“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” 3 John 1:4
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24
Although no one teaches us how to be parents, we can learn a parenting style that allows us to develop healthy children, that unfolds their full potential and that leads our children to a successful life in this very complex time.
In this third session we will be talking about a parenting style called democratic. This is characterized by putting clear and specific limits on children according to the age of each child, their independence is respected and emotional development is encouraged, because establishing fair disciplinary rules, together with a loving and warm attitude will help them to see the consequences of their mistakes, since in this model parents explain to their children what they expect from them, and try to teach them in each situation, which allows them to learn and make decisions about the right path to follow.
The way these parents lead is by taking into account the feelings of their children. They are not seeking to control or demand a single outcome; they are parents self-aware of their authority and they exercise it with patience and clarity. Unlike authoritarian parents, who are insecure, and they exercise control through threats, shouting and punishments, because they always need to be in control.
Children with democratic parents feel supported and accepted, confident to communicate their needs and problems, and to accept their responsibilities, for example, picking up their toys after playing, keeping their things, organized, etc.
Democratic parents do not overprotect their children to make them feel free from senseless fears, this allows them to feel secure, have a firm and personal confidence, they develop an adequate self-esteem that leads them to be mature, happy, optimistic, and face problems firmly. Also, they are friendly, sociable, relate well with their peers, are affectionate, independent, competent and skilled in social relationships.
Usually the children of parents who exhibit the democratic style of parenting manage to have a better state of well-being in their personal relationships, how they manage their emotions and decision-making, learn faster and manage to develop leadership traits because they know how to relate with others successfully. They like to know more about God and are healthier adults.
This tells us that the parenting style has a direct impact on the future life of the children, and although parenting styles are not usually found to be perfectly modeled in any family, it is important to know what the predominant style is in your family.
May God help you in all you undertake to do today.
Dr. Miguel and Irene Garita Ministerio Cuidado Familiar Iglesia del Nazareno, Mesoamerica Region.
