The Importance Of Positive Parenting Styles

Parenting is both a biological and a social process” Lerner, Castellino, Terry, Villarruel & McKinney (1995); Tobach & Schneirla(1968) states that…(as cited in Lerner & Brennan). Parents can develop and bring about positive influences in the behavioral and mental development of their children through appropriate parenting. The role of parents is of fundamental importance for the healthy growth of children. Research has revealed that adolescence periods can be broken down into three stages such as a) early adolescence (from approximately age 10 – 13) b) middle adolescence (ages 14 - 17) and c) late adolescence (ages 18 22), (Kopko). Parenting during adolescence is crucial as the child normally undergoes significant mental, social, emotional and physical changes during these stages. The objective of this research paper is to establish how positive parenting style enhances the development of a child’s mental, social and discipline. The mental development of children can be enhanced through providing them with the opportunity and freedom to express their views, opinions and ideas openly. For example, a couple of years ago, after completing my secondary education, I was under pressure from my parents to continue my studies

(Baumrind 1971, 1991 as cited in Kopko) that, “positive parenting is warm but firm.” Youth should be given a certain degree of freedom but need to be encouraged to exercise this freedom within the accepted social norms and limits. The reason for setting such limits is to educate and inculcate a sense of self-discipline and positive values in the child. The more a child learns to control their behavior the better their self-esteem, as they know that they have achieved certain positive values. As a result, they feel more positive about other people as well as themselves known how to interact and conduct themselves appropriately when dealing or interacting with other people. (Heinsler,