In the new reality TV show “The Parent Test,” a panel of experts observe and evaluate the parenting styles of various families, ultimately determining which style they believe is the most effective. While I don’t personally feel one style is better than the others, I have enjoyed watching the show to see how each family handles common situations differently.
The show delves into twelve different styles, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the different parenting styles featured on the show and examine the pros and cons of each.
What are the different parenting styles?
- Disciplined
- Traditional
- Intensive
- Natural
- Child-Led
- New Age
- Routine
- High Achievement
- Helicopter
- Free Range
- Strict
- Negotiation
Pros and Cons for Each Parenting Style
Disciplined
A disciplined parenting style focuses on rules and boundaries, with parents setting strict guidelines for their children to follow. Disciplined parents are firm and consistent in their discipline, and they tend to have high expectations for their children’s behavior and academic performance.
The pros of this parenting style include well-behaved children who are able to follow rules and succeed academically. The cons, however, include a lack of flexibility and potential for children to feel resentful of their parents’ strict rules.
Traditional
This parenting style focuses on traditional values and gender roles. Traditional parents tend to have clear expectations for their children based on their gender, and they often prioritize traditional activities such as sports and academics over more creative or expressive pursuits.
The pros of traditional parenting are children who are well-rounded and well-versed in traditional values and activities. The cons, however, include a lack of flexibility and a potential for children to feel limited or constrained by traditional expectations.
Intensive
Intensive parenting focuses on intense involvement in every aspect of a child’s life. These parents are highly involved in their children’s education, extracurricular activities, and social lives, and they often have high expectations for their children’s success.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are highly accomplished and successful in various areas of their lives. The cons, however, include a lack of independence and a potential for children to feel overwhelmed or stressed by their parents’ intense involvement.
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Natural
Natural parenting focuses on allowing children to develop naturally, without interference from parents. Parents with this style tend to be relaxed and hands-off in their approach to parenting, and natural activities such as playing in nature and spending time outdoors take priority over more structured activities.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are independent and in touch with nature. The cons, however, include a lack of guidance and structure, which can lead to unruly and undisciplined children.
Child-Led
Child-led parenting focuses on allowing children to make their own decisions and choices. There tends to be a very hands-off style in this approach to parenting, and often prioritizes a children’s autonomy and independence.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are confident and self-directed. The cons, however, include a lack of guidance and structure, similar to natural parenting. Children may struggle with discipline and have trouble following rules.
New Age
New age parenting focuses on holistic and alternative approaches to parenting. This style tends to prioritize natural and alternative methods of discipline and education, and they often involve their children in alternative practices such as meditation and yoga.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are well-rounded and in touch with their inner selves. The cons, however, include a lack of structure and traditional methods, which can lead to unruly and undisciplined children.
Routine
Routine parenting style focuses on structure and routine. Parents with this style tend to have a strict schedule for their children, and they prioritize traditional activities such as homework and bedtime.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are well-behaved and able to follow a schedule, which can lead to improved academic performance and other achievements. Cons of this parenting style include potential the children may feel restricted and lack the flexibility to be spontaneous and adapt to different situations.
High Achievement
High achievement parenting style focuses on pushing children to achieve high levels of success in various areas of their lives, such as academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. High-achievement parents tend to have high expectations for their children and may be very involved in their children’s lives, often pushing them to excel in order to gain recognition.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are highly accomplished and successful in various areas of their lives. The cons, however, include a lack of balance, and children who might feel pressured to achieve, leading to stress, burnout and lack of self-discovery.
Helicopter
This style focuses on over-involvement in a child’s life. Helicopter parents tend to be overly protective and involved in their children’s lives, often making decisions for them and not allowing them to take risks or make mistakes.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are protected and safe. Kids feel secure and have a healthy attachment to their parents. The cons, however, include lack of independence and children may not learn to solve problems on their own, leading to difficulties in the future.
Free Range
Free range parenting focuses on allowing children to have a high degree of autonomy and independence. Parents with this style tend to be hands-off in their approach to parenting, and they often prioritize their children’s autonomy and independence over their safety and well-being.
The pros of this parenting style include children who are independent and self-reliant. The cons, however, include a lack of guidance, which can lead to potential safety risks in some situations.
Strict
This parenting style focuses on strict rules and a lack of flexibility. Strict parents tend to be very controlling and inflexible in their approach to parenting, and they often have high expectations for their children’s behavior and academic performance.
The pros of this parenting style include well-behaved children who are able to follow rules and succeed academically. The cons, however, include a lack of flexibility and a potential for children to feel resentful toward their parents.
Negotiation
Negotiation parenting focuses on compromise and communication. Negotiating parents tend to be open to hearing their children’s opinions and ideas, and they often involve their children in decision-making processes.
The pros of this parenting style include children who feel heard and valued, and they develop problem-solving skills and independence. The cons, however, include a lack of consistency and structure, which can lead to confusion and children not understanding boundaries.
Which parenting style is best?
Research suggests that an authoritative parenting style, which combines elements of both strict and permissive parenting, tends to be most effective. Authoritative parents set clear boundaries and expectations, but they also give their children autonomy and encourage open communication. This style allows children to develop independence and self-regulation while also feeling supported and loved by their parents.
However, it’s important to note that there really is no one “best” parenting style, as each child is unique and what may work for one child, may not work for another. Additionally, parenting styles may change over time depending on the developmental stage of the child.
Personally, I think most people are a combination of styles. I identify with three of these parenting styles which again, makes it hard to say one is better than another. Overall, what ultimately matters most is that a child feels loved and safe. We’re all doing our best. Try not to compare yourself to other parents. Only you know what’s best for your child and your family.
What are your thoughts? What style(s) do you relate to? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to discuss it more with you. -Meghan | Electric Mommy
