Parenting

Parenting or child rearing is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the intricacies of raising a child and not exclusively for a biological relationship.

Types of Parenting

There are four main types of parenting styles: Authoritarian parenting, Authoritative parenting, Permissive parenting, and Uninvolved parenting. Each style takes a different approach to raising children and can be identified by a number of different characteristics.

Authoritarian Parenting

In this style of parenting, children are expected to follow the strict rules established by the parents. Failure to follow such rules usually results in punishment. Authoritarian parents fail to explain the reasoning behind these rules.

Authoritative Parenting

Just like authoritarian parents, authoritative parents establish rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow. However, this parenting style is much more democratic.

Permissive Parenting

Permissive parents, sometimes referred to as indulgent parents, have very few demands to make of their children. These parents rarely discipline their children because they have relatively low expectations of maturity and self-control.

Uninvolved Parenting

An uninvolved parenting style is characterized by few demands, low responsiveness, and little communication. While these parents fulfill the child's basic needs, they are generally detached from their child's life.

Parenting Practices

Parenting practices are specific behaviors that parents use to socialize their children. These include discipline, Communication, Education, Nurturing, and Role Modeling.

Parenting Styles and Child Development

Research has shown that the style of parenting exhibited can impact a child's social, cognitive, and psychological growth, which influences the child's development.

Parenting in Different Cultures

Parenting practices and beliefs vary widely across different cultures, influenced by factors such as Socioeconomic status, Religion, and Education.

See Also

• Attachment theory
• Child discipline
• Child development
• Parenting (psychological perspective)