Everyone has a different view on how to raise children. These views have resulted in a variety of parenting styles.
All parents want the best for their children and do their best to raise them appropriately. Although their intentions are good, some parents may use methods that leave their children mentally, emotionally and socially unbalanced.
So, what is the relationship between poor parenting and bad behavior? What parenting styles should you avoid if you want to raise a healthy, intelligent child with healthy and balanced emotions? Also, what are some positive parenting styles that you can adopt?
The Relationship Between Bad Parenting and Delinquent Behavior
There is a relationship between poor parenting and undesirable behavior in a child.
The Jamaican National Education Support Commission found that ineffective parenting leads to bad behavior. Data collected on youth in the Kingston and St. Andrews areas showed that parents with misbehaving children did not care for them. They failed to provide structures for their children and did not nurture them.
Another study in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology pointed to the relationship between negative parenting and delinquency. After analyzing 181 published studies, they found that bad behavior was caused by negative support. This included neglect, aggression, and rejection.
Several other studies have shown that some parenting traps can turn a child into a psychopath or narcissist. Some children do not behave properly because their parents failed to set boundaries or determine consequences.
They also exhibit such behaviors because their parents defend them even when they are wrong. It is also worth noting that the parents did not teach sound moral values.
5 Unhealthy Parenting Styles That Create Unbalanced Children
The above findings may prompt some parents to wonder what types of parenting styles they should avoid. These styles can lead to narcissistic and psychopathic behaviors.
- Neglectful Parenting
First, there are neglectful parents. Parents who are not involved in their children’s lives are detrimental to their children’s development. However, parents usually don’t want to leave their children alone.
If you suspect neglectful parents, consider whether they are taking care of their children’s needs. If they are not aware of what is going on in their children’s lives or spend long hours away from home without caring for the child, they may need help to get back on track.
- Hostile-Aggressive Parenting
Parents who make decisions or cause difficulties for their children use a form of hostile-aggressive parenting. Their decisions affect their children’s well-being and create conflict between the children’s caregivers.
Hostile-aggressive parenting is a serious form of child abuse. It affects a child’s development in several ways. The child is emotionally and psychologically harmed by such parenting.
- Overprotective Parenting
You may be annoyed when you see parents who make all the decisions for their children and refuse to let them participate in any activity, even swinging on the playground. Unfortunately, such “overprotective parents” are on the rise.
Overprotective parents deprive their children of play, hoping to prevent accidents and other “short-term” stress. However, doing so can prevent children from developing appropriate responses to them.
Children may not react well to swings because their parents have always taught them to avoid them.
- Perfectionism
Some parents then put their children on pedestals, no matter how dysfunctional their behavior is. Perfectionism in children’s behavior is unhealthy because it encourages narcissism.
They may become arrogant and think of themselves as better than others when they are not. Consequently, they may believe that putting others down is their right.
- Permissive Parenting
Those who are guilty of permissive parenting do not set boundaries for their children. They allow their children to do whatever they want, and give them whatever they want. They rarely set rules or enforce them inconsistently.
Their children also lack self-control. Such parents are very willing to be their children’s best friends. They do not set consequences for bad behavior.
Children may feel insecure and unsure of themselves because they lack boundaries and structure. They may also indulge in childish behaviors such as underage drinking.
What are positive parenting styles?
So, what are positive parenting styles? The National Child Safety Council of Jamaica has the answers. It has developed a National Risk Assessment Tool, which aims to assess parenting styles and provide support to troublesome parents. The assessment tool includes four elements of positive parenting.
- Nurturing
First and foremost, nurturing involves caring for the child. Parents with young children should make sure to read stories and sing songs to them as this builds language and brain skills. They should allow children to understand the world around them and teach them acceptable behaviours.
Parents who nurture their children positively will help them by teaching them how to solve problems. They will also teach the child to make the right choices.
They should also build their children’s mental and language skills. Most importantly, they should talk to them about friendships and appropriate involvement in their lives.
- Structure
Furthermore, building frameworks is part of being a parent. Structures are the foundation of behavior and character development. They also keep the child safe.
Set timetables for doing homework and playing. Set a system of reasonable rules. If children disobey these rules, have a set of consequences for their misbehavior.
- Appreciation
It is also important to praise the child at the right time. If he shows good behavior, a word of praise is essential. It builds self-esteem and reinforces behavior.
- Empowerment
Finally, parents should empower their children with cognitive, social, and motor skills. Empowerment is also psychological. Children should have the ability to make sound decisions and choices.
- Authoritarian Parenting
Authoritarian parenting is one of the best parenting styles because it is balanced. Parents are strict about good behavior, yet supportive of the child’s activities.
While strict parents expect a lot from their children, they are there for their children when they need them. One study found that Asian-American children of these parents had higher than average GPAs.
Final Words
In conclusion, what are the best parenting styles? It’s all about balance. Parents shouldn’t neglect or be hostile to children.
Instead, they should create structures for healthy behavior and empower children with language, social, and decision-making skills. They should also give them a sense of self-worth.
