Understanding the 4 Parenting Styles: Which One Are You?

Whether you’re a new parent or you’re just looking for support, understanding the basics of different kinds of parenting styles can help you keep your children happy and safe throughout their childhood. 

But with so much information out there, it’s hard to know where to start or which styles to focus on. 

If you’re stuck, don’t stress. 

Understanding the four main types of parenting styles (Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive, and Uninvolved) can help you identify which one you’re currently using, and whether that suits your kids and your beliefs. 

At MC Wholesalers, we’ve made it our mission to help parents be the best for their children. Our high-quality ride-on vehicle toys are designed for all types of families, for parents to give their kids the opportunity to explore independently or with support. 

What is a Parenting Style? 

A parenting style is just a pattern of behaviour, practices, attitudes, and actions a parent takes when they’re interacting with their kids. Most parents use a mix of more than one style, or shift from one to another over time. 

There are four main types of parenting styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive, and Uninvolved (also known as Neglectful). Each one influences a child’s development and growth in different ways, as well as how they view themselves and their place in the world. 

They’re often explained in terms of responsiveness and demands, so here’s a breakdown of the basics: 

Why Do Parenting Style Guides Exist? 

Parenting is hard, and it’s a full-time job! 

Guides and classes can help new and inexperienced parents navigate the messy world of parenthood and deal with tough situations and conflicts. 

And parenting truly does matter: according to Oxford Academic, parenting plays a huge role in how children grow and develop. Parenting styles impact everything from a child’s behaviour to their self-esteem and future career prospects. 

So there’s a lot of pressure to get it right. 

Knowing what parenting styles are and why they matter can help you approach situations in a productive, supportive way. 

Parenting style guides share ideas on how to act and encourage parents to work together to help the next generation thrive. 

Read on for a breakdown of what different parenting styles look like. 

What Parenting Style Are You? 

Not sure which parenting style you use? This handy guide can help you figure that out! 

1. Authoritarian Parents

Authoritarian parents are all about rules and boundaries. If you’re an authoritarian parent, you feel the need to set strict rules and boundaries and reinforce them with punishment if your children disobey. Your kids aren’t allowed to question or ask for explanations for any rules, or ‘talk back’. 

Authoritarian parenting styles are often characterised as being ‘high demand, low responsiveness’, which just means they have strict rules and limited emotional support. You might expect good grades, and discipline your kids for getting bad results on tests. 

Children raised by authoritarian parents tend to be obedient, but they often struggle to make friends or trust their own judgment in certain situations. 

They can also be aggressive and find it hard to make decisions. They’re often shy and lack the social skills they need to bond with their peers and siblings. 

2. Authoritative Parents

If you set strict rules, but let your kids challenge and question those rules, you might be an authoritative parent! 

Authoritative parents are warm and emotionally supportive. They communicate effectively with their children and take an active interest in their children’s well-being, education, and friendships. They’re also more likely to offer solutions, rather than punishments. 

Children of authoritative parents can handle independence and social situations much more easily, and can even form and maintain friendships properly. 

They’re typically more confident and can handle complex conflicts or arguments more effectively compared to kids raised by authoritarian parents.

According to Premier Science, an authoritative approach is usually a very effective, positive parenting style for most families. 

3. Permissive Parents

If you hate setting rules, you might be a permissive parent! 

You might also struggle to set clear boundaries or say ‘no’ to your kids, and tend to take on a friend-like role in their lives. In general, most permissive parents are emotionally supportive and present with their kids, but they tend to avoid conflict and strict rules, and don’t set limits on things like screen or playtime.

Whilst that might sound like an ideal option, children of permissive parents don’t understand how to follow rules, and may find it harder to listen to authority figures like teachers and guardians. These children also have a lower tolerance for frustration, challenges, and delayed gratification. 

4. Uninvolved Parents

Finally, let’s talk about uninvolved parents (sometimes also referred to as neglectful parents). 

If you’re an uninvolved parent, you make sure your kids are fed and watered, but you’re not interested in setting rules or offering emotional support. You just don’t set rules or expect certain behaviour from your kids. 

You might also not be interested in your child’s education, their friends, favourite food or colour, or even what date their birthday is. 

Children with uninvolved (or neglectful) parents are more likely to suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues, get accused of delinquency, and have issues with self-control and self-esteem. They also struggle to succeed at school and find it harder to form lasting relationships later in life. 

Why Do I Need to Think About Parenting Styles? 

It helps your kids predict your behaviour and understand what you expect from them! But there are a few material benefits, too, including: 

• Accountability: Knowing your own parenting style allows you to ensure you’re always following your own beliefs, and you can recognise and acknowledge it when you’ve broken your own rules. 

• Intentionality: If you know your parenting style, you can make deliberate choices that help your kids thrive. You can also acknowledge and avoid automatic, knee-jerk reactions that harm more than help your child's development. 

• Doing what's best for your kids: Research suggests that some styles are more effective than others. Being aware of the patterns and benefits of your chosen parenting style can help you understand whether it's healthy or not, and how you can improve in the future. 

Above all, knowing about parenting styles and their effects can make you a better parent. 

Help Your Kids Thrive With MC Wholesalers Today

At MC Wholesalers, we’re passionate about helping parents make the best choices for their kids by providing safe, high-quality toys that actually last. Whatever your parenting style, there’s a toy in our collection that your kids will love. 

Plus, our toys help you encourage your kids to play outside, instead of staring at their screens all day. 

We’re proud to offer an extensive collection of ride-on toys, from luxurious, branded designs like Lamborghini ride-on cars to rugged outdoor models, such as quad bike ATVs and ride-on dirt bikes. 

Explore our collection of ride-on vehicles today!