The authoritarian parenting style sets high standards for children to follow. But how does it differ from other approaches to child-rearing? How can you tell if your own style is authoritarian or authoritative? And, given that authoritarian caregiving isn’t linked with the best child outcomes, why do some parents keep practicing it?
The effects of praise aren’t always good. What can we do to maximize the benefits of praise – and avoid undermining children’s motivation?
Inductive discipline is linked with better child outcomes. What does it look like, and how do we know that it makes a difference?
Good news from researchers who study aggression in children: By changing our mental habits, we can help prevent aggression before it erupts.
What is authoritative parenting, and why is it beneficial? Find out if your style is authoritative, and what practices help kids thrive.
PPositive parenting lowers a child’s risk of behavioral and emotional problems, and it helps protect kids against the effects of toxic stress. But what, exactly, is positive parenting, and how should parents get started?
Permissive parenting might seem like the “no discipline” approach. A threat to civilization? Probably not, but outcomes depends on we you define this parenting style.
If authoritarian parents are demanding, shouldn’t their children be better-behaved and more successful in the classroom? On the contrary, research links authoritarian parenting with kids who are less resourceful, less confident, and less socially-adept. Kids may also be at higher risk for behavior problems.
Emotion coaching is the practice of tuning into children’s feelings, and helping kids learn to cope with negative emotions like fear, anger, and sadness.
What happens when adults lie to children? Kids tend to become more dishonest, and they might be at higher risk for aggressive and antisocial behavior problems.
Spanking children doesn’t help them learn self-control or social skills, and studies consistently show that spanking increases a child’s risk of developing behavior problems. But how can we be sure that spanking is harmful, and what can parents do instead when their children misbehave?
No, spanking babies is a bad idea. Our forager ancestors rejected it, and so should we. Here is why spanking is counterproductive – and damaging.