Parenting - A Profound Influence on a Child's Learned Behaviours

Parents differ on two dimensions’ that work together to produce 4 types of parenting styles. These 2 dimension’s are demand (made on the child) and response (to the child). Parents who are highly demanding and responsive to their child (accepting, warm and child-centred) are known as authoritative parents. They have an equal relationship with their child and they communicate freely back and forth. Parents who are highly demanding and unresponsive (rejecting, cold and self centred) are known as authoritarian parents and are very controlling, assertive of their power and do not allow the child equal participation in communication. Undemanding parents that are responsive and warm, are known indulgent parents and allow their child to get away with a great deal without attempting to control them. Finally, parents that are undemanding and unresponsive and cold, are known as Neglectful parents and their relationship is indifferent and uninvolved.

How Does the Child Turn out?

Parenting style is very important in how the child will behave. Children of parents that use an authoritarian style of parenting tend to lack social competence in dealing with others. They are shy, withdrawn and don’t take initiative. They have trouble making decisions and need to look to authority to decide what is right. They lack spontaneity and intellectual curiosity.

Children with authoritative parents appear more self-controlled, willing to explore, and more content than children raised in other types of parenting situations. Children of indulgent parents are relatively immature, have difficulty controlling their impulses and accepting responsibility for actions and acting independently.