ParentingType

Answer the following questions in the way you most often handle interactions between you and
your child/children.

1. Do you swiftly punish your child/teen for misbehavior without consideration of their point of
view? Yes No
2. Do you use threats or criticism to get your point across? Yes No
3. Are your rules inflexible and strict? Yes No
4. Do you have a somewhat distant relationship with your child? Yes No
5. Do you want to be "friends" with your child more than anything else? Yes No
6. Do you make excuses for your child's poor behavior? Yes No
7. Do you find yourself doing things for you child that they should be doing? Yes No
8. Do you avoid conflict and inconsistently reinforce rules/limits? Yes No
9. Do you set clear limits and expectations for your child? Yes No
10. Do you feel in control of your household? Yes No
11. Do you have a warm, supportive relationship with your child? Yes No
12. Are you less concerned with compliance and more concerned with understanding and
responsibility? Yes No

If you answered Yes to Questions 1 through 4 then you probably fall into the Authoritarian style.
If you answered Yes to Questions 5 through 8 then you probably fall into the Permissive style.
If you answered Yes to Questions 9 through 12 then you probably fall into the Authoritative style.

Authoritarian (the "Drill Sergeant") -
Parents tend to be strict, inflexible, not as interested in child's point of view. Research indicates
that young children tend to be obedient/compliant and teenagers tend to be rebellious. Kids tend
to be less creative/curious, have increased aggression, depression, poor social skills and low
self-esteem.

Permissive (the "Rescuer")
Parents tend to be warm though tend to excuse poor behavior, protect kids from disappointments/
and consequences, avoid confrontation and are inconsistent in their limit setting. Kids tend to be
impulsive, immature, manipulative, show an increase in substance abuse and poor understanding of
cause/effect. On the plus side, kids also tend to be more creative, likeable, social and have higher
self esteem.

Authoritative (the "Consultant")
Parents are warm and accepting. They set clear, reasonable limits and expectations. They
understand and know their child. They feel in control of their household and value autonomy in
their child. They do not expect their child to meet their emotional needs. Kids tend to have more
balanced attitudes about achievement, have better social skills and grades and have less
substance abuse and depression.