In today’s world, parenting feels more complicated than ever. Screens are everywhere, routines are packed, and the pressure to “get it right” can feel overwhelming. But in the midst of all this, there’s one simple truth that often gets overlooked: the way we parent, our everyday tone, expectations, and emotional presence have a huge impact on our child’s mental wellbeing.
This blog explores how different parenting styles shape a child’s emotional health and behaviour, especially in a time when digital influences are ever-present. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being more aware and intentional.
Parenting isn’t just about what rules we make or whether we allow screen time before dinner. It’s about the overall atmosphere we create at home, the kind of relationship we build with our children day by day.
If you are unsure of how your parenting style is impacting your child, talking to a professional through mental counselling at a trusted mental health clinic can provide clarity and support.
Psychologists often group parenting into four broad styles. While real life is messy and most of us don’t fit perfectly into one category, understanding these general patterns can help us reflect on what’s working and where we might want to shift.
This is often considered the most balanced and healthy style. Parents who follow this approach set clear boundaries, but they also take time to explain rules and listen to their child’s perspective. They’re affectionate, supportive, and guide their children with encouragement rather than fear. Kids raised this way tend to do really well. They’re usually more confident, emotionally balanced, and responsible. They’re also more likely to do well in school, manage their feelings better, and have strong relationships. Parents also benefit. They often feel less stressed and more connected to their children. It’s not a perfect formula, but it’s a solid foundation.
This style focuses on control and obedience. Rules are rigid, and there’s little room for discussion. Mistakes are often punished rather than seen as learning opportunities. While there may be good intentions behind the structure, the lack of warmth and flexibility can create challenges. Children may appear well-behaved, but it often comes from fear, not understanding. These kids may struggle with confidence, become anxious or shy, or even push back as they get older. For parents, this style can be exhausting. Constant enforcement without connection often leads to more stress.
Permissive parents are kind, loving, and supportive, but they tend to avoid saying “no.” They don’t enforce rules consistently and often let kids call the shots. They might not set firm limits around things like bedtime, homework, or screen use. Children in this environment might feel loved but can struggle with self-control. They may act impulsively, push limits, or have trouble following structure in school or social settings. And because the boundaries are so unclear, parents can end up feeling frustrated and worn out.
This is the most concerning style. These parents may meet basic needs like food and shelter but are emotionally distant or simply too overwhelmed to engage consistently with their child’s life. In some cases, it can also include psychological manipulation or emotional neglect. Kids raised in this setting often face the biggest challenges. They may struggle to manage emotions, fall behind academically, or have difficulty building trusting relationships. This style is usually linked to very high levels of parental stress, and unfortunately, that stress can trickle down to the child in lasting ways.
Parenting stress is real. It can sneak in when we’re sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, or unsure how to handle a tricky behaviour. And it’s not just a personal issue; it directly affects how we respond to our children. There’s a back-and-forth dynamic here: when we feel stressed, we may become more reactive, which can lead to more challenging behaviour from our kids, which then makes us even more stressed.
The good news? The more we lean into warm, consistent, and clear parenting like in the authoritative style, the more we tend to feel in control, and the more our kids respond positively. It’s a win-win.
While this post isn’t solely about technology, it’s worth mentioning how these styles show up in managing screen use.
The style we adopt matters far more than just the rule itself.
No parent is perfect, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to fit neatly into a box or get everything “right.” It’s to build a relationship with your child that’s rooted in warmth, consistency, and open communication.
In a digital world full of noise and distraction, what your child needs most is you, your guidance, your presence, your love.
Let’s raise resilient kids, together.
