Introduction
Molly wants to stay up after her bedtime to go to a party where she will meet a famous athlete. Molly’s parents’ answer will depend on a parenting style they follow and believe to be right. Their reaction might fall into four different types: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and rejecting-neglecting (Belsky, 2019). In the current essay, the abovementioned four parenting styles will be considered, and four various answers on Molly’s desired behavior will be provided.
Main body
The first parenting style is authoritative parents who pay special attention to a nurturing process and different limits. Such parents provide clear rules and borders while giving a child some freedom. Clear rules mean that a child knows when he or she should go to bed or do homework. However, regardless of the importance of standards and nurturing, authoritative parents might make an exception in some instances and allow a child to break the rules. They understand that standards and limits can be forgotten for a special event; they place human needs higher (Belsky, 2019). In Molly’s situation, authoritative parents would allow her to attend the party, as it is a unique event because she meets a famous athlete. In this case, authoritative parents would make an exception for Molly, allowing her to break the usual rules.
The second parenting style is authoritarian parents that are less flexible compared to authoritative parents. Rules are of the highest importance in this kind of family. A child has no right to negotiate what they were told. The authoritarian style of parenting can seem cold and indifferent (Belsky, 2019). If Molly’s parents were authoritarian, their definitive answer to her wishes to go to the party would be “No. At this time, you should be in bed.” She would have no right to complain or ask for an exception – rules are rules.
Another parenting style is permissive parents, which are the exact opposite of “authoritarian parents.” Parents do not set any rules, such as bedtimes or homework time, and provide a child with total freedom and unconditional love. In such families, children are those who set rules and limits (Belsky, 2019). If Molly’s parents were permissive, they would answer her with something like this: “Oh, dear, absolutely! Go to the party and enjoy your time with friends! Don’t forget to drop us a picture with the athlete!”. Such parents would fully support the idea of going to the event.
The last parenting style is rejecting-neglecting parents, which is the least beneficial for a child. In such families, children are mostly ignored and are not a priority for parents. With rejecting-neglecting parents, children are responsible for themselves (Belsky, 2019). If Molly’s parents had this parenting style, she would not need to ask their permission to go to the party. She would go to the party and make all decisions by herself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be stated that Molly’s parents’ reaction would depend on the kind of parenting style they follow. If they are authoritative, they will allow her to go to the party as an exception because the event is essential to her. If her parents follow the authoritarian style, they will reject Molly’s idea of going out with no option to negotiate their decision. Moreover, if Molly’s parents followed the permissive style, they would allow Molly to go to the party and support her decision. Lastly, if her parents shared a rejecting-neglecting parenting style, Molly did not need to ask for permission to go out; she could and would make all decisions by herself.
Child-rearing Principles
A list of child-rearing principles that a developmental psychologist might offer as parenting advice could sound as follow:
- The behavior of parents themselves is much more important than you might imagine.
Children learn from their parents, and they copy their behaviors. It means that if parents want to teach their children healthy eating habits, treat others fairly, or be responsible, they need to behave this way themselves.
- It is impossible to give too much love to a child.
Children need the love of their parents, and they cannot receive too much of this feeling. However, psychologists warn parents that love should not be manifested in the absence of rules or material equivalents.
- It is essential to participate in a child’s life.
Children should not be left for themselves, as they are not able to rule their lives yet. Being involved in a child’s life does not mean doing things for him or her (for instance, homework). It implies being mentally and physically near: being present at the events that are important for a child, being interested in his or her life, asking questions.
- Parenting style should be adapted to fit the child.
All children are different and need a confident attitude depending on age, personality, and many other aspects. There is no single right answer on how to behave with a child. Parents should learn about their children and adjust their behavior on this basis.
- Rules and limits are vital for children.
Children’s psyche needs rules and limits that are established by parents. It is essential because during this period children learn how to manage their life. Having no rules is destructive for the future when parents will not be around. However, it is also crucial to give certain freedom that a child can take responsibility for their actions. For instance, at the age of 10, children should do their homework and make their own choices.
- Parents should be consistent.
It is the parents’ responsibility to be consistent in treating their children. There should be a specific non-negotiable set of rules, and children should know them. Besides, parents need to introduce their children’s daily routines and help them stick to them.
- Parents should explain their rules and decisions.
It is not apparent to a child why he or she should or should not do certain things. Parents should explain the logic behind their roles and actions to establish a trusting relationship with their children.
- Parents should treat their children with respect.
It is one of the most important rules for parents, as their attitude to children will be copied. Children will treat other people the way they are treated at home. For this reason, it is clear that parents should respect their children’s opinions and talk to them on equal terms.
Reference
Belsky, J. (2019). Experiencing the Lifespan. Macmillan Learning.