Parenting shapes a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. While strict parents enforce discipline and high expectations, lenient parents offer a more relaxed and open-minded. The debate over which approach is better has impacted the world of Parenthood. This article shows the outcomes of each parenting method and concludes by showing what method is better.
Strict Parenting
Strict parents force firm rules, expect obedience, and often enforce discipline. Proponents argue that this approach produces discipline, responsibility, and academic success. However, the limitations include stress, anxiety, and uncomfortable relationships with their child. An example of a case study with advantages and disadvantages of strict parents is The Effect of Authoritarian Parenting on Academic Performance. A study by Smith et al. (2020) examined 200 secondary school students raised by strict parents. The research found that these children performed exceptionally well academically, but they had higher levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem compared to their peers from lenient households.
Additionally, if a child’s parent is strict, they are more likely to be a perfectionist. This can lead to success in competitive environments but may be linked to burnout and difficulty handling failure. Some researchers believe very strict parenting can make it harder for children to make decisions, as they get used to following orders instead of thinking for themselves.
Lenient Parenting
Lenient parents, often described as open-minded, prioritise emotional warmth and give their children more freedom. This approach encourages creativity and self-expression but can lead to a lack of discipline and lower academic motivation. An example of a case study that shows an advantage and disadvantages of lenient parenting is The Impact of Permissive Parenting on Behavioural Outcomes. Jones and Brown (2018) studied 150 children raised by lenient parents. The findings show that these children demonstrated strong social skills and emotional intelligence but were more inclined to engage in impulsive behaviour and struggled with authority figures. In addition, lenient parenting may encourage a greater sense of security and openness in children, allowing them to explore their interests without fear of extreme punishment. However, not having firm boundaries can sometimes lead to not managing responsibilities effectively. Studies have shown that children raised in lenient households may struggle with self-discipline and find it challenging to cope with structured environments later in life, such as workplaces or educational institutions.
While strict parenting promotes discipline and academic success, it may contribute to higher levels of anxiety. On the other hand, lenient parenting nurtures emotional security but can lead to a lack of independence. The most effective parenting style appears authoritative – balancing discipline with warmth.
Further research has indicated that children raised by authoritative parents develop strong problem-solving abilities, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. These children benefit from structure while also having the confidence to express their thoughts and emotions openly.
Both strict and lenient parenting styles have their strengths and weaknesses. Research suggests that a balanced approach, where parents enforce boundaries while providing emotional support, is important for child development. Ultimately, a parenting style that combines firm expectations with open communication appears to have the most positive results. By fostering a nurturing yet structured environment, parents can help their children grow into well-adjusted, independent, disciplined, emotionally secure individuals.
By Nene
Winchmore School Newsroom