- Written by Dr. Artyom Zinchenko
- Contributed by Dr. Wallace Panlilio
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In ancient Sparta, around 400 BC, a peculiar and extreme form of parenting was the norm. From the tender age of seven, Spartan boys were taken from their homes to live in military barracks. They were subjected to rigorous training and harsh discipline and were even encouraged to steal food to develop cunning. The Spartans believed this severe upbringing would produce the toughest, most obedient warriors. While this extreme approach did create formidable soldiers, it came at a great cost to individual development and familial bonds.
Thankfully, our ideas about parenting have evolved significantly since those ancient times. Yet, the question of how best to raise our children still looms large in the minds of parents worldwide. Should we lean towards strictness, emphasize caring, or aim for a balance between the two? Crucially, how do our parenting choices impact our children’s academic performance? These are the questions that many parents grapple with as they navigate the challenges of raising children in our complex modern world.
Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of ancient Sparta, we now understand that effective parenting is nuanced and multifaceted. While there’s no universal formula for perfect parenting, understanding different parenting styles and their potential impact on academic performance can help us make more informed decisions about raising our children. Let’s explore these styles and their effects, remembering that our goal isn’t to create perfect warriors but to nurture well-rounded, successful individuals.
A parenting style is how you interact with and raise your child daily. It’s shaped by your beliefs, values, and aspirations for your child’s future. Research has consistently shown that one’s parenting style can significantly influence a child’s emotional growth and academic performance. This doesn’t mean there’s a “perfect” way to parent, but rather that certain approaches tend to yield more positive outcomes regarding a child’s development and school success.
There are several recognized parenting styles, each with its characteristics and potential effects on a child’s academic performance. Authoritarian parenting, often described as strict, is characterized by high expectations and rigid rules, with little room for negotiation or explanation. While children raised in this environment might achieve good grades out of fear of punishment or a desire to please their parents, they may struggle with problem-solving skills and independence, which are crucial for long-term academic success. On the other hand, permissive parenting takes a more lenient approach, with few rules and lots of freedom given to the child. While this can foster creativity, children raised in very permissive households might struggle with self-discipline and following school rules, which can negatively impact their academic performance.
Neglectful parenting, characterized by little involvement in the child’s life and a lack of rules or affection, often leads to poor grades and behavior problems at school. Children raised in this environment may lack the support and guidance to develop good study habits and a positive attitude toward learning. In contrast, authoritative parenting, which balances clear rules with warmth and open communication, often leads to the best academic outcomes. This approach provides structure while also fostering independence and critical thinking skills, which are valuable in an academic setting.
Research consistently shows that the authoritative or balanced parenting style often leads to the best academic outcomes. This finding is supported by a meta-analysis conducted by Laura Squeri for her graduate thesis at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Tilburg University. Squeri analyzed 5 articles comprising 7 studies to explore the relationship between authoritative parenting and academic achievement. Her research revealed a significant positive effect of authoritative parenting—characterized by high responsiveness and demandingness—on academic performance. Specifically, the analysis found a moderate positive correlation between this parenting style and higher grades, such as GPA. This empirical evidence suggests that children raised by supportive yet demanding parents tend to perform better in school.
The effectiveness of the authoritative style can be attributed to its unique combination of structure and support that helps children thrive academically. With clear rules and expectations, children understand what’s expected of them both at home and in the classroom. The warmth and open communication characteristic of this style means that children feel supported and are more likely to ask for help when they need it, whether with schoolwork or other challenges. Moreover, encouraging independence and decision-making helps children become better problem-solvers, an invaluable skill in academic settings and beyond. These findings underscore the importance of balancing parental demands with emotional responsiveness to foster academic success in children.
To support your child’s academic success, regardless of your natural parenting style, there are several strategies you can employ. Showing genuine interest in your child’s schoolwork can increase their motivation to do well. This doesn’t mean you need to understand every subject they’re studying, but rather that you demonstrate curiosity about what they’re learning and offer support when needed. Creating a home environment conducive to learning is also crucial. This might involve setting aside a quiet space for studying or establishing routines that prioritize schoolwork. Regular communication with teachers can help you stay informed about your child’s progress and areas where they might need extra support.
It’s important to remember that every child is unique. The key is to balance setting rules and expectations and providing warmth and support that fits your family’s needs and values. This might involve adapting your approach as your child grows and their needs change. By understanding how your parenting style affects your child’s school performance, you can make informed choices to support their academic success. Remember, being a good parent isn’t about perfection but being present, supportive, and willing to adapt to your child’s changing needs. With patience, love, and a commitment to supporting your child’s education, you can help set them on the path to academic success and lifelong learning.
