Parenting styles vary greatly, and every parent approaches their role with the best intentions. However, understanding whether you lean towards being a strict or mild parent can help you better connect with your child and create a balanced environment for their growth. Strict parents mostly emphasize discipline and rules, while mild parents may put more of their focus on flexibility and emotional bonding. Here are 5 signs to help you figure out where you fall on the spectrum.
How do you handle rules?
Strict parents typically set specific rules and expect that their children follow them without question. They value order and discipline, and they often use punishments for mistakes. On the other hand, mild parents take a flexible attitude to the regulations. They are more inclined to make accommodations when necessary and take into account their child's viewpoint.
Consider this: Do you always demand that things be done your way, or do you sometimes give your child the opportunity to bargain or present their argument?
What’s your response to mistakes?
When your child makes a mistake, your reaction says a lot about your parenting style. Strict parents are more likely to focus on the consequences of the mistake, aiming to teach responsibility through discipline. Mild parents are more inclined to address the emotions behind the mistake, offering comfort and discussing what can be learned.
Reflect: Do you immediately correct and discipline, or do you first listen and empathize?
Do you put authority over connection?
Strict parents believe that respect comes from maintaining authority, which sometimes creates a gap between them and their children. Mild parents put emotional connection at top, striving to create a bond where their child feels safe sharing anything.
Think about this: Do your children hesitate to talk to you about their feelings or mistakes because they fear your reaction? Or do they see you as someone they can trust?
How do you handle tantrums or conflict?
Strict parents may view tantrums or conflicts as disobedience and respond with firm boundaries. Mild parents often see these moments as opportunities to understand their child's emotions and offer solutions collaboratively.
Evaluate: Do you try to stop the behavior immediately, or do you take time to understand the root cause of the issue?
What’s your approach to independence?
To keep their child on the "right track", strict parents might just have a tendency to make decisions that are too controlling. Mild parents are more inclined to support their freedom, even if it means letting their child make and learn from little mistakes.
Think about this: Do you feel comfortable letting your child make decisions, or do you prefer that they do so in order to prevent any issues?
