I love how the content of this Lifespan Psychology course continues to intrigue me. With each new subject I learn a variety of different subjects relating to human development that I never knew before. In Chapter 7 of our text I was shocked to find out that there was actually names for the different styles of parenting. I knew from watching parents with their children that not everyone has the same ways of discipline or ways of expressing emotions with their children but to actual know there were labels is pretty fascinating.
I wish every parent was required to take a parenting or human development class. This would improve the quality of our children's lives for generations to come. I know we would all like to think we fall under the authoritative parenting style which combines a fair degree of parental control with being warm and responsive to children. Authoritative parents also explain rules and encourage discussion. What parenting style do you think you fall under?
Personally, I am really good at explaining to my children why I don't want them to do something or why they are in trouble. If I notice my child isn't happy about something whether it's regarding my decision or something that might have happened at school I patiently encourage conversation about feelings and solutions. Most of all I have a very positive demeanor that tends to make hard situations a little lighter. Sometimes I fall under the authoritarian parenting style which combines high control with little warmth. These parents lay down the rules and expect them to be followed without discussion. Sometimes, if I have said what needs to be said then I expect no more argument. As a single mother that works and goes to school, it can be hard to not slip into this category when I don't feel like explaining my decisions or when I don't think before overreacting about a mess and handling it in the wrong way.
From reading this material I learned that most parents fall under more than 1 category throughout life and as children age our parenting styles have to change and alter and grow around them. All I know is that I'm going to keep being the best parent I know how to be.
It is really good to know that you are an authoritative parent and you care about your kids, even though you are working and taking classes. Some people are frustrated and stressed out from their own lives that they don't have time and energy to solve their kid's problems.
ReplyDeleteI think people should have to take parenting classes as well! I am not a parent, but if I was going to be I would definitely take a class to learn as many tips and tricks as possible! I think some people who have children may not have had great examples of parents, so they may not know exactly how to do it. Obviously you can't know everything, and you have to learn as you go, but having a little jump start with some advice that works would be beneficial to parents and children alike.
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