Comparison of Conventional Parenting Methods and Modern Parenting Practices

Parenting Styles
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Parenting Styles
Parenting is influenced by a myriad of factors, including how one was raised, level of education, peer influence, and other socioeconomic factors. However, traditional parenting methods are gradually fading and being replaced with newer ones. The advantage of modern parents is that they are more exposed to evidence-based practices in parenting than traditional ones. Scientific evidence has challenged some of the conventional parenting methods and provided potentially better ones. This essay will compare and contrast the information gained from the course readings (particularly the different parenting styles) with the more modern parenting practices.
First, one of the traditional methods of parenting is the authoritarian style. Here, the parent assumes total authority over the children (Baumrind, 1966). The parent expects to give orders and have them obeyed without question. Evidence has revealed that parents who carry out this style most likely were raised the same way. Ironically, they think that by doing so, they will inculcate good behaviors in their children. However, evidence shows that authoritarian parenting may have several negative consequences. Instead of instilling good discipline, it may predispose the child to fear and low self-esteem. In contemporary society, parents are advised to take the role of a guide rather than that of an authoritarian. Instead of setting rules that must be obeyed, it is better to make the child understand why certain behaviors are good, and some are not.
Secondly, some parents employ the permissive style of parenting. Here the parent allows the child to make their own decisions with little guidance. This styl...