Authoritative Parenting Styles

Is there a perfect way to raise children? The answer to that can be very complicated and ambiguous. It is safe to say not all parenting styles are always ideal, but it is a very subjective matter. All children are different from each other, thus something that works for one might not work for another; however, some research has shown that authoritative parenting can be an ideal way of raising children in most cases (McKinney, Milone, and Renk, 2011). Authoritative parents use a combination of love and limits with children to help children learn and develop independence. Authoritative parents are normally more autonomous and less concerned about stern obedience to the rules; rather, they are more prone to explain the rules and help their child

Based on interviews and data collected by researchers, the most socialized and independent children were raised in an authoritative household (Kaufmann, Gesten, Santa, Salcedo, Rendina-Gobioff, and Gadd, 2000). The adults who were raised by authoritative parents scored highest on measures of psychosocial competence and maturity and lowest on measures of psychological and behavioral dysfunction (McKinney Milone, and Renk, 2011). Some research has also shown that the authoritative parenting negatively correlates with substance abuse and positively correlates with school involvement and good academic performance. It has also been found the adolescents and emerging adults who were raised by authoritative parents adapted to new environments and relationships more efficiently than their counterparts who were raised by authoritarian or permissive parents. Authoritative parents are also less likely to control their children through the induction of shame, guilt, or the withdrawal of love. Their disciplinary methods are supportive, rather than retaliatory. They want their children to be confident as well as socially responsible, and self-regulated as well as compliant (McKinney Milone, and Renk,

They are also more likely to have a more meaningful and productive relationships with their friends, family, and significant others (Kaufmann, Gesten, Santa, Salcedo, Rendina-Gobioff, and Gadd, 2000). These adolescents are more likely to be satisfied with their relationships, jobs, and overall life. They view the world more optimistically, and live their life more fully. One of the key aspects of authoritative parenting is that the parents promote the strengths or competence of their children. As a result, the children are ranked highly in self-confidence, individuality, and self-esteem (McKinney Milone, and Renk, 2011). The children of authoritative parents enjoy the psychological and behavioral advantages over their peers; increasing their possibility of future success. When children grow up with authoritative parents, they learn basic skills of discussion and conversation, enabling them to listen, converse and share thoughts effectively. Children often learn important skills of negotiation, which equips them to exchange respectfully with other people and arrive at a compromise. As a result, these children demonstrate stronger social skills and exhibit more emotional control and maturity (Kaufmann, Gesten, Santa, Salcedo, Rendina-Gobioff, and Gadd,