Mom Responds to Being Told She “Babies” Her Son in Viral Post

Dr. Roseann was included in GMA's article, “Mom Responds to Being Told She ‘Babies' her Son in Viral Post”.

In this article, Dr. Roseann discusses how parenting styles are all different, but it's important to teach stress management to help your child become more independent.

“There are all kinds of parenting and none are bad,” Capanna-Hodge said. “We can't love our children too much.”

“With that in mind, however, she stressed the importance of steering our children toward independence. She equated parenting to coaching.”

“A good coach doesn't always tell you what to do, they cue you to have your response,” Capanna-Hodge told “GMA.” “It's important to teach children stress management tools — deep breaths, backward counts — so they don't become over-reliant.”‘

What are Parenting Styles and Their Effects?

Parenting styles involve various approaches used by parents in raising their children. These styles are defined by the combination of demands and responsiveness observed in parental interactions. 

Psychologists have categorized parenting styles into different groups (Kuppens & Ceulemans, 2018), each representing a distinct balance between establishing expectations and expressing warmth. 

The impact of these parenting styles on children's development is extensive, influencing aspects such as self-esteem, social competence, and overall emotional well-being. Understanding these diverse parenting styles provides valuable insights into the dynamics of parent-child relationships and their implications for child upbringing.

What are the Four Basic Parenting Styles?

The four basic parenting styles, originally identified by psychologist Diana Baumrind (Fadlillah & Fauziah, 2022), are:

Authoritarian Parenting

Characteristics: High demand, low warmth.

Approach: Authoritarian parents are strict rule-setters who value obedience and discipline. They expect unquestioning compliance from their children and may employ punitive measures for rule violations.

Authoritative Parenting

Characteristics: High demand, high warmth.

Approach: Authoritative parents set clear expectations and rules but also nurture a warm and responsive relationship with their children. They encourage independence, provide explanations for rules, and are open to communication.

Permissive Parenting

Characteristics: Low demand, high warmth.

Approach: Permissive parents are lenient and indulgent, setting few rules and boundaries. They prioritize being responsive to their children's needs and desires, often avoiding confrontation.

Uninvolved or Neglectful Parenting

Characteristics: Low demand, low warmth.

Approach: Uninvolved parents are disengaged and neglectful, providing minimal guidance and emotional support. They may be unaware of or indifferent to their child's needs and activities.

What are the 5 Parenting Styles Likely to Raise a Good Child? 

While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, an authoritative parenting style is often considered effective for raising well-adjusted and socially competent children. This parenting style combines high levels of warmth and responsiveness with reasonable demands and expectations. Here are five parenting styles or approaches that are generally associated with positive child outcomes:

Authoritative Parenting

Characteristics: High demand, high warmth.

Approach: Authoritative parents set clear expectations and rules, but they also provide warmth and support. They encourage independence and open communication, fostering a positive and nurturing environment.

Positive Parenting

Characteristics: Focus on positive reinforcement and guidance.

Approach: Positive parenting emphasizes reinforcing positive behaviors through praise and rewards. It involves setting clear expectations while maintaining open communication and avoiding harsh punishments.

Attachment Parenting

Characteristics: Emphasis on creating a strong emotional bond.

Approach: Attachment parenting emphasizes building a close, nurturing connection between parent and child. This approach often involves practices such as responsive caregiving, babywearing, and co-sleeping.

Gentle Parenting

Characteristics: Prioritizes empathy and understanding.

Approach: Gentle parenting focuses on understanding a child's perspective, using empathy in discipline, and avoiding punitive measures. It encourages parents to be responsive and patient.

Positive Discipline

Characteristics: Emphasis on teaching and guiding.

Approach: Positive discipline involves teaching children appropriate behavior through clear communication, setting limits, and providing consequences that are logical and respectful. It aims to foster self-discipline and responsibility.

What are Some Parenting Styles and Mental Health Outcomes to Watch Out For?

Certain parenting styles are more likely to contribute to negative mental health outcomes in children. While it's crucial to recognize that individual variations and other external factors play a role, the following parenting styles have been associated with potential adverse effects on a child's mental health:

Authoritarian Parenting Styles and Discipline

Negative Effects: Authoritarian parenting, characterized by high demands and low warmth, can lead to higher levels of anxiety, lower self-esteem, and difficulties in social relationships for children. The strict rules and lack of emotional support may contribute to feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure.

Permissive Parenting Styles and Emotional Development

Negative Effects: Permissive parenting, with low demands and high warmth, may result in children struggling with impulse control, experiencing behavioral problems, and having challenges with authority figures. The lack of structure and consistent boundaries can lead to difficulties in adapting to rules and expectations outside the family.

Uninvolved or Neglectful Parenting and Stress

Serious Negative Effects: Uninvolved parenting, characterized by low demands and low warmth, poses significant risks to a child's mental health. Children may face emotional and behavioral problems, exhibit lower academic achievement, and be at an increased risk of substance abuse due to the lack of emotional support and guidance.

Overparenting Meaning and Characteristics of Overparenting Parenting Style

Overparenting, or helicopter parenting, is a style characterized by excessive involvement in a child's life, where parents closely monitor and control various aspects, from academics to daily activities. 

The approach often centers on an intense focus on the child's achievements, with parents going to great lengths to prevent failure or discomfort. It may involve shielding children from challenges and micromanaging their tasks, which hinders the development of independence and resilience.

While overparenting may stem from well-intentioned efforts to ensure a child's success, it can have detrimental effects (Segrin et al., 2013). Children raised in such an environment may struggle with decision-making and facing challenges independently. They usually lack the opportunity to develop essential life skills.