Parenting Styles: Caucasian American Parenting

Caucasian American society embraces independence and emphasizes self-expression, personal uniqueness, and self sufficiency. Caucasian parents strive for their children to have a sense of autonomy so that they will gain the independence and assertiveness to make their own choices in their daily lives.

Three Parts of the Brain

The Rational Brain = “ The higher brain, also known as the ‘frontal lobes’ or the neocortex. It is on the frontal lobes of a child’s brain that emotionally responsive parenting has a dramatically positive impact”(Sunderland 2006). The functions and capacities of the rational brain include creativity and imagination, problem-solving, reasoning and reflection, self-awareness, kindness, empathy, and concern.

The Mammalian Brain = also known as the emotional brain or the lower brain. This part of the brain triggers strong emotions that need to be managed by the rational brain . The mammalian brain activates: rage, fear, separation distress, caring and nurturing, social bonding and playfulness. “ When a child is not given enough help with his intense lower brain feelings and primitive impulses, his brain may not develop the pathways to enable him to manage stressful situations effectively”(Sunderland 2006).

The Reptilian Brain = the deepest part of the brain that activates instinctive behavior related to survival and controls essential bodily functions required for sustaining life such as: hunger, digestion, breathing and fight or flight. Children can often be overwhelmed by powerful feelings without the capacity to control it without proper child-rearing.

Parenting Styles

Authoritarian Parenting = Authoritarian parenting is a child rearing approach that is characterized by clear rules, high standards, strict punishment, and little communication. Authoritarian parents display little warmth, are highly controlling, and they often insist that the child follow parents directions.

Permissive Parenting = Permissive parenting is a child rearing approach that is characterized by high amounts of nurturing and communication although this style lacks discipline and control. The permissive parent is both indulgent and passive and they often give in to the child’s wants and wishes. Permissive parents do not like to say no to their children and as a result, children are allowed to make many important decisions with out their parents input or opinion.

Authoritative Parenting = Authoritative parenting is a child rearing approach that is characterized by enforcing rules, setting limits yet still listening and taking the child’s viewpoint into account. Authoritative parents engage in open communication that consists of discussion and debate;although, ultimate decision making and responsibility lies with the parent.