The Chat with Dr.

Dave
Therapeutic Thoughts of the Week

Treatment Planning for Parenting Problems: Psychoeducation on authoritarian, permissive,

and authoritative styles of parenting

A treatment plan in its most basic form is how the therapist intends on addressing a concern a
patient is bringing to therapy. For some of us who are developing treatment plans we may be
taking into account our theory of practice when developing the treatment plan that may also
guide the therapeutic interventions utilized to assist the patient in meeting their identified goals.
Many of us are providing some type of therapeutic support to the primary caregiving unit
(current placement) as well as supporting and working with the natural parents in hopes of
preparing the parent(s) for family reunification. A component of our work may generally involve
strengthening the parenting skills of the primary caregivers to meet the individualized needs of
the child(ren). A general behavioral definition for parenting problems may be viewed below.
Behavioral Definitions:
1.) Inability to elicit cooperative, appropriate behavior from children.
2.) Constant or frequent conflict with child(ren).
3.) Rigid, authoritarian style of enforcing obedience.
4.) A lack of consistent behavioral limits and follow-through with consequences
for misbehavior.
5.) Poor miscommunication and problem-solving skills.
6.) Feelings of helplessness and despair about parenting skills.
7.) Conflict between parents over methods and goals of parenting.
In our electronic medical record system (Valant) we have access to utilizing a treatment plan for
behavior modification that will lead the clinician in identifying ways to support the primary
caregiving unit in guiding them to elicit wanted behavior from their child(ren). The treatment
plan is a guide to assist the clinician as well as the primary caregiving unit and should be
modified to meet the individualized needs of the caregiver(s) as well as the child(ren). Providing
the following psychoeducation on the different styles of parenting may benefit the primary
caregiving unit to open their mind to considering different ways in how they approach
caregiving their child(ren).
Authoritarian:
During the 1960s, developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind described three different types of
parenting styles based on her researcher with preschool-age children. One of the main parenting
styles identified by Baumrind is known as the authoritarian parenting style. Authoritarian

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Therapeutic Thoughts of the Week
parents have high expectations of their children and have very strict rules that they expect to be
followed unconditionally. According to Baumrind, these parents "are obedience- and statusoriented, and expect their orders to be obeyed without explanation." People with this parenting
style often utilize punishment rather than discipline, but are not willing or able to explain the
reasoning behind their rules.
Characteristics:
Authoritarian parents:
1) Have strict rules and expectations.
2) Very demanding, but not responsive.
3) Dont express much warmth or nurturing.
4) Utilize punishments with little or no explanation.
5) Dont give children choices or options.
Effects:
The children of authoritarian parents:
1) Tend to associate obedience and success with love.
2) Some children display more aggressive behavior outside the home.
3) Others may act fearful or overly shy around others.
4) Often have lower self-esteem.
5) Have difficulty in social situations.
Permissive:
Based on her research with preschool-age children, developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind
described three major parenting styles. In later years, researchers would continue to investigate
the different styles of parenting and even add a fourth major style. Permissive parenting is one of
the original parenting styles described by Baumrind. Permissive parenting is sometimes known
as indulgent parenting. Parents who exhibit this style make relatively few demands upon their
children. Because these parents have low expectations for self-control and maturity, they rarely
discipline their children. According to Baumrind, permissive parents "are more responsive than
they are demanding. They are nontraditional and lenient, do not require mature behavior, allow
considerable self-regulation, and avoid confrontation."
Characteristics:
Permissive Parents:
1) Have few rules or standards of behavior.
2) When there are rules, they are often very inconsistent.
3) Are usually very nurturing and loving towards their kids.
4) Often seem more like a friend, rather than a parent.
5) May use bribery such as toys, gifts and food as a means to get child to behave.

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Therapeutic Thoughts of the Week
Effects:
Children raised by permissive parents may present with the following behavioral traits:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Lack self-discipline.
Sometimes have poor social skills.
May be self-involved and demanding.
May feel insecure due to the lack of boundaries and guidance.

Authoritative:
During the 1960s, developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind described three different types of
parenting styles based on her researcher with preschool-age children. One of the main parenting
styles identified by Baumrind is known as the authoritative parenting style. This style of
parenting is sometimes referred to as "democratic" and involves a child-centric approach in
which parents hold high expectations for their children.
Characteristics:
Authoritative parents:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Listen to their children

Encourage independence
Place limits, consequences and expectations on their children's behavior
Express warmth and nurturance
Allow children to express opinions
Encourage children to discuss options
Administer fair and consistent discipline

Effects:
Children raised by authoritative parents may present with some of the below behavioral
traits:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Tend to have a happier dispositions.

Have good emotional control and regulation.
Develop good social skills.
Are self-confident about their abilities to learn new skills.

This Dr. Daves Therapeutic Thoughts of the Week is brought to you to provoke reflection in
how each of us are thinking about our treatment planning pertaining to parental problems
and to be a resource tool and guide in providing psychoeducation to our primary caregivers
around different parenting styles.