Assessing The Effect of Parenting Styles on Child Development

Abstract

In today’s society, the shift to embrace modern parenting style is on the rise. In recent years, many approaches have emerged to fill this gap based on societal changes experienced in various parts of the world. Based on this, this dissertation focused on types of parenting styles appropriate in many family settings. The study largely assessed the effects of parenting styles on child development. Also, the study addressed changes taking place in the modern-day parenting. Attachment theory is one of the most popular and empirically grounded theories relating to parenting. The discussion between attachment and bonding was provided. The attachment theory was found appropriate for the study. The area of study was the Anglican Church, Kirinyaga Diocese (Kiaritha Parish) in Kirinyaga County. The study was conducted using survey design. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics for qualitative data, emerging patterns of the content analysis indicated that parents were presented thematically according to research objectives. The study also confirmed that clergy, teachers and other professions encounter challenges in handling pupils and students in various institutions due to parenting style. Those findings provide information to the parents in order for them to ensure that parents undergo counseling sessions on parenting style to improve on child development. The findings are beneficial to the parents who are directly responsible for taking care of the child. The study also made recommendations as to what the church should do to ensure that parents maintain a consistent nurturing of the child from birth through adolescence stage. The study found out that parenting style and attachment are related based on strong emotional and physical attachment parents have with their teenagers. The study also revealed that authoritative style of parenting is practiced in most households that have both parents. Parents also have huge expectations for their children by showing them what to do in deed and word. The study also discovered that parents keep focus on their child’s behavior through appreciation of their good acts is a fundamental aspect towards child development in the long run. The study recommended that parents should allocate quality time to bond with their children. This should involve activities such as supervising their homework, listening to them and encouraging them to join various clubs such as youth groups. Parents should supervise and monitor their children’s behavior and whereabouts. They should hold regular meetings to discuss challenges and issues affecting them as they mature to adulthood. Parents should communicate to their children clearly as a way of nourishing and developing them emotionally. This should incorporate disciplining them when they misbehave. Parents should have a close relationship with their children by allocating time to bond with them.