This Parenting Style Is Linked To Academic Success. Here’s Why.
- January 12, 2024
- 3:12 pm
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Consider this: Your 10-year-old daughter comes to you and says, “I don’t want to do my maths homework. It’s too hard, and I don’t like maths.”
Four possible responses that parents might have are:
– Permissive Parent: “Okay, if you don’t want to do your maths homework, that’s fine. You don’t have to do it if it makes you unhappy.”
– Neglectful Parent: “Do whatever you want. I don’t have time to deal with this right now.”
– Authoritarian Parent: “You will do your maths homework now because I said so. I don’t care if you like it or not, it’s your responsibility.”
– Authoritative Parent: “I understand that maths can be challenging and it’s okay to feel this way. Let’s sit down together and try the first few problems. I’m here to help you. It’s important to try your best, even when it’s hard. Learning how to tackle difficult tasks is a valuable skill.”
But, which among these is ideal? Which among these leads to better academic success and optimal career paths in children?
What Research Says About Parenting Styles & Academic Success
In 2009, Johns Hopkins University conducted a pivotal study to explore the influence of parenting styles on two key academic determinants: achievement motivation and self-efficacy among college students.
This study, including 264 undergraduates, revealed that supportive elements within parenting, especially seen in the authoritative style, play a crucial role in fostering academic success. In a separate study conducted in Lebanon, researchers discovered a positive correlation between authoritative parenting and improved academic performance, as well as heightened self-efficacy and intention in adolescents at a 6-month follow-up.
This research emphasised that self-efficacy and the intent to achieve good grades act as mediators in the relationship between authoritative parenting and academic success. It suggested that adolescents raised by authoritative parents tend to develop stronger belief in their own abilities and a heightened aspiration to excel academically. Further research delved into the impact of three facets of authoritative parenting – acceptance, psychological autonomy, and behavioural control – on school performance in children aged 10 to 16.
The findings from this study underscored that authoritative parenting not only accompanies but actively fosters academic success in adolescents. Each aspect of authoritative parenting was found to make a distinct, positive contribution to academic achievement. This beneficial influence of authoritative parenting on academic performance was also seen to be partially mediated by the promotion of healthy autonomy and a constructive psychological approach towards work and learning.
Adolescents who perceived their parents as being warm, democratic, and firm were more inclined to develop favourable attitudes toward their academic achievements, subsequently leading to enhanced performance in school.
Why Authoritative Parenting Succeeds
As child psychologist Francyne Zeltser notes, “Authoritative parents do set limits and expect their kids to behave responsibly, but they don’t just demand blind obedience. They communicate and reason with the child, which can help inspire cooperation and teach kids the reason behind the rules.”
Here’s why this works:
1) Balance of Expectation and Support: Clinical Psychologist Diana Baumrind pointed out that authoritative parents provide an ideal blend of expectation and support. They set high academic standards but also offer the necessary support and guidance, encouraging children to strive for excellence while knowing they have a safety net.
2) Development of Self-Efficacy and Independence: Authoritative parenting fosters a sense of self-efficacy and independence in children, according to psychologist Albert Bandura’s research. By involving children in decision-making and respecting their opinions, these parents help build their children’s confidence and autonomy, crucial traits for academic success.
3) Emotional Security and Attachment: A secure emotional environment is vital for learning. John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s attachment theory suggests that children raised by authoritative parents often develop a strong sense of attachment security, which translates into better focus and engagement in school.
4) Encouragement of Critical Thinking: Authoritative parents encourage open communication and critical thinking, according to Lev Vygotsky’s social development theory. This not only helps in developing problem-solving skills but also instils a love for learning, which is essential for academic success.
5) Positive Behavioural Patterns: Children of authoritative parents typically exhibit fewer behavioural problems. This discipline and respect for rules translate into better focus and dedication to studies.
6) Comprehensive Well-being and Success: Studies indicate that authoritative parenting is linked not only to better academic performance but also to overall well-being, including better mental and physical health. This holistic development is key to a child’s success in all areas of life, including academics.
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