Chantel Smith ENC 1101 Professor McGriff 10/13/13 Authoritative Parenting vs.

Permissive Parenting

As parents we are always wondering what the best form of parenting is. When is being strict too much, and when is being lenient not enough? There are advantages and disadvantages to both parenting styles. Even though there may be some similarities, there are also differences between the two parenting styles when it comes to academic success, behavior, and work ethic. Parenting that is authoritative in style tends to lead to children performing better in school. This style of parenting keeps children constantly focused on their academic endeavors. It also teaches valuable time management skills, and helps with establishing and adhering to a schedule. Which keeps assignments and projects turned in on or before deadlines. These children seem to excel, especially in the fields of mathematics and the sciences. However, one of the drawbacks is that children who are reared by strict parents do tend to lack the inner desire to pursue their personal interests. But, just as it is important to achieve academic success in modern times, behavior is also important. Authoritative style is used to keep children well-disciplined and these children tend to be very obedient; which is important in school and life as well. The only downfall to this type of parenting is that children often receive correction without explanation. In past times, children of authoritarian parents were considered to be abused because standards were so strict. As children become adults, authoritative parenting style is dually noted as employers and coworkers enjoy the respect from their new member of the team. Tasks are completed on time

and no resistance is usually noted. Work is productive but the member of the authoritarian style may not be very creative so the job is usually not a good fit unless direct commands are to be carried out. In contrast permissive parenting does not incorporate a great demand on schedules, meeting deadlines and taking school very seriously. These parents do not impose strict adherent standards on their children. They also have lower expectations for their children when it comes to academic success. They are however nurturing and very accepting of the behavior displayed by their children. As a result, these children tend to be more creative and imaginative, performing better in areas such as language and the arts. On the other hand, permissive parenting allows the child to self-explore their personalities and beings without much correction. These parents do tend to have trouble setting boundaries and are inconsistent when it comes to discipline. Their children may or may not be told which behavior is acceptable and which is not. Without guidance though, children tend to make decisions based on self-gratification. Lack of respect for teaching authority in the classroom is one example and another is the behavior on school buses when the drivers instructions are disregarded. However, when adults of permissive parenting enter the workplace it can be problematic as they are used to getting their own way. Often there is a mission, focus, or goal to achieve and often these adults do not do very well if they dont believe in them. This can be a problem in corporations where there is a chain in command, and success is based on orders being carried out. Usually permissive reared adults do better in work environments that are similar to the ones in which they were nurtured. They also tend to do better in fields in which they are selfemployed.

As we try and do what we feel is best for our children we might face criticism and ridicule along the way. However, finding the perfect balance is important for the mental wellbeing of the child, as well as academic success, behavior, and future work ethic. Therefore, it may be a good idea to try and incorporate both authoritative and permissive parenting styles. This might help children become more well-rounded individuals. After all, the main goal is for our children to be happy, healthy, and successful in whatever it is they choose to do in life.