Authoritarian Parenting and Its Impact on Children and Families

Parenting styles play a crucial role in a child’s development, shaping their personality, behavior, and overall mental well-being. One of the parenting styles that has been the subject of extensive research and debate is authoritarian
parenting. This strict and rule-based approach to raising children offers clear benefits but also comes with certain drawbacks.

Is authoritarian parenting the right choice for your family? In our guide, we take a closer look at the meaning of authoritarian parenting, the core traits of this style of parenting, the advantages and disadvantages of being an authoritarian
parent, and the impact of this style on a child’s mental health. With our help, you will be able to make an informed decision and adjust your parenting style to suit the needs of your children.

Table of Contents

• What Is Authoritarian Parenting
• Authoritarian Parenting vs. Authoritative Parenting
• Negative Effects of Authoritarian Parenting on Children
• Potential Benefits of Authoritarian Parenting
• How to Deal With Authoritarian Parents

What Is Authoritarian Parenting?

Authoritarian parenting can be defined as a rigid parenting style that is focused on high expectations and compliance. Parents who choose this style of parenting prioritize discipline and expect their children to follow the rules without
questioning them and rarely considering the feelings and opinions of the kids.

This parenting style is characterized by strict rules, lack of flexibility, severe punishment for breaking the rules, and a hierarchical family structure that does not allow children to have much of a say in their upbringing. While at a glance
This approach may seem harsh, but there are valid reasons to opt for authoritarian parenting.

Authoritarian Parenting vs. Authoritative Parenting

It is important to know the difference between authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles—parents and psychologists often mistakenly use these terms as synonyms.

While both styles are based on high expectations and guidance, authoritative parenting is considered to be a more moderate approach. Authoritative parents listen to their children, take their feelings into account, and provide their kids with
valid reasons to follow certain rules instead of imposing these rules without an explanation.

In comparison to children raised in an authoritarian environment who may have low self-esteem and poor social skills, kids with authoritative parents do better when it comes to their mental health and peer interactions. Nonetheless some
Features of authoritarian parenting—such as consistent discipline and high standards—may be beneficial for the child.

Negative Effects of Authoritarian Parenting on Children

Before you implement this parenting style in your household, you should be aware of the drawbacks of authoritarian parenting:

• Children may start resenting their parents who do not listen to them and dismiss their feelings as unimportant.
• It is possible the kids will develop low self-esteem, constantly doubting themselves and their abilities.
• The lack of decision-making skills may lead to poor academic performance and inadequate behavior when the child is put in a stressful situation that they are not prepared for.
• Kids who are taught to obey the rules without questioning may struggle with their peer relationships, becoming either too timid to speak up or too hostile, imitating the rigid behavior of their parents.

Potential Benefits of Authoritarian Parenting

Several advantages of authoritarian parenting may appeal to a parent:

• The structured environment with clear rules will help the child understand what is right and what is wrong from an early age.
• If your kid is misbehaving, implementing strict discipline and coming up with appropriate consequences for their actions may correct their behavior.
• High expectations are often linked to high achievements—as long as you support your child in their endeavors and push them to aim high, you may inspire them to reach their full potential.
• Some studies have shown that children raised by authoritarian parents are more polite and respectful, especially when it comes to their interaction with adults.

How to Deal With Authoritarian Parents

Whether you are a child or an adult who has grown up with authoritarian parents, you may struggle to get through to them. Here is what you can do to communicate with an authoritarian parent:

• Talk to your parent—instead of accusing them of poor parenting, have an open conversation and let them know how their rules and their behavior affected you.
• Write a letter—if you are afraid to speak to your parent face-to-face, put your thoughts on paper and give the letter to your mother or father. This will give them a chance to reflect on your words before they talk to you about this
  issue.
• Reach out to a family therapist—a mental health professional will be able to mediate the conflict between the child and the parent, figuring out a parenting style that suits both parties.

FAQs

What is the main goal of authoritarian parents?

Authoritarian parents focus on discipline and control—they have high expectations of their children and expect the kids to follow the rules of behavior without questioning them.

What are the characteristics of an authoritarian parent?

This parenting style is defined by a rigid structure, lack of flexibility, strict rules children must adhere to, and harsh punishment imposed on the children when they misbehave.

Is authoritarian parenting harmful?

While there are certain benefits to this parenting style—such as discipline and high standards—it may negatively affect the child, leading to their low self-esteem and poor social skills.

What are the negative effects of authoritarian parenting?

Children raised in an authoritarian household may struggle with their mental health—they can become either too shy or too aggressive when dealing with their peers and undermining their own abilities.

How does authoritarian parenting compare to authoritative parenting?

Unlike authoritarian parenting, which is rather strict, authoritative parenting combines high expectations with support—parents listen to their children and take their feelings into account.

Embrace a Balanced Parenting Approach for Child’s Well-Being

Now that you know the pros and cons of authoritarian parenting, you may realize this parenting style is not suitable for your child. It is recommended to combine various parenting styles to figure out what works best for the kid and the
parent—for instance, a flexible, authoritative style has proven to be beneficial for a child’s development.

If you have noticed your child is not doing well, talk to them and enlist the support of a mental health professional. A therapist will be able to determine the negative and positive influences in the life of the child and suggest effective
solutions to the problem.

Struggling to communicate with your parent? Our team of mental health practitioners is here to help you! Schedule your first session with Mental Health Modesto to customize the parenting style that works for your family and ensures the happiness of your child!