So What Can YOU Do?
Support Families!
I want to be able to support parents using different styles. I would sit and talk to them about their goals and values when parenting. We should not go against their cultural views and attempt to drastically shift their parenting styles. However, we have to keep their child’s development in mind as well. For example, if I was working with an authoritarian parent who demonstrates little to no warmth towards their child, I would want to express the importance of finding a balance between warmth and discipline.
Image Source: https://kansas.kvc.org/2018/08/24/why-helping-children-and-families-is-so-rewarding/
Recognize That There Is Strength In Each Style!
Although it may be difficult to understand the strength of neglectful parents, it is important to note that neglectful parents may not intentionally be trying to use this parenting style. They may not realize they are being uninvolved in their children’s lives. An uninvolved parent may be experiencing difficult life experiences and going through a mental health disorder. In this case, the strength of neglectful parents is that, despite their own lives, they are still making an effort to care for their children, even if it is just the basic needs (Gill, 2019).
An authoritative parent is patient when working with their children. They do a great job helping their children manage the emotions they are experiencing throughout a behavioral challenge, while also setting expectations and structure
A permissive parent's strength is that they care about their children's emotions and want to work to help them experience positive emotions throughout their lives.
An authoritarian parent's strength is that they work hard with their children to respect their environment and those around them, by using a strict parenting style.
Enhance Parenting Effectiveness!
Recommend the PRIDE skills!
These skills provide parents with five parenting techniques that can be implemented in their daily lives (UC Davis Health, n.d.). The acronym PRIDE stands for praise, reflection, imitation, description, and enjoyment. Parents using these skills in their parenting can promote healthy child development and recognize the children for their good behaviors. Being able to recognize and praise your children for their good work can improve their socio-emotional development, and they are more willing to listen to their parents and follow their expectations (UC Davis Health, n.d.). Regardless of the parenting style, PRIDE skills catch the great behaviors that their children are demonstrating. If parents can complement their children when giving good behaviors, it can decrease their inappropriate behaviors in the future, complying with the parents’ parenting styles.
Images Sources - https://health.ucdavis.edu/children/patient-education/Positive-Parenting#:~:text=Positive%20parenting%20tip%3A,opposite%20of%20an%20inappropriate%20behavior.
