What is your style of parenting? Do you have a consistent strategy on how you are raising the kids? Did you know that there are different categories of parenting styles? The Authoritative style is one that has been in the news lately as a positive and successful approach to bringing up children. Basically, Authoritative parenting is a style which is often referred to as “democratic”. Authoritative parents try to have empathy and understand how their children are feeling. They tend to listen to their children, show warmth and nurturing, allow their children to have and express their own opinions and encourage independence and self-confidence. However, it’s not all one-sided. Parents who utilize this form of parenting place boundaries and have certain expectations that the kids must follow. There are consistent consequences that are discussed and in place for bad behavior.
Both new and seasoned parents can learn new skills and techniques by taking a parenting course online. Classes range in length from 4 – 10 hours, but are taken at home from any Internet based computer at your own convenience. Online classes are similar to what you find in a traditional classroom in that the material is current and the programs are designed by a licensed and practicing family therapist. However, you don’t have to drive anywhere or meet anyone else’s time structure. You can take them from your laptop at your kitchen table while the kids are napping or are at school. Classes address topics like what to expect during the different stages of development, how to discipline and how to effectively communicate with your kids. The different types of parenting styles are also discussed.
In this vain, recent research has found that mothers who use this style of authoritative parenting that balances warmth and communication with strictness and supervision not only positively influence the behavior of their own teenagers, but of their friends as well. Specifically, according to the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, researchers found that friends of teens growing up with this parenting style were 40% less likely to get drunk, 38% less likely to binge drink and 43% less likely to smoke marijuana compared with friends of teens whose mothers were less strict.
Furthermore, the Journal of Early Adolescence notes that according to a study in which 52% of the fathers practiced Authoritative parenting, their children learned the skill of persistence. Children generally learn persistence from their fathers, a skill that can lead to better academic performance and a reduced risk of criminal behavior.
Other parenting styles also discussed in online parenting classes are Authoritarian, Indulgent and Neglectful along with a host of others. Taking a parenting class will help you to learn about and gain confidence in which style is best for your family. Classes can be taken independently or with a spouse. They are also available for families going through divorce that need to fulfill a court mandate. Topics such as co-parenting techniques and teamwork are covered in online co-parenting classes. Whether you are interested in skills to start a new family, regaining balance amongst a household of kids, or are going through a difficult divorce, online parenting classes are an excellent way to educate yourself, improve family dynamics and fulfill court mandates.