Indulgent Parenting Style and the Authoritative Style - Assignment Example

This paper is an attempt to compare and contrast the indulgent parenting style to the authoritative style. Unlike the authoritative style that adopts a balance between the way in which they respond to the needs of their children and the way in which they display respect and demand respect of their children, the indulgent parent is rather laissez-faire in their demand for appropriate behavior and thinking from their children. Hence, the authoritative parent is less lenient than the indulgent parent in their position on the individuality of their children.

In contrast to the indulgent, the authoritative parent is more focused on the behavior of their children. By no means is the authoritative style overly restrictive rather a balance is attained between the children and the parent. Interestingly, the indulgent never broach a discussion on behavior because the need for there to be a conflict-free environment is paramount to this style. However, the authority is not afraid of conflict and in fact, would use such a situation to develop the individuality and the self-regulation of the child.

Whereas the authoritative parent may discipline their child in a supportive manner, this idea of restricting the behavior of their child is practically non-existent for the indulgent, particularly, the nondirective indulgent parent. Authoritative parents believe that there is great value in assertiveness, social responsibility, and cooperation. The indulgent although they may be interested in the self-regulation of their children they would not hold these values as highly favored. Consequently, children who have been socialized by indulgent parents are more likely to be socially maladjusted and academically inferior to the child from the authoritative home.

Nonetheless, research has shown that indulgent parents produce children with ‘higher self-esteem, better social skills, and lower levels of depression than some other types (Darling 1999). The authoritative thought remains the style with the greatest benefit to children. The balanced style which is adopted by such parents impacts their children in a positive and balanced way.