The Advantages and Disadvantages of Authoritative Parenting

As a parent, the struggle to find the right balance between being too strict or too lenient can be overwhelming. However, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of authoritative parenting can help you raise well-rounded children who feel valued and exhibit positive behavior.

Authoritative parents are those who strike the ideal balance between disciplinary and permissive parenting styles. They are affectionate and compassionate to their children but also set effective boundaries. Respecting their children’s personhood and uniqueness, they seek to raise well-rounded, autonomous, and content individuals who will contribute positively to society.

Sound familiar? Read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of this parenting method.

What Is the Definition of Authoritative Parenting?

If authoritarian parents are obsessed with rules and permissive parents would rather not have any rules at all, authoritative parents use rules to give their kids the tools they need to make good choices.

Jeff Nalin, an award-winning certified clinical psychologist and founder of Paradigm Treatment Centers, says, “They recognize the necessity of setting limits and boundaries but are not as strict as authoritarian parents.” They let their kids say what they want and get involved in solving problems, but they don’t make too many rules or unreasonable demands.

Characteristics of Authoritative Parents

Some frequent characteristics of authoritative parents include the following:

• Let their children fail, but offer support and instruction when requested.
• Parents should emphasize well-roundedness of their offspring.
• Give their children frequent opportunities to explain family rules.
• Put a premium on fairness and courtesy.
• Parents prefer to empower their children over intimidating or befriending them.

Advantages of Authoritarian Parenting

When it comes to authoritative parenting, the news is overwhelmingly positive! Several studies have demonstrated that this form of positive discipline promotes resilient, confident, respectful, and content children. Both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate parenting and disciplining approaches consistent with an authoritative perspective.

Following, Nalin lists the most significant benefits of authoritative parenting.

Accountability

Children raised by authoritative parents understand that they are ultimately responsible for their actions, empowering them to make wise choices. Typically, these children resist peer pressure. And they have acquired the essential life skills necessary for success.

Respect

Children whom their parents show respect by granting them certain liberties are more likely to respect others. They are frequently successful in social settings and get along well with teachers and peers. Consideration and acknowledgment of your child’s emotions, even if you do not agree with or accommodate his or her demands, demonstrates that you value and respect him or her. In addition, this strategy demonstrates how to respect and value people.

Resiliency

Children with forceful parents are allowed to make errors and learn from them. They develop resilience, which is the capacity to overcome and recover from the difficulties and traumas of life. These experiences also boost confidence, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and pride in accomplishments.

Leadership

Due to their ability to make independent decisions, these children have the confidence and savvy necessary to assume leadership positions. They value the contributions and viewpoints of others but are also capable of making difficult decisions and taking the initiative.

Studious

Parents with authority help their children. Whether it is weekly homework or a particular project, they make themselves available and provide the essential resources for their children’s academic achievement. Yet, they will not assist them. Hence, children acquire good homework habits and take pride in completing their assignments on their own, but they also have an adult to lean on if they need help or support.

Disadvantages of Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritative parenting is the most lauded parenting style by psychologists around the world. Hence there are a few disadvantages. In many situations, the optimal solution to a problem is to strike a balance between two possibilities, and this is certainly the case here. But, this does not imply that everything will run smoothly if you adopt authoritative parenting.

Children experience normal bouts of defiance, wrath, and apathy as they mature. These phases may be especially challenging for authoritarian parents who have naturally high expectations for their children and have worked tirelessly to raise them in the best possible manner. According to Nalin, here, patience is the key to success.

“Implementing authoritative parenting can be more challenging and time-consuming since it involves a fine balance of punishment and freedom. Before discovering the tactics that work best for them and their children, parents may need to experience a few phases of trial and error. It is essential to acknowledge that rebellion is a normal element of infancy. Parents should continue to be stern and explain the repercussions of bad behavior,” he claims.

Illustrations of Authoritarian Parenting

It’s all well and good to choose a particular parenting style, but you must also know how to implement it in practice. Here are a few examples of how authoritative parents might handle commonplace circumstances.

Screen time

Authoritative parents are likely to limit their children’s screen time, taking into account their ages and specific circumstances. Also, they are most likely to collaborate with their child to design a rule that benefits everyone. If kids follow these rules, they might be able to get extra time as a reward for being good.

Play dates

Children reared by authoritative parents are most likely to have a clear knowledge of what must be completed before playing with friends. Kids are aware of the boundaries around play dates. Also, they adhere to expectations of being a good host and guest.

Food and snacks

Authoritative parents will not give their children unrestricted access to the kitchen, but they may allow them to cook a sandwich or other modest meal if they absolutely dislike what’s being provided. They will likely be able to grab a snack and pack their own lunch.

Conclusion

Although there is no single optimum parenting style, experts believe an authoritative approach is ideal for most children and families. This parenting style strikes a balance between rules and boundaries and a caring, understanding perspective that considers children’s feelings.

Meaningful articles you might like: 8 Parenting Issues To Discuss Before Baby, Pros and Cons of Permissive Parenting, What Is Your Parenting Style?