Parental and Mental Health Series: Part 2 - Parenting Styles

The art of raising children is often a unique process that varies by individuals, cultures and generational history. Parenting styles refers to the way in which we interact with the children we are raising, how we show affection, set rules, enforce consequences and how emotionally attached we are to them.

According to research, different parenting styles lead to different outcomes for children. It’s important to reflect on how parents can impact their children, while having compassion for parents who are often doing the best they can with limited resources. As we approach Mental Health Week, we will reflect further on this year’s theme of compassion. Keep this in mind as you reflect on parenting styles – whether for yourself or for others – and stay empathetic to the challenging situations that parents are often facing.

The four main types of parenting styles and their impact are:

Authoritarian

• This style involves strict rule setting
• Have a lower tolerance for misbehaviour and offers little explanation when setting a punishment
• Parents struggle to trust children and struggle to believe that children can make good choices

Potential Impact: Studies show that children who grow up with authoritarian parents were more likely to develop anxiety, depression, anger problems and struggled keeping relationships as adults. The children may also have lower self-esteem and be fearful around others.

Permissive

• A less structured parenting style, with little adherence to rule and boundary setting
• Are very loving and affectionate towards their children
• Day-to-day things are rarely structured
• Parent appears more of a friend to the child rather than an authority figure

Potential Impact: A child with a permissive parent may grow up struggling with self-control and self-regulation as a result of the lack of structure. They may struggle with authority figures as they grow up, such as with teachers or bosses.

Uninvolved

• This style meets the child’s basic needs only, such as the need for food and shelter
• Are not emotionally involved or invested in their child or their needs
• Also called neglectful parenting

Potential Impact: Children are at an increased risk of low self-esteem, substance use issues and may rebel more often.

Authoritative

• Rules and structure are enforced with communication and explanation to the child
• Children’s emotions are considered and made space for
• Discipline is more positive and uses praise and reward systems

Potential Impact: Children are more likely to grow up feeling confident, well connected to their parents, have higher self-esteem and can express their emotions.

You can learn more about ways to support your own health to encourage healthy parenting at Healthy Parents Healthy Children.

If you are a parent and are struggling with your mental health in any way, you can:

• Reach out to a healthcare provider (e.g. family doctor, nurse practitioner)
• Reach out to the Health Navigation Service which can help you navigate the healthcare system and facilitate access to psychotherapy services for members of the Jamat who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Psychotherapy refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identity and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Most psychotherapy takes place one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional or with other patients in a group setting. Subsidies to cover fees may be available for those who are eligible. To learn more about application eligibility and criteria, please contact ACCESS
• Call 9-8-8 if you are dealing with suicidal thoughts and/or a crisis.