Compare and Contrast African American, Native American, Latino, and Asian American, and Caucasian Parenting. What Are the Primary Differences in Parenting Practice?

Authoritative parenting is a style common in many households that may lead to a dysfunctional family unit. Apart from the permissive and neglectful parent, authoritative parents want the best out of their children. The idea that authoritative parents want the best out of their child may be too unrealistic in certain family dynamics consequently creating a dysfunctional family. Like the McCandless family, the authoritarian family begins with the head of the household, the commander in chief, typically the “father

* Authoritative parents set clear and consistent limits for children. They are flexible but firm, whichs leads to children who are responsible, cooperative, and self reliant.

Lareau explains how different social class: middle class, working class, and lower class have individual parenting styles to discipline their child. Using the technique of naturalistic observations, the author analyzed that the relationship of children between their families and the extrinsic world differs by their social class. Each chapter takes the reader on a journey of one child’s experiences at home and in social institutions and how different parenting styles influence a child’s life at home and in the outside world. Through her study, the author discovered significant differences between each social classes, in regards to the practices of child-rearing. Lareau explains that how distinctive practices of child-rearing in different social classes can result in social class inequality.

The primary focal point of the authoritarian style is on respect rather than parent-child relationships. Authoritarian parents are known for being strict. They lay out rules and expect their children to follow them without question, even if the child has a valid reason for questioning a decision. They establish many rules for the household and leave little or no room for negotiation on policies. Authoritarian parents also fail to explain why the rules exist because they believe that, as the parent, they are the authority on all decisions and shouldn’t be questioned.

From my personal experience, I have found that out of all the different parenting styles that Authoritative Parenting is more efficient and more positive. The best thing parents can do is research

The authoritative parenting style is the “In between,” of both the authoritarian and permissive parenting styles, and has a “Give and take approach.” Authoritative parents are very involved in their children’s lives: children help around the home and in decision-making processes, and homework is supervised. This approach to parenting raises children who are responsible, well behaved in school, have a high self-esteem, and good problem solving skills along with decision making skills. The authoritative approach to parenting has very positive effects on children’s lives presently, and in the future. (Marsiglia, C.,Walczyk, J., Buboltz, W., Ross, D. 2007).

Research has shown that out of the other parenting styles, authoritative is the most beneficial (Williams). When parent's use that parenting style, they have high expectations for their children. Other research has shown that when parents are authoritative and have high standards for their kids, their children will have a bond with their parents and they will learn how valuable it can be. People need to know how important creating good relationships with their children are because it will create trust between the parents and their family. It is always good for parents to communicate clearly to their children and set expectations that will have positive outcomes for the days to

The purpose of exploratory study in cultural differences was to determine, when socioeconomic statuses where controlled, the extent and pattern of unique cultural variations in two parent families. Culture is operationally defined as membership in one of the primary American ethnic groups – Asian American and American, Caucasian. Asian Americans and Americans constitute the two major ethnic groups in the united states along with Hispanics.

Authoritative parents “set standards, but also give their child choices. They recognize the good things that their child does, but they do not overlook the bad things. These parents are more confident and nurturing. They set standards that their child can meet. Usually, this type of parenting leads to a positive self-image in the child (Black, 2008). Permissive parents “do not control their children, it is more like the other way around. There is no discipline, and the child grows up knowing they can get whatever they want. When the parent does try to discipline, the child doesn't take it seriously. These parents give in easily and avoid confrontation whenever possible” (Black, 2008). In general American parents raise their children to have an individual personality, and to be independent from a very young age. “Firm disciplines are directed toward the infant and these are gradually relaxed as the child grows” (Suzuki, 2000).

Authoritarian parents hold their children to an exceedingly high level of status and success. In this style of parenting, children are expected to follow the strict rules established by the parents. Failure in following rules typically results in

Authoritarian parents normally do not interact with their children in positive ways and usually install fear into the child. Punishment is usually harsh and given without explanation. Children with authoritarian parents are often anxiety- ridden. Studies have shown that these children have lower self- esteem, show high aggressiveness and typically do less well in school. Permissive parenting consists of high nurture and acceptance, but these parents lack structure and control. These parents look at their children as “free spirits” who need space to learn and grow. Permissive parents are usually inconsistent with discipline. Children with permissive parents normally are impulsive and irresponsible. These children also lack any self- control since none was expected (Sclafani 47).

• Authoritative parenting is attentive to their children’s needs and will typically forgive and teach versus punishment for the child’s short comings. The result is the children have a higher self-esteem and independence. This is most recommended parenting style by experts.

Both permissive, and authoritative parents allow their children to make major life decisions. These parents give their children choices and lets them choose which way to go by themselves. Permissive parents may be more lenient with their options and may allow their children to choose differently if they wish to do so but both parents give the child the option to make their own choice. By allowing the children to make their own decisions, it gives them a sense of independence which will often pay off in the future. These children often grow up to be good decision makers when they are all grown up.

However, authoritative parenting style has no effect with children when children grow up. Children can be scolded or punished when they do in the wrong ways. Therefore, authoritative parenting style sometimes is not a good way to nurture children.

Thesis: The authoritative parenting style is the most effective style for producing children that have desirable traits, such as good morals, obedience, compassion and responsibility.