How Authoritative Parenting Style Transforms Mental Health In Children

What is the Authoritative parenting style?

Authoritative parenting is a way to raise children that is both kind and firm. Parents who use this style set clear rules and expectations, but they also listen to their children's concerns and try to understand their point of view. Authoritative parents are consistent in their expectations, and they use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and negative reinforcement to discourage bad behavior.

Authoritatively raised children are more likely to have.

• Good self-esteem: They feel good about themselves and their abilities.
• Resilience: They are able to bounce back from challenges and setbacks.
• Social skills: They are able to make friends and get along with others.
• Problem-solving skills: They are able to solve problems in a calm and effective way.
• Lower rates of anxiety and depression: They are less likely to experience these mental health problems.

Some examples of authoritative parenting

• A parent who says, "You need to go to bed now," explains why it is important for the child to get enough sleep.
• A parent who listens to the child's concerns about going to school and tries to help the child feel more comfortable.
• A parent who gives the child a sticker for doing a good job on their homework.
• A parent who takes away the child's toy for hitting their sibling.

Also read:5 ways to encourage positive behavior

What are the three types of parenting styles authoritative?

1. Authoritarian: Authoritarian parents are strict and demanding. They set clear rules and expectations, and they expect their children to obey them without question. Authoritarian parents may use punishment to enforce their rules.
   
   

   

    

2. Permissive: Permissive parents are very lenient. They allow their children to do whatever they want, and they rarely set limits or enforce rules. Permissive parents may be afraid to upset their children, or they may believe that children should be free to make their own choices.
   
   

   

   
   

   
   
3. Authoritative: Authoritative parents are a mix of strict and lenient. They set clear rules and expectations, but they are also warm and responsive to their children's needs. Authoritative parents use reasoning and explanation to discipline their children, and they are consistent in their enforcement of rules.

Of the three types of authoritative parenting styles, authoritative is considered to be the best. It has been shown to be associated with positive outcomes for children, such as good behavior, academic achievement, and mental health.

How Authoritative Parenting Style Transforms Mental Health in Children?

Authoritative parenting can help children to develop the skills and resilience they need to cope with challenges and setbacks.

It can also help them to develop a positive self-image and a sense of self-worth. These are all important factors for mental health and well-being.

Some examples of how authoritative parenting can transform mental health in children.

• A child is feeling anxious about going to school- An authoritative parent would listen to the child's concerns and help them to develop a plan for coping with their anxiety. They might also talk to the child's teacher about making sure that the child feels supported in school.
• A child is struggling with making friends- An authoritative parent would help the child to develop social skills by encouraging them to play with other children and by teaching them how to resolve conflicts. They might also help the child to join a club or activity where they can meet new people.
• A child is struggling with anger management- An authoritative parent would help the child to learn how to identify their triggers and how to express their anger in a healthy way. They might also teach the child relaxation techniques that they can use when they feel angry.
• A child is experiencing bullying- An authoritative parent would help the child to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with bullying. They might also talk to the school about making sure that the child is safe.
• A child is struggling with low self-esteem- An authoritative parent would help the child to develop a positive self-image by focusing on their strengths and accomplishments. They might also encourage the child to participate in activities that they enjoy and that make them feel good about themselves.

Researchers' opinion on authoritative parenting styles

• Dr. Laurence Steinberg, a professor of psychology at Temple University, says that authoritative parenting is "the gold standard" of parenting styles. He argues that authoritative parents are able to strike a balance between being warm and supportive, on the one hand, and setting clear rules and expectations, on the other. This balance, he says, is essential for helping children develop into well-adjusted adults.
• Dr. Diana Baumrind, a developmental psychologist who first identified the three main parenting styles, has also said that authoritative parenting is the most effective style. She argues that authoritative parents are able to provide children with the structure and guidance they need, while also allowing them to develop their own autonomy and self-direction.
• A study published in the journal Child Development found that authoritative parenting was associated with a number of positive outcomes for children, including better self-regulation, prosocial behavior, and academic achievement. The study also found that authoritative parenting was associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depression in children.
• Another study, published in the journal Parenting found that authoritative parenting was associated with a higher sense of self-esteem in children. The study also found that authoritative parenting was associated with a lower risk of substance abuse in children.

There is no one "right" way to parent. The best parenting style for you and your child will depend on your individual family dynamics and values.

However, if you are looking for a parenting style that has been shown to be effective, authoritative parenting is a great option.

# Movies that show an Authoritative parenting style

The Parent Trap (1998): This movie features two identical twins, Annie and Hallie, who are separated at a young age and raised by different parents. 

When they meet at summer camp, they decide to switch places in order to get to know their other parent better. 

The parents in this movie are both authoritative, setting clear rules and expectations for their children, but also being understanding and supportive.

source: google

Little Miss Sunshine (2006): This movie follows a dysfunctional family as they travel across the country to compete in a beauty pageant.

The father, Richard, is an authoritative parent who is determined to help his daughter, Olive, achieve her dream of winning the pageant.

He sets clear rules and expectations for Olive, but he is also supportive and encouraging.

source:google

Inside Out (2015): This animated movie takes a look inside the mind of a young girl named Riley as she experiences the ups and downs of adolescence. 

The emotions in Riley's head, including Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, all play a role in her development. 

The emotions in this movie represent different parenting styles, with Joy representing the authoritative style.

source: google

Lady Bird (2017): This movie follows a high school senior named Christine as she navigates her last year of school and prepares for college. 

Christine's mother, Marion, is an authoritative parent who is both loving and strict. She sets clear expectations for Christine, but she is also supportive and understanding.

source: google

The Incredibles (2004): This animated movie follows a family of superheroes as they try to live a normal life. 

The father, Bob, is an authoritative parent who tries to instill good values in his children, while also teaching them how to use their powers responsibly.

source: google

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