Parenting is a challenging and complex task. It involves the continuous effort of raising children and providing them with love, support, guidance, and discipline. However, different parenting styles have differing ways of handling these aspects. One such style is authoritative parenting. This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its positive impact on child development.
If, despite your best efforts, your teen is still struggling with problematic or concerning behaviour, Venture Academy can help. Call 866.762.2211 or contact us online to learn about our philosophy to help troubled teens in Canada.
What Is Authoritative Parenting?
Authoritative parenting is a style of child-rearing that balances high levels of responsiveness and demandingness. This means that parents who practice authoritative parenting are both nurturing and warm while also setting clear expectations for their children’s behaviour.
Unlike authoritarian parenting, where strict rules and punishments are the norm, authoritative parents believe in open communication and mutual respect with their children. They set limits and boundaries but also encourage independence and decision-making skills in their children.
Authoritative parenting has three main components: warmth, responsiveness, and demandingness. Let’s take a closer look at each of these elements.
Warmth
Warmth refers to the emotional support and love that parents show towards their children. Authoritative parents are affectionate and nurturing and provide a safe and secure environment for their children. They express their love through hugs, praises, and positive reinforcement.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness is the level of attentiveness and sensitivity that parents have toward their children’s needs. Authoritative parents listen to their children, validate their feelings, and try to understand their perspective. They also respond to their children’s emotional and physical needs in a timely and appropriate manner.
Demandingness
Demandingness refers to the expectations and rules that parents set for their children. Authoritative parents have clear and consistent rules, but they also explain the reasoning behind them. They encourage their children to follow the rules while also allowing for some flexibility and negotiation.
Research has shown that authoritative parenting can have numerous positive effects on a child’s development.
When Is Authoritative Parenting Too Much?
Authoritative parenting is often seen as the ideal parenting style, striking a balance between strict rules and nurturing support. However, there can be instances when authoritative parenting may become too much for a child to handle.
One key aspect of authoritative parenting is the high level of involvement and control that parents have over their child’s life. While this can be beneficial in promoting discipline and responsibility, it can also become overwhelming for a child. A child may begin to feel suffocated by constant monitoring and strict rules, leading to rebellion or feelings of resentment towards their parents.
Another potential issue with authoritative parenting is the pressure for perfection. Since authoritative parents have high expectations for their children’s behaviour, academic performance, and extracurricular activities, a child may feel immense pressure to excel in all areas. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, especially if the child is struggling to meet these expectations.
Moreover, the constant involvement and guidance from authoritative parents may leave little room for a child to develop their own independence and decision-making skills. This can hinder a child’s growth and ability to navigate the world on their own.
It is also important to consider that authoritative parenting may not be suitable for every child. Each child has unique needs and personalities, and what works for one child may not work for another. Some children may thrive under the structure and support of authoritative parenting, while others may find it too overwhelming and restrictive.
Help for Troubled Teens and Families in Canada at Venture Academy
At Venture Academy, we understand the challenges that families face when dealing with troubled teens. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where teenagers can get the help they need to overcome their struggles and work towards a brighter future. Call 866.762.2211 or connect with us online for more information today.