Adults don't automatically develop the good parenting skills needed to raise responsible and productive children. A well-rounded child has good social skills, high self-esteem and a feeling of being loved. Parents have a large influence on the type of person their children become, both positively and negatively. There certain areas that every parent can excel in to ensure that their children have the best start in life they can.
What Are Parenting Skills?
Parenting skills are the techniques and approaches used by parents to shape a child's personality, attitude, ethics and health. Parents can also choose from certain parenting styles as well, with most people following the style which they were raised with. Statistics show that there are certain parenting techniques that have a better effect on children than others.
Four Basic Parenting Styles
There are four parenting styles, and each one has positive and negative aspects. When parents take important and effective parts of each one, they are better able to become a good parent. One parenting style is the indulgent method, where parents are lenient in discipline but overwhelming in meeting the child's every need. Authoritarian parents are very rigid in expectations and behavior, with a strict punishment and reward system. Authoritative parents set strict boundaries with clear consequences. The last parenting style is the uninvolved parent, which keeps the parent fairly absent from the child.
Self-Help Guidance
Many books, DVDs and magazine articles are on the market so parents can build up their skills. Many of the books target either a specific age group (like toddlers or teens), behavior (like tantrums or gifted learners) or ability (like hyperactivity or mental impairment).
Community Classes
Many communities host parenting classes that allow local citizens to learn more about effective parenting skills. Often, these community classes are either free or low cost. Schools, churches and private groups may also offer parenting classes for members. Hospitals and pediatrician offices may also post information on parenting classes in their lobbies.
 | There are four parenting styles that define the emotional relationship between parent and child. Which type are you? |
 | Learn the characteristsics of the authoritative parenting style and why it helps kids build social responsibility and strong self-esteem. |
 | When you and your spouse have different parenting styles, you need to find common ground or you'll open a door for your children to manipulate you. |
Honesty is needed to get the most from a parenting style test. You'll also need to find a test that reflects what actually happens in your home. |
In the uninvolved parenting style, parents let kids set their own rules and don't get involved with children's emotions. This can produce antisocial behavior in children and affect their success in school. |
