Parenting is The Same Everywhere

There is no difference in material status, place of residence, gender or age, no matter the specifics of the process of parenting it falls into three main categories: authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative.

Authoritarian is the most rigid and strict style of parenting. These types of parents maintain complete control over their children’s daily activities including: their clothing, their interactions with other people, and the way they speak and move. There are typically many spoken and unspoken rules that must be followed precisely, and children are harshly punished should they commit an infraction of any kind. These parents have made the rules, monitored behavior, and meted out punishment. Authoritarian parents feel that they know what is best for their children and worry that their children cannot handle responsibility. As a result, these children often develop a low sense of self-esteem - they have never been given the opportunity to work through problems on their own.

On the other end of the spectrum are permissive parents. Which involves allowing children to set their own rules and behavioral norms. These parents permit their children, even when they are very young, to make choices and decisions that not only impact themselves and also their families. Children choose what they want to eat, when they go to bed, and who they interact with. Parents grant lots of privileges to these children, but often shelter them from consequences of their actions; punishment is rare. Permissive parenting often includes managing crises caused by their children’s immature actions. These children make immature choices.Children of permissive parents often impulsive and have trouble adjusting to difficult situations and overcoming adversity.

The third, and often considered the most effective style is authoritative parenting. These parents listen to and consider their children’s concerns and choices but rely on their own wisdom and experience when setting rules and norms. Authoritative parents set boundaries and limits, clearly communicate rules and expectations, and then allow them room to grow and develop in the direction of their own interests. When the children run into adversity, the parents permit them to problem-solve on their own, but jump in if the situation becomes too precarious. As children mature, rules and boundaries are shifted somore responsibility and leeway is given to children by parents. Children of authoritative parents are usually well-adjusted, have enough confidence to handle trying situations, and work well with others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, no matter the geography, cultural, or a person’s status in a community, one shared experience across all demographic lines is the nurturing, care, and guidance that parents provide to their children. All human groups, from the most primitive tribal cultures to the most technologically advanced societies, parent children in order to teach them how to successfully live and work within their communities.