Parenting Styles: Sub Types

Since we we talked about the main Parenting types last week, we can talk about the 6 Parenting subtypes and how they impact families.

Free-Range Parenting

Helicopter Parenting

Snowplow Parenting

Lighthouse Parenting

Attachment Parenting

Tiger Parenting

Free-Range Parenting

Free-Range Parenting used to get a lot of flack, parents who use this style were considered neglectful. However, at one time there was a whole generation of children who were raised this way. Generation X walked to and from school by themselves, they stayed out of the house as long as they could playing and hanging out with others without their parent’s interference. Recently, there has been a resurgence in this style, promoting children’s independence and self-sufficiency.

Helicopter Parenting

This is the antithesis of Free-Range Parenting. This parent tries to control ever aspect of their child’s life, they will consistently intervene to save their child from failures and drive them to successes. This need is typically driven by the parent’s own anxiety. Because of this, this can hinder their child’s ability to make decisions, problem solve on their own and may struggle to manage their own emotions.

Snowplow Parenting

These parents bend to the will of their children, often dropping everything to meet their needs (or demands). Typically, these parents have good indentions, wanting to make their children happy, however in doing so, they are also willing to “plow” down anything/anyone that gets in the way. This parenting style often promotes children to be reliant on others to fix/solve their problems for them.

Lighthouse Parenting 

The Lighthouse Parent is a pillar in their child’s life, they stand on the sidelines until their child comes to them for help. These parents help guide and support their children through their problems, rather than solving the problem for their children.

Attachment Parenting 

The parent who uses the Attached Parenting style is, just that attached to their children. They put the needs of their children first, which also includes being physically close to their children. These parents will often co-sleep with their children and have extended breastfeeding their children. There is a benefit for children with parents with this parenting style, language skills seem to be better with parents who are more responsive to their children. However, this style can be extremely demanding.

Tiger Parenting

Tiger Parents are strict and and expect their children’s obedience. This style has been associated with high anxiety in their children due to the consistent pressure from their parents to be perfect.