Sage Advice About Authoritative Parenting To Make You A Better Parent
Authoritative parenting involves parents who set clear, firm, and consistent rules for their children. Yet, they also foster close, loving ties with their kids.
This type of parent has high expectations for their children. But they also understand the value of open communication. They give them the encouragement they need to succeed. Given the circumstances, they enforce discipline. They serve as examples of the behavior they want their kids to exhibit.
This is a parent who establishes clear boundaries for kids. He acts as a positive role model and recognizes the efforts of the kids.
Authoritative Parenting Examples
- Here are a few cases that illustrate how authoritative parents might respond to commonplace circumstances based on the authoritative parenting principles we discussed previously.
- Screen time: Authoritative parents are likely to set limits on this activity, but they also take their kids’ ages and unique conditions into account. Additionally, they are most likely to collaborate with their child to create a rule that benefits everyone.
- Game times: The greatest likelihood of having a clear knowledge of what has to be done before going outside to play with friends is in children reared by authoritarian parents.
- Food and treats: Responsible parents won’t give their children unsupervised access to the kitchen, but if they really don’t like what’s being provided, they might let them make a sandwich or another simple meal for themselves.
Authoritative parenting benefits
- One of the most important tasks of childhood is the discovery and development of the self. This concept of self is formed in the formative years based on feedback from the significant adults in the child’s life. The crucial lessons that an authoritative parenting style conveys to children include:
- I will pay you the respect, attention, and trust you deserve. Your emotions, ideas, and experiences intrigue me. “I love hearing your thoughts”
- Because I care about your development and because I love you, I will establish reasonable restrictions and punishments for you.
- Until you can set boundaries on your own, I will keep you safe by doing so (this process happens gradually over time as parents teach children skills).
- It promotes self-assurance and happiness in kids. These kids typically have fewer behavioral problems and take responsibility for their actions. Discipline, love, and trust serve as a strong basis for their sense of self.
How do I do it?
Although it may sound fantastic, authoritative parenting is actually a challenging parenting style. This is because it calls for a high level of focus and intention. Most of us have a tendency to fall back on the parenting approach we were raised with when we are stressed or tired.
We must review our attitudes toward children and our parental responsibilities. This is if we want to become more authoritative in our parenting. Are kids as deserving of honor and dignity as adults? Is it my responsibility as a parent to compel or to lead? How can I deal with challenging circumstances? For example, when my child procrastinates, won’t listen, or spills her food?
When I was a kid, how did my parents handle this situation? Which answer seems fair and useful?
Take into account the following
- Get ready. Prepare in advance for how you want to handle difficult situations with your kids. Don’t discipline a child when your mind is not clear. There is nothing wrong with taking a break to collect your thoughts.
- Be frank and concise. Instead of basing expectations on social norms, consider your child’s abilities or needs. What does the child need to fulfill her potential? How will your expectations help her achieve that objective?
- Be involved and present.
Have important interactions frequently. Ask open-ended questions, such as, “What was one thing that was hard at school today?” that need more than a “yes” or “no” response. What one academic achievement stood out to you? Learn about your child’s classmates and teachers. Sometimes a conversation begins with observation rather than a question. “I noticed that you appeared to be frustrated throughout today’s soccer practice.” This helps your child know that they are free to speak if they want to and that you will be available to do so when they are.
- Finally, don’t give up. Nobody’s a perfect parent. Most people have days when we don’t give our family our best effort. The wonderful thing about family life is that it gives us a place to develop, adapt, and learn.
