Your Parenting Compass: Navigating Styles for Thriving Kids

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 1)

"Good evening, everyone, and welcome! I'm so glad you're here today to embark on a journey we're calling 'Your Parenting Compass.' This isn't about telling you how to parent perfectly, because let's be honest, perfect doesn't exist! Instead, it's about giving you a compass, a tool to help you navigate the incredible, sometimes wild, adventure of raising children."

"Today, we're going to explore different ways parents guide their children – not to judge, but to understand and grow together. We'll discover how different approaches can shape our children's lives and how we can best support them. Let's start with a quick warm-up. On a piece of paper, or just in your mind, I want you to think of one word that describes your parenting philosophy, or perhaps a challenge you're currently facing. No need to share if you don't want to, but just reflect for a moment."

(Teacher facilitates the Lesson Warm-Up activity, inviting a few parents to share their words if comfortable. Transition after 5 minutes.)

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 2)

"Now that we're all thinking about the multifaceted world of parenting, let's talk about why it's so valuable to discuss parenting styles. You might be wondering, 'Why do I need to categorize my parenting?' Well, it's less about categorization and more about understanding the 'how' behind our 'why.'"

"Understanding parenting styles gives us a framework. It helps us see the patterns in our interactions and, importantly, the impact these patterns have on our children's development—their self-esteem, their school performance, their social skills, and how they handle their emotions. It's a chance for self-reflection and growth, to identify what's working beautifully and where we might want to make a positive shift."

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"So, what exactly are we talking about when we say 'parenting styles'? Essentially, they are recurring patterns of behaviors, attitudes, and emotional expressions that characterize the parent-child relationship. These patterns profoundly influence children. Over the years, researchers have identified four main styles, and these are what we'll be diving into today: Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Uninvolved."

"Think of these as broad categories. Most of us don't fit perfectly into just one box; we might see ourselves in aspects of several. But understanding these styles helps us become more intentional in our parenting."

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 4. Distribute the Parenting Styles Handout to parents.)

"Let's start with what many consider the 'sweet spot': the Authoritative Guide. Take a look at your Parenting Styles Handout as I go through these. An authoritative parent is like a wise, loving guide."

"They are high in warmth and responsiveness – meaning they are nurturing, supportive, and really attuned to their child's needs. But don't mistake warmth for a lack of structure! They also have high demands and expectations, setting clear rules and boundaries."

"Crucially, there's open communication. They encourage dialogue, they explain the reasoning behind their rules, and they genuinely listen to their child's perspective. When it comes to discipline, it's flexible and focuses on positive guidance, logical consequences, and teaching problem-solving rather than just punishment."

"Children of authoritative parents often show high self-esteem, perform well academically, have good social skills, and are resilient. Can anyone think of an example of how an authoritative parent might handle a child breaking a rule, perhaps missing a curfew?"

(Pause for parent responses, guide towards examples of discussion, logical consequences, and problem-solving.)

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Next, we have the Authoritarian Commander. This style is quite different. Imagine a strict commander who expects orders to be followed without question. Authoritarian parents are typically low in warmth and responsiveness; they might seem less nurturing or even cold. They have very high demands and expectations, with strict rules and little room for negotiation."

"Communication is largely one-way: 'My way or the highway.' Obedience is expected without explanation. Discipline is often punitive, relying on punishment to control behavior, often without explaining the 'why' behind it."

"Children from authoritarian homes may be very obedient, but they can struggle with self-esteem, social competence, and may even be prone to anxiety or aggression. Why do you think a child might struggle with self-esteem under this style?"

(Pause for parent responses, guide towards lack of voice, focus on mistakes, fear of punishment.)

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Moving on to the Permissive Pal. This parent wants to be their child's best friend. They are high in warmth and responsiveness, very nurturing, and often avoid confrontation. However, they are low in demands and expectations. There are few rules or boundaries, and discipline tends to be inconsistent."

"Communication is very child-driven; they often allow the child to make many decisions, even those they might not be ready for. Discipline is indulgent; they rarely enforce rules and might give in to their child's demands easily."

"Children of permissive parents might be very creative and confident, but they can struggle with self-control, respecting boundaries, and academic motivation. What challenges might a child face in school if they come from a highly permissive home?"

(Pause for parent responses, guide towards difficulty with rules, impulse control, respecting authority.)

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"Finally, we have the Uninvolved Spectator. This is the most disengaged style. Imagine a spectator who watches from a distance but doesn't participate in the game. Uninvolved parents are low in both warmth and responsiveness, often emotionally distant with little engagement."

"They also have low demands and expectations, offering minimal supervision and very few rules. Communication is limited; they don't actively listen or interact much with their child. And discipline is often absent; they provide little to no guidance."

"Children from uninvolved homes often struggle across the board: academic performance, social skills, and emotional regulation. They may feel neglected or abandoned. What are some long-term emotional impacts you might foresee for a child with uninvolved parents?"

(Pause for parent responses, guide towards feelings of loneliness, lack of self-worth, difficulty forming attachments.)

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 8)

"Here's a quick recap to help us visualize the differences. As you can see, the styles are largely defined by two dimensions: warmth/responsiveness and demands/expectations. Remember, these are frameworks, not rigid boxes. Most parents exhibit traits from different styles depending on the situation, the child's age, and even their own stress levels. The goal isn't perfection, but understanding. Your Parenting Styles Handout also has this table for your reference."

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 9)

"So, if there's a 'sweet spot,' what is it? Research consistently shows that authoritative parenting leads to the most positive child outcomes. Why? Because it strikes a healthy balance of love and limits. It provides warmth and support while also offering clear boundaries."

"This style fosters autonomy and responsibility – children learn independence while also understanding accountability. It builds strong communication and teaches children how to articulate their needs and feelings, and it teaches problem-solving. It's about guiding your child with a firm but loving hand, empowering them to thrive."

(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 10. Distribute the Style Reflection Worksheet.)

"Now, let's take a moment for some self-reflection. I've given you a Style Reflection Worksheet. Take about five minutes to quietly think about the questions there. Where do you see yourself? What comes naturally to you when you're under stress or dealing with a challenging situation? How might your own upbringing influence your current parenting? Most importantly, where do you want to grow?"

(Allow 5 minutes for individual reflection. Then, facilitate a discussion. Refer to the Parenting Styles Discussion for guiding questions. Emphasize non-judgment.)

"Okay, let's open it up. Who would like to share a thought or a realization from their reflection? Remember, this is a safe space for growth, not judgment."

(Facilitate discussion for 10 minutes. Transition after.)

**(Teacher displays Your Parenting Compass Slide Deck - Slide 11. Distribute Parenting Scenarios Activity Cards.)

"To really put our understanding into practice, let's do a quick activity. I'm going to divide you into small groups and give each group some Parenting Scenarios Activity Cards. Your task is to discuss how each parenting style – authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved – might respond to the scenario. Then, discuss which approach you believe would be most effective and why."

(Divide into groups, distribute cards, and allow 7 minutes for discussion. Bring groups back for a 3-minute debrief.)

"Alright, let's hear from each group. What was one interesting takeaway or a particularly challenging scenario you discussed?"

(Facilitate debrief for 3 minutes. Transition after.)

**(Teacher prepares for wrap-up. Distribute Lesson Cool-Down and My Parenting Journey Journal. Mention Parenting Style Quiz, Parenting Project Guide, Project Rubric, Quiz Answer Key, Test Your Knowledge Test, and Parenting Style Bingo Game.)

"We're nearing the end of our session, but hopefully, this is just the beginning of a more intentional parenting journey for you. As a cool-down, I've given you a short reflection to complete before you leave. I've also provided a 'My Parenting Journey Journal.' This journal is for your ongoing reflections. Use it to jot down thoughts, challenges, and successes as you continue to explore your parenting."

"For those who want to dive deeper, I've also prepared a Parenting Project Guide with a corresponding Project Rubric as an optional resource. It's a way to apply what we've learned in a more structured way. And to quickly check your understanding, I have a Parenting Style Quiz for you, and a Quiz Answer Key for self-assessment. There's also a more comprehensive Test Your Knowledge Test if you want to review everything."

"If we have a minute, we can also play a quick round of the Parenting Style Bingo Game for a fun review!"

(Allow time for Cool-Down activity. Briefly explain the optional resources. Play Bingo if time permits.)

"Thank you all so much for your active participation and openness today. Remember, parenting is a journey, not a destination. You've got this!"

My Parenting Style: A Quick Reflection

Take a few moments to think about your parenting. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, just opportunities for understanding and growth.

Part 1: Initial Thoughts

1. Which of the four parenting styles (Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, Uninvolved) do you think most describes your general approach? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Can you think of a recent situation where your parenting style was evident? Describe it briefly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one aspect of your parenting that you are proud of?
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Deeper Dive

4. Consider your own upbringing. What parenting style did your parents primarily use? How do you think this influences your own parenting today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Think about your child (or children). Do their individual personalities or needs ever lead you to adjust your parenting approach? How so?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one challenge you face regularly in your parenting that you wish you could handle differently?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. After learning about the different styles, what is one small change you might consider making to your parenting approach?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Understanding Parenting Styles: A Guide for Parents

Parenting is a complex and rewarding journey, and there are many ways to raise children. Researchers have identified four primary parenting styles, each characterized by different levels of warmth (responsiveness) and control (demands). Understanding these styles can help you reflect on your own approach and make intentional choices that support your child's growth and well-being.

The Two Key Dimensions

Before we dive into the styles, it's helpful to understand the two main dimensions that define them:

1. Warmth/Responsiveness: How supportive, affectionate, and involved a parent is. This includes being attuned to a child's needs, validating their feelings, and offering encouragement.
2. Demands/Expectations: How much a parent expects of their child in terms of maturity, self-control, and adherence to rules. This involves setting boundaries, monitoring behavior, and enforcing consequences.

The Four Parenting Styles

1. Authoritative Parenting: The Guide

• Description: This style balances high warmth with high demands. Authoritative parents are nurturing and supportive, yet they also set clear, consistent boundaries and expectations. They value open communication, explain the reasoning behind rules, and listen to their child's perspective. Discipline is typically fair, firm, and focused on teaching and problem-solving rather than just punishment.
• Characteristics:
  • High warmth, responsiveness, and emotional support.
  • Clear and consistent rules with explanations.
  • Open, two-way communication.
  • Encourages independence within limits.
  • Uses positive guidance and logical consequences.
• Impact on Children: Children raised with an authoritative style often exhibit high self-esteem, strong academic performance, good social skills, self-reliance, and emotional regulation. They tend to be well-adjusted and resilient.

2. Authoritarian Parenting: The Commander

• Description: This style is characterized by low warmth and high demands. Authoritarian parents are strict and often expect unquestioning obedience. Rules are rigidly enforced, and there's little room for negotiation or explanation. Communication is often one-way, from parent to child, without much regard for the child's feelings or perspective. Discipline tends to be punitive, using punishment to control behavior.
• Characteristics:
  • Low warmth, less nurturing.
  • Strict rules and high expectations, often without explanation.
  • One-way communication: "My way or the highway."
  • Little emphasis on child's autonomy or feelings.
  • Relies on punishment and control.
• Impact on Children: Children may be obedient and proficient, but they can struggle with self-esteem, social competence, and independent decision-making. They might be prone to anxiety, depression, or aggression.

3. Permissive Parenting: The Pal

• Description: This style features high warmth but low demands. Permissive parents are very nurturing and responsive, often wanting to be their child's friend rather than an authority figure. They set few rules or boundaries and are often inconsistent with discipline. They tend to avoid confrontation and allow their children significant freedom, often giving in to their demands easily.
• Characteristics:
  • High warmth, very nurturing, and indulgent.
  • Few or inconsistent rules and expectations.
  • Child-driven decision-making.
  • Avoids confrontation; often gives in to child's demands.
  • Discipline is rare or ineffective.
• Impact on Children: Children with permissive parents may struggle with self-control, impulse regulation, and respecting boundaries. They might have lower academic motivation but can also be creative, confident, and have good social skills in settings where rules are less strict.

4. Uninvolved Parenting: The Spectator

• Description: This style is characterized by low warmth and low demands. Uninvolved parents (sometimes called neglectful) are emotionally distant, disengaged, and provide minimal supervision or support. They offer few rules, little guidance, and limited communication. They are often focused on their own problems and may struggle to meet their child's basic needs.
• Characteristics:
  • Low warmth and responsiveness; emotionally detached.
  • Few to no demands or expectations.
  • Limited communication and engagement.
  • Minimal supervision or guidance.
  • Disengaged or neglectful.
• Impact on Children: Children with uninvolved parents often face the most significant challenges across all developmental areas. They may struggle with academic performance, social competence, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. They can feel neglected, abandoned, and may seek attention or guidance from less desirable sources.

Reflecting on Your Style

It's important to remember that most parents don't fit perfectly into one category. You might exhibit traits from different styles depending on the situation, your child's age, or even your own stress levels. The goal of understanding these styles is not to judge, but to gain insight and consider how you can best support your child's healthy development.

Research consistently shows that an authoritative parenting style is associated with the most positive child outcomes, as it effectively balances love with limits, fostering both competence and confidence. Consider which aspects of the authoritative style resonate with you and how you might integrate them into your parenting journey.

Parenting Styles: Group Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts to guide a thoughtful discussion after individual reflection on parenting styles.

Part 1: Initial Reactions & Self-Awareness

1. After learning about the four main styles, what was your initial reaction? Did anything surprise you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Without judgment, which parenting style do you feel you most often lean towards, and why do you think that is?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What specific behaviors or attitudes do you display that align with that particular style?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Impact & Influence

4. How do you think your own parents' parenting style influenced the way you parent today? Are there things you consciously do differently, or things you find yourself repeating?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Can you recall a time when you saw your parenting style (or a specific characteristic of it) directly impact your child's behavior or emotional state? Share an example.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. How might a child's temperament or personality influence the effectiveness of a particular parenting style? For example, would an authoritative approach work the same way for a very shy child versus a very outgoing child?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Growth & Application

7. Thinking about the authoritative style, what is one specific strategy or approach you could try to incorporate more into your parenting this week?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. What is one challenge you foresee in trying to shift or refine your parenting approach, and what support might you need to overcome it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. How can open communication with your child help you understand their needs better, regardless of your primary parenting style?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. What's one key takeaway from today's discussion that you want to remember on your parenting journey?
    
    
    
    

Warm-Up: Your Parenting Instinct

Welcome! To get us started, let's tap into our immediate thoughts about parenting.

Instructions:

1. Take a moment to yourself.
2. Think of one word that describes either:
   • Your general parenting philosophy/approach.
   • A significant joy or challenge you face in your parenting right now.
3. You don't have to share it, but be ready to if you feel comfortable!

My Word:

Example words: Loving, Challenging, Patient, Exhausting, Joyful, Growth, Chaos, Connection, Discipline, Listen

My Parenting Journey Journal

This journal is a space for you to reflect on your parenting journey, document insights, and plan for growth. Use it regularly to foster intentional parenting.

Prompt 1: Style Spotlight

• Over the past week, in what situations did you notice yourself leaning into a particular parenting style (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved)? Describe the situation and your response.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What was the outcome of that interaction for you and your child?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Prompt 2: Communication Corner

• Recall a recent conversation with your child. Did you feel you truly listened to them? Did they feel heard? How did you know?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What is one question you could ask your child this week to encourage more open communication?
  
  
  
  

Prompt 3: Setting Boundaries

• Describe a boundary you have recently set (or struggled to set) with your child. How did you communicate it? How did your child respond?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What strategies could you use to be more consistent with this boundary in the future?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Prompt 4: Celebrating Successes

• What is one small parenting win you experienced this week? How did it feel?
  
  
  
  
• How did you acknowledge your child for their positive behavior or effort?
  
  
  
  

Prompt 5: Looking Ahead

• Based on what you've learned and reflected on, what is one specific goal you have for your parenting in the coming week?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What steps will you take to achieve this goal?
  
  
  
  

Blank Journal Pages

Parenting Project: My Intentional Approach

This project invites you to apply what you've learned about parenting styles to develop a more intentional approach in your own family.

Project Goal:

To identify a specific area in your parenting you wish to refine or improve, drawing on the principles of effective parenting styles, and to create a plan for implementation and reflection.

Deliverables:

1. Self-Assessment & Goal Setting (25 points)

• Reflection: Briefly describe your current dominant parenting style (or a blend of styles) and provide 1-2 examples of how it manifests in your interactions with your child/children. (200-300 words)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Identify Area for Growth: Based on your reflections and the discussion of parenting styles, identify one specific area of your parenting you want to focus on for improvement. (e.g., consistency in discipline, improving communication, fostering independence, managing emotional reactions). Clearly state your chosen area.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• SMART Goal: Develop one SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal related to your identified area of growth. For example: "By the end of next month, I will consistently use 'I' statements when discussing difficult topics with my teenager, aiming for at least 3 conversations per week."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Action Plan (30 points)

• Strategies: Outline at least three concrete strategies you will implement to achieve your SMART goal. These strategies should be informed by what you learned about authoritative parenting or other positive parenting techniques. (e.g., "Read one article on active listening," "Practice reflective listening for 5 minutes daily," "Develop a visual chore chart with my child.")
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Resources: Identify any resources (books, websites, other parents, etc.) you will use to support your efforts.
  
  
  
  
• Timeline: Create a realistic timeline for implementing your strategies over the next 2-4 weeks.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Weekly Reflection Log (30 points)

• Log Entries: For at least three weeks, keep a brief weekly log (150-250 words per entry) documenting your efforts, successes, challenges, and insights related to your SMART goal. Use the My Parenting Journey Journal as a template if you wish.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Example prompts for weekly reflection: What specific actions did I take? What was my child's reaction? How did I feel? What did I learn? What adjustments will I make next week?

4. Final Reflection & Future Steps (15 points)

• Project Summary: Summarize your overall experience with the project. Did you achieve your SMART goal? Why or why not?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Learnings: What were the most significant lessons you learned about yourself and your parenting through this project?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Next Steps: What are your next steps on your parenting journey? Will you continue with this goal, set a new one, or adjust your approach?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Submission:

Compile all deliverables into a single document (digital or handwritten).

Parenting Project Rubric

This rubric will be used to assess your "My Intentional Approach" Parenting Project.

Scoring Scale:

• 4 - Exceeds Expectations: Demonstrates exceptional understanding, insight, and effort; goes above and beyond requirements.
• 3 - Meets Expectations: Clearly demonstrates understanding and fulfills all requirements adequately.
• 2 - Approaching Expectations: Shows some understanding but has minor gaps or inconsistencies; needs some improvement.
• 1 - Below Expectations: Limited understanding or significant gaps; needs substantial improvement.
• 0 - Not Evident: No evidence of criteria met.

Parenting Style Quiz Answer Key

Here are the answers and explanations for the Parenting Style Quiz. Use this to check your understanding and reflect on the concepts.

1. Which parenting style is characterized by high warmth and high demands, with open communication and reasonable expectations?

• Correct Answer: Authoritative
• Explanation: Authoritative parents provide a balance of nurturing support and clear boundaries. They engage in two-way communication and explain their reasoning, fostering independence and responsibility.

2. A parent who says, "Because I said so!" without further explanation is most likely exhibiting traits of which parenting style?

• Correct Answer: Authoritarian
• Explanation: Authoritarian parents prioritize strict obedience and often use one-way communication, expecting rules to be followed without question or explanation.

3. Which parenting style often results in children who struggle with self-control and may lack respect for rules, despite receiving a lot of affection?

• Correct Answer: Permissive
• Explanation: Permissive parents are highly warm and nurturing but have low demands and inconsistent boundaries. This often leads to children who struggle with self-regulation and respecting limits.

4. A parent who is generally disengaged, offers little emotional support, and provides minimal supervision is demonstrating characteristics of which parenting style?

• Correct Answer: Uninvolved
• Explanation: Uninvolved parents are low in both warmth and demands, often appearing detached and neglecting their child's emotional and physical needs.

5. Briefly describe one positive outcome for children raised by authoritative parents.

• Correct Answer (examples): Children often exhibit high self-esteem, strong academic performance, good social skills, and resilience. They are typically well-adjusted and confident.
• Explanation: The balanced approach of authoritative parenting fosters a secure attachment, encourages competence, and teaches children how to navigate social and emotional challenges effectively.

6. What is one potential challenge for a child with permissive parents?

• Correct Answer (examples): Children may struggle with self-control, boundaries, and academic motivation. They might also have difficulty respecting authority figures or managing their impulses.
• Explanation: The lack of clear boundaries and consistent discipline in permissive parenting can lead to children who have difficulty with self-regulation and understanding appropriate limits.

7. I believe that clear rules and expectations are essential for my child's development.

• Answer Type: Likert Scale (Self-reflection, no single correct answer)
• Explanation: This question is designed for personal reflection on your values regarding structure and guidance in parenting. Parents who strongly agree likely value the role of demands and expectations in child-rearing, which is a characteristic of both authoritative and authoritarian styles.

Parenting Style Bingo!

Instructions:

1. Each square describes a characteristic or outcome related to one of the four parenting styles.
2. As we review the parenting styles, or as you reflect on your own experiences, mark off any squares that apply.
3. The first person to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"
4. Be prepared to explain why you marked your squares!

Bingo Card

Bingo Call List (Teacher's Guide - DO NOT DISTRIBUTE TO PARENTS)

(Cut these out and draw them from a hat, or read them aloud one by one)

• A parent who is very strict and expects children to follow rules without asking questions. (Authoritarian)
• A child from this home usually has high self-esteem and does well in school. (Authoritative)
• A parent who lets their child make most of the decisions, even if they aren't ready. (Permissive)
• This parent explains why rules are important. (Authoritative)
• A parent who seems uninvolved and doesn't pay much attention to their child. (Uninvolved)
• A child from this home might have trouble following rules at school. (Permissive)
• This parent gives their child lots of love and support, but also has clear expectations. (Authoritative)
• This parent uses punishment to make their child obey. (Authoritarian)
• A parent who avoids arguments and often gives in to their child's demands. (Permissive)
• Children from this home might feel neglected. (Uninvolved)
• This parent encourages their child to share their feelings and opinions. (Authoritative)
• This parent rarely sets boundaries. (Permissive)
• This parent is very demanding but not very warm. (Authoritarian)
• A child from this home learns to be self-reliant and emotionally regulated. (Authoritative)
• This parent is emotionally distant. (Uninvolved)
• This parent focuses on teaching their child problem-solving skills. (Authoritative)
• A child from this home might be good at creative thinking but struggles with impulse control. (Permissive)
• This parent might say, "Because I said so!" (Authoritarian)
• This parent provides very little guidance. (Uninvolved)
• This parent is supportive but also firm. (Authoritative)
• A child from this home might be withdrawn or anxious. (Authoritarian/Uninvolved)
• This parent wants to be their child's friend. (Permissive)
• This parent offers little supervision. (Uninvolved)
• This parent encourages two-way dialogue. (Authoritative)

Parenting Scenarios Activity Cards

Instructions:

1. Work in your small groups.
2. Read each scenario card.
3. Discuss how each of the four parenting styles (Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, Uninvolved) might respond to the situation.
4. Then, discuss which approach you believe would be most effective and why.

Scenario Card 1: The Homework Battle

Scenario: Your 10-year-old child refuses to do their homework, claiming it's "boring" and "stupid," and would rather play video games.

• Authoritative Response:
  
  
  
  
• Authoritarian Response:
  
  
  
  
• Permissive Response:
  
  
  
  
• Uninvolved Response:
  
  
  
  
• Most Effective & Why:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario Card 2: The Playground Conflict

Scenario: Your 6-year-old comes home from school upset, saying another child pushed them on the playground and called them names.

• Authoritative Response:
  
  
  
  
• Authoritarian Response:
  
  
  
  
• Permissive Response:
  
  
  
  
• Uninvolved Response:
  
  
  
  
• Most Effective & Why:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario Card 3: Bedtime Blues

Scenario: Your 4-year-old child consistently protests bedtime, demanding "just five more minutes" and getting out of bed multiple times.

• Authoritative Response:
  
  
  
  
• Authoritarian Response:
  
  
  
  
• Permissive Response:
  
  
  
  
• Uninvolved Response:
  
  
  
  
• Most Effective & Why:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario Card 4: The Teenager's Friends

Scenario: Your 15-year-old teenager wants to spend an evening with a new group of friends you don't know much about, and they want to stay out later than your usual curfew.

• Authoritative Response:
  
  
  
  
• Authoritarian Response:
  
  
  
  
• Permissive Response:
  
  
  
  
• Uninvolved Response:
  
  
  
  
• Most Effective & Why:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario Card 5: The Messy Room

Scenario: Despite repeated requests, your 8-year-old's room is consistently messy, making it difficult to find things and creating a tripping hazard.

• Authoritative Response:
  
  
  
  
• Authoritarian Response:
  
  
  
  
• Permissive Response:
  
  
  
  
• Uninvolved Response:
  
  
  
  
• Most Effective & Why:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Cool-Down: My Parenting Takeaway

Before you leave today, take a moment to reflect on what resonated with you from our discussion on parenting styles.

Instructions:

1. Think about the different parenting styles we discussed.
2. Consider the activities and discussions we had.
3. Write down one key takeaway or one new insight you gained today.

My Key Takeaway/New Insight:

Optional: What is one small step you might try to implement in your parenting this week based on today's lesson?