The Most Controversial Parenting Methods
Anderson welcomes actress Mayim Bialik, who opens up about attachment parenting. In addition to this particular style of raising children, see what other parenting methods are creating controversy.
1. Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting is also called responsive parenting. Parents are responsive in every way to the needs of their child, and the child responds by forming a closer bond.
2. Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved parenting is close to complete neglect; these parents are neither demanding nor responsive, and they can even be rejecting in the most extreme situations, according to psychology professor Nancy Darling.
Uninvolved parents don't set rules for children, or offer emotional support or otherwise get involved in their children's lives.
Such parenting involves sometimes a complete surrender of discipline, in which case children have extreme freedom to govern themselves.
3. Permissive Parenting
Also known as indulgent parenting style, permissive parenting is when parents raise their kids without making any demands or setting any expectations. Parents often bond with their kids, but never teach them how to properly behave. The main effect of this style is kids will be more responsible with their actions and have the freedom to choose.
This style of parenting can also cause kids to become spoiled. Children are not given limits for their behavior in this type of parenting style. Parents turn all their love and attention to their children and don't correct any wrong behavior or even inform kids that what they're doing is wrong.
In this parenting style, parents are laid back and firmly believe that kids are given liberty to make their own decisions, and the parents should give them their utmost support.
4. 'Babywise'
A controversial book, "On Being Babywise," or better known as "Babywise," by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, caused quite a stir in the parenting community.
Gary Ezzo and his wife, Anne Marie, began teaching parenting classes at the church they attended and were initially successful.
This book and their 18-week workshop "Growing Kids God's Way," focused on putting the parental relationship as the important factor in the family unit, and warned against letting children come between the parents or interfering with the parents in any way.
The Ezzos believe that old saying about an idle hand being the devil's plaything, even when it comes to children, shunning the notion that free play is imperative to children's development and self-esteem. They say that children are welcome members of the family but are not to ever be the focus, nor should you befriend your children until they're adults.
5. Authoritative Parenting
An authoritative or democratic parenting style is based largely on the ideas of respect and balance among parents and children.
Authoritative parents are simultaneously demanding and responsive, assertive but not intrusive. They set high expectations and clear rules for children while providing affection and emotional support.
Their children are able to make choices within reasonable limits; this allows children freedom while teaching them responsibility for their choices.
6. 'Cry It Out' Method
The "cry it out method" teaches babies how to sleep through the night, but some parents and experts disagree. Advocates say there are better ways to help babies learn how to soothe themselves and sleep through the night.
This particular method is all about the parents' judgment call.
Some experts maintain:
1. Parents can not respond to every cry.
2. There has to be some moderation.
3. Don't get sucked into to responding to every cry or whimper.
On the other hand, intense crying isn't good for a baby's brain. Oxygen levels decrease and blood pressure increases during prolonged crying.
VISIT ANDERSON TO GET MORE ON PARENTING:
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