Know your parenting styles
Although every parent or caregiver is unique, parenting styles have been grouped into three broad categories: authoritarian, permissive, or authoritative. What type of parenting style best describes you?
Authoritarian
Authoritarian style parents have strict, rigidly enforced rules and expect unquestioning obedience and respect for their authority.
Permissive
This style lacks boundaries and limits and will often give in to children's demands to avoid conflict.
Authoritative
This style uses a firm and fair approach. Limits are negotiated up front with the children and are set and adhered to. They can still be open to renegotiation over time.
Are you a mixture?
Most parents will be a mixture of all three styles. Sometimes, if under stress, they may become authoritarian and be very strict about controlling things around them. Alternatively, they may be exhausted and lack the energy to have any control and become permissive.
Parenting styles quiz
Take our quiz to see what type of parent you are.
