Authoritative Parenting Promotes Children's Emotional Stability

Parents want to maintain balance with their children in every aspect of life. They also want to provide their children with the best of everything, from food and clothing to experiences. Parents looking for the best parenting approach may want to consider the following “authoritative parenting style.”

In an article for Real Simple, Tracy Guth Spangler wrote, “Authoritative parenting is characterized by high expectations and emotional responsiveness.” Once parents establish rules for their children to follow, they should also offer warm encouragement and support. They should not simply overlook their children's misbehavior. Appropriate discipline and expectations are necessary, but parents must also ask for and listen to their children's opinions.

Spangler noted, “Authoritative parents give children opportunities to take responsibility for and act on their own thoughts and actions, encourage them to make their case, and discuss the available options with them.” Authoritative parents are reasonable and flexible in their thinking. They should also always be fair and consistent when disciplining their children.

Dr. Laurence Steinberg, a professor of child and adolescent psychology at Temple University in the United States, said, “Children with authoritative parents are happier, more capable, more socially skilled, and perform better academically.” He added, “They tend to experience fewer emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, and to have greater emotional control, self-discipline, and confidence.”

[FamTimes=Reporter Lee Kyung-han]