Characteristics of Authoritative Parenting
Here are some characteristics of authoritative parenting.
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Fair and Consistent Discipline
Authoritative parenting administers fair and considerate discipline when the rules are broken by the children. According to authoritative parenting, the parents make some rules which are expected to abide by the children or the members of the family. However, if such laws are broken, the parents are obliged to take appropriate steps to rectify the mistakes. The parents under authoritative parenting guide the children and make them understand the repercussions of breaking rules and regulations.
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Allows Children to Express their Opinions
Authoritative parenting is referred to as democratic. Under this style of parenting, every member of a family has the right to express their opinion and thoughts towards a cause or event. Each member of a family is expected to give their opinion which shall be deemed to be taken into account by the parents. For example, if a family decides to buy an expensive item, the members of the family are expected to give their opinion about the pros and cons of such an expensive item.
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Parents are Supportive and Encouraging
The parents under the authoritative parenting styles are supportive and encouraging. They have faith in their children’s capabilities and motivate the children whenever needed. They stand beside the children in their bad times and boost their self-esteem by praising their efforts.
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Responsive Parents
The parents under the authoritative style of parents are responsive to the needs of the child. They always respond towards the emotional and physical needs of the child. In addition, they establish a healthy balance between expectations and support. They keep high expectations from the child. At the same time, they leave no stone unturned in supporting or propelling the child towards achieving their expectations.
Authoritative vs. Authoritarian Parenting Styles
Whether authoritative parenting is a good technique for disciplining children or not, one needs to draw some differences between authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles.
Authoritative Parenting Style |
Authoritarian parenting Style |
Parents with authoritative parenting styles are generally commanding. At the same time, they are also supportive of their children. |
The parents under this style of parenting and strict and unsupportive to the child. |
The parents focus on encouraging this child to behave in a good manner. |
The parents focus on punishing the children for their bad or intolerant behaviour. |
The parents provide guidelines, structures and their expectations. |
Parents set some rules which are enforced harshly. |
The parents have a significant involvement in the life of the child. |
The parents make very little involvement and fail to understand the emotion of the child. |
From the above difference, it is clear that authoritative parenting is a good technique to discipline the children.
In the End!
Authoritative parenting administers fair and considerate discipline. It is also refers as democratic parenting as the family members including children have the right to express their thoughts and opinions. The parents are supportive and encouraging in this style of parenting. They keep faith in the capabilities of their children. In addition, they are responsive to the needs of their children and respond towards their emotional and physical requirements in every condition. Therefore, authoritative parenting is a good technique for disciplining the children.