Insights into Authoritarian Parenting Styles

The children are expected to be punished for every mistake they make either intentionally or accidentally. The parents impose various rules on the children and expect them to follow the same. However, they rarely explain the reason behind such rules. 

Characteristics of Authoritarian Parenting

The parents play a major role in the lives of their children. They are the ones who socialise with the expectations and values. However, it is important how the parents accomplish this. It can be done in several ways. They may either exercise soft or hard power in order to encourage the child to do the right thing. 

Authoritarian parenting refers to the approaches where the parents believe in asserting control over their children. Instead of appreciating self-control and teaching children to control and manage their behaviour, the parents focus on adherence to authority. They hardly reward the children for their positive behaviour. In addition, they provide feedback to the children in the form of punishment for their misbehaviour. 

Let us discuss the insights of authoritarian parenting. 

1. Demand and Less Responsive

   The authoritarian parents set various rules and regulations for their children. However, they rarely respond to the demands of children. They have many unwritten rules which they expect the child to follow and abide by them. However, the children receive little or no instruction about such rules. They are expected to know such rules and follow them properly. 

2. Little Nurturing

   The authoritarian parents appear to be cold, harsh and aloof. They usually yell at the children and hardly encourage and praise them for their accomplishments. They never value fun and exert discipline on the child. 

3. No Explanation for Punishment

   Authoritarian parents have no issue exercising the hard power on their children. They usually inflict corporal punishment and are often seen to slap the child. They hardly rely on the positive enforcement of their rules and regulations. In addition, they believe in treating their children harshly whenever their rules are broken by them. 

4. No Choice for Children

   Authoritarian parents never give options or choices to their children. They only set rules that need to be followed by the children. There is no room for negotiation as they rarely allow the children to have any choice or options. 

5. No Faith and Trust

   Authoritarian parents do not trust their children that they can make wise decisions. They do not give them the freedom to make choices and compel the children to follow what they command. They hover over their children in order to stop them from making any decision which may result in a mistake.

6. Not Willing to Negotiate

   Authoritarian parents do not believe in gray areas. They see the situation in black and white and provide no room for compromise. In addition, they never involve their kids in any vote when it comes to setting the law of the home. 

Wrapping Up!

The children under the style of authoritarian parenting act fearful. They may experience depression and anxiety and may also have panic attacks. In addition, they become aggressive and show aggression to others. They face difficulty in social situations due to social incompetence. Such children have low self-esteem and are susceptible to negative symptoms. This includes conduct problems and hyperactivity. These children also struggle with self-control as they are unable to make decisions and choices in their lives. The parents do not have any faith on the children.