child, providing the
first life lessons, school lessons, and values/beliefs for a child.
Children are very prone to imitate the actions of those around them, especially adults. This was made clear
in the Bobo Doll experiment done by Bandura, in which children that saw adults beating up a Bobo Doll
did the same things to the doll. Lastly, parents are in charge of their child’s experiences and social
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interactions, and thus the environment the child is exposed to, with the parent’s permission shapes their
future behavior. Although all parents influence their children through similar avenues, the ultimate effect on
the child differs on parenting style (Saxon, Jill, Siegler 2010).
(Harvard Divinity School, 2018)
It is believed by some that certain parenting styles are a better fit for certain settings. For
example, an authoritative parenting style is thought to work better for children growing up in
tougher neighborhoods but has not been proven. Good parenting helps to prepare children for the
environment they will live in, regardless of surroundings.
Baumrind discovered that positive results in children of authoritative parenting styles.
She found that they were better socially adjusted, independent, happy, and cooperative. The
children of the authoritarian parenting style were the exact opposite, having been more irritable,
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selfish, unhappy, and disobedient. The neglectful parenting style creates impulsive and
aggressive children and has the worst effect on children’s human development.
Faith & Professional Perspectives
Our Father in heaven created us, His children. So, He would be the best resource on
successful parenting styles. His Word is our guide on the function on the family unit for
believers. It endorses the authority of parents communicates clearly that discipline should not
break children’s spirits. To provide it is for the betterment of the children. The NIV bible version
states:
1. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a
manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how
can he take care of God’s church?)
2. Ephesians 6:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—
which is the first commandment with a promise—3 “so that it may go well with you and that you
may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a]
3. Ephesians 6:4 New International Version (NIV)
4 Fathers,[a] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction
of the Lord.
4. Colossians 3:20-21 New International Version (NIV)
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
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21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
5. Proverbs 29:17 New International Version (NIV)
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire (Bible Gateway 2018)
Important Considerations for Human Services Practitioners
In the area of Family Support, it is important for human services workers to understand
human development for all stages and ages. Having a strong foundation will help professionals
to understand when there are problems with the child’s development and behavior. They should
also be culturally competent and understand about parenting styles and how they affect human
development. Working with children that have been subjected to harmful parenting styles, human
service workers should understand that they first must have a ton of patience! Professionals
should be confident in dealing with these complicated issues. These children lack structure in the
home and will most likely have problems with authority. Frustration can come easily.
It is important to help the families understand what is happening too, so good resources
for mental health counseling is critical. Good resources on hand for parenting classes if families
wish to take advantage should be readily available as well. It is good for professionals to be as
transparent and authentic as possible, showing the love of God and extending grace to clients
who will need it. Most importantly, professionals should work to continue to be self-aware,
paying attention to themselves and their own stress levels after dealing with client problems.
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References
Hughes, E. (2014, August 17). How do you affect your child? Retrieved June 15, 2018, from
https://my.vanderbilt.edu/developmentalpsychologyblog/2014/04/how-do-you-affect-
your-child/
Development Through the Life Span [Photograph]. (n.d.). Harvard Divinity School.
Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2018, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=PROVERBS 29:17, KJV&version=NIV
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