[gborosoccer7]

I am a psychology student and we learned the different types of parenting in class. The first type is authoritarian which is characterized by high behavioral standards, strict punishment of misconduct, and little communication. The second type is permissive which is characterized by high nurturance and communication but little discipline, guidence or control. The thrid type is authoritative which is characterized as parents set limits but listen to the child and are flexible. As parents what type of parenting is most succesful in raising healthy, and well disciplined children?

[Alejandros Mommy]

Hello and Welcome. I learned the same in my Psyc classes.

I grew up in an Authoritarian household but since there was a vast difference of age between me and the younger ones I can tell you this. My Sister and I are 18 months apart and my parents were Authoritarian. The younger ones however grew up in a permissive household. BIG difference...the younger ones are in their mid 20's and still living off on mom and dad.. whereas my Sister and I have gone through School and have had careers and are self reliant. Although I wish that my parents were a bit more flexible, when I was a kid, I take a look at my younger siblings and thank God my parents were not like that with me.

My husband and I are authoritative with some authoritarian traits. Our kids are very well behaved and know what is expected of them in public and at home. They have schedules and routines but can do what they want once their chores/ homework are done. We try to meet them in the middle when it comes to things and do allow them the choice of what they can do. It just ranges from day to day and stage to stage as they get older...we have different expectations for each of them and try to encourage them on things they are good at and help with things they need help with IF they ask.

[AussieD]

I'm not big on labels and I've never done psych classes but with our children we had discipline and set rules and the children were well aware of them. But there was also lots of love and communication at all times. Plus we both invested a lot of time in our children being with them and enjoying them. We see the results now in two great adults both happily married and we still enjoy spending time together.