Parenting is one of the most important roles anyone can take on — and yet, there’s no rulebook handed out when you become a parent.
Every parent brings their own experiences, values, cultural background, and emotional patterns into the way they raise their children. These elements shape how they respond to behaviour, set expectations, and form emotional bonds — all of which influence how a child develops.
Psychologists have categorized parenting into different styles based on two factors: control (setting limits, rules) and warmth (emotional connection and support). Each style leads to different outcomes in a child’s behaviour, self-esteem, and emotional health.
1. Authoritative Parenting – Balanced and Nurturing
This style blends high warmth with high control.
Authoritative parents are warm, responsive, and involved — but they also set clear boundaries. They explain why rules exist and encourage children to express themselves. Discipline is focused on guidance and positive reinforcement, not punishment.
What children learn:
- Emotional intelligence
- Self-regulation
- Confidence and independence
- Strong communication skills
This style is associated with healthy relationships, academic success, and emotional stability.
2. Authoritarian Parenting – High Control, Low Warmth
Authoritarian parents value discipline and obedience above all. They enforce strict rules, expect unquestioned compliance, and rarely explain their decisions. Emotional warmth and open dialogue are often missing.
How this affects children:
- Increased anxiety and low self-esteem
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Poor decision-making skills
- Aggression or rebellion during adolescence
Children raised under this style may struggle with authority and emotional regulation later in life.
3. Permissive (Indulgent) Parenting – High Warmth, Low Discipline
These parents are loving and supportive but don’t enforce rules or expectations. They often act more like friends than authority figures and allow children to make their own decisions — even if those decisions are inappropriate for their age.
Outcomes for children:
- Impulsive behaviour
- Lack of boundaries and structure
- Struggles with responsibility
- Over-dependence on external validation
While they may develop self-esteem and social skills, these children often face challenges with self-discipline and accountability.
4. Uninvolved (Neglectful) Parenting – Low Control, Low Warmth
In this style, parents provide for the basic physical needs but are emotionally distant or unavailable. There’s minimal communication, guidance, or engagement in the child’s life.
Impact on children:
- Emotional insecurity
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Low academic performance
- Mood issues and behavioral disorders
Children raised in neglectful environments often learn to suppress emotions and fend for themselves, which can lead to detachment or resentment.
What Minhance Wellness Offers for Parents
At Minhance Wellness, we support parents in becoming more aware of their parenting patterns and how those patterns impact their child’s development — emotionally, socially, and psychologically.
Through psychoeducation, behavior management strategies, and parenting support coaching, we help families build stronger connections and create emotionally safe, structured environments for children to grow.
