Which Parenting Styles Should You Choose?

With so many parenting styles to choose from it is no wonder so many people find themselves unsure of how to proceed. Many families wait until they are having problems to start seeking advice from experienced parents. Others try to implement new skills and fall short without knowing why. Some families just don't know where to turn for help.

Developing your approach to parenting is more than selecting between parenting styles. It is more than taking a parenting class or attending a seminar. It is a lifestyle.

Here are a few tips every parent should know before they proceed with any specific strategy:

• Styles and techniques are merely guidelines
• Know yourself
• Know your children
• Know your spouse
• Set goals and stick to them
• Communicate clearly
• Establish rules and expect EVERYONE to follow them
• Some things are just going to fail

First you need to identify what your goals are. What are you trying to accomplish? What method will reach that goal the most productively? What method can you stick to consistently?

Authoritative parenting sets high expectations for complying with rules and directions but allows for open conversation about those rules and the child's behavior. At first glance this seems ideal however parents need to be cautious with this type of parenting. You could find yourself in frequent back and forth disagreements about your house rules.

Authoritarian parenting sets high expectations similar to that above with the exception of open conversations. This style does not leave room for discussion. All though caution needs to be used in this method it does sometimes have it's place.

Permissive parenting is exactly as it sounds. Parents are always accepting, more determined to be the child's friend than anything else. Use great cation here. Kids are not ready to run their own lives. That is why they grow in stages.

Attachment Parenting is a parenting method based on the principles of the attachment theory. According to attachment theory, a strong emotional bond with parents during childhood, is a precursor of secure, empathic relationships in adulthood. Attachment parenting begins before pregnancy and places a high focus on nurturing your child and understanding their biological and physical needs.

Active Parenting is a parenting style in which parents lead the initiative to develop responsible children using various communication tools. Parents take a genuine interest in their role as a parent and maintain a consistant level of involvement.

A unique parenting approach takes the best of all these parenting styles and finds what works. Take some time to read through each of these styles and take notes. Don't skip one because you don't like the way it sounds. Read them and then review the tips above.

Begin developing your new strategies today!