What is your parenting style?

- By Gwen Randall-Young

April 04,2025

key points from this story:

• Authoritative parenting supports mental health
• Authoritarian parenting may cause anxiety
• Permissive parenting lacks boundaries
• Neglectful parenting risks mental health
• Mixed styles create emotional insecurity
• Psychologists help with parenting styles

Different parenting styles can significantly influence a child's mental health, shaping their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Here are the four primary parenting styles and their potential effects on a child's mental well-being.

The first is authoritative parenting. This style is characterized by high responsiveness and high demands. Authoritative parents set clear expectations but also provide support and open communication. Children raised in this environment tend to have better mental health outcomes, including higher self-esteem, greater emotional regulation, and improved social skills. They are often more resilient and better equipped to manage stress, as they feel valued and understood.

Second is authoritarian parenting. Authoritarian parents are highly demanding but low in responsiveness. They enforce strict rules and expect obedience without providing much emotional support or warmth. Children raised by authoritarian parents may develop anxiety, lower self-esteem, and difficulties in social interactions. They might struggle with expressing their feelings and can become either overly compliant or rebellious as they seek autonomy.

Third is permissive parenting. Permissive parents are warm and accepting but set few boundaries or expectations. They often prioritize their child's wishes and desires over discipline. While children in permissive households may feel loved and supported, they can also struggle with self-regulation and impulse control. This lack of boundaries can lead to issues such as anxiety, difficulties in academic settings, and challenges in forming healthy relationships as they may not learn to navigate rules and consequences effectively.

The last is neglectful parenting. Neglectful or uninvolved parents are low in both responsiveness and demands. They may provide basic needs but lack engagement in their child's emotional and social development. Children raised in neglectful environments often experience feelings of abandonment and low self-worth. This parenting style is associated with higher risks of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems, as these children may lack the support and guidance necessary for healthy development.

It can be problematic if each parent has a different style. This can cause confusion and emotional insecurity in the child, as well as conflict between parents. A psychologist can help parents develop a style that creates more consistency.