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Are you trying to find financial help for single mothers? Whether it’s you or someone you know, you can get help!

There are state-driven government assistance programs. There are also grants and scholarships, NGOs and charities, and many others to choose from! There’s a bunch of help and assistance given to single mothers and you should take advantage of all of them!

Content:

• Where Do I Get Financial Help For Single Mothers?
• Do All States Have Financial Assistance For Single Mothers?
• 11+ Options to Get Financial Help For Single Mothers
• Financial Planning and Budgeting Tips For Single Mothers
• FAQs

Where Do I Get Financial Help For Single Mothers?

I mean, being a mother is already hard – but being a single one? Saying that “it’s harder” is an understatement.

As a parent, I can say I’m aware of the financial difficulties that can often come with being a single mother. But don’t panic, there are ways you may look for financial assistance and grants in different places.

You can choose from various options! There are government-assisted programs, financial help for single mothers, scholarships and grants, childcare, and many more!

Do All States Have Financial Assistance For Single Mothers?

Absolutely. All states have some type of prepared allocation for the benefit of giving single mothers financial aid and assistance.

They have differences in terms of allocation and ruling, though. However, Lending Tree outlined the key data they gathered. As per their findings:  

• The worst states for single parents are the Midwest and South, Georgia, having the lowest score without family protections. Florida and Alabama rank as 2^nd and 3^rd for the worst (in no particular order).
• California is the best state for being a single mother/parent.
• Vermont and Massachusetts come next in the best states for being a single parent. They have a great child-care assistance income limit and a low cost of living.
• In Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota, the bigger chunk of single parents are men.

NOTE: Their findings also include a table of the states that aren’t offering protected time off for school events or paid family leave! Check them out!

11+ Options to Get Financial Help For Single Mothers

Now, let’s go to the core of this guide – the financial help options for single mothers in the U.S.!

Currently, there are a lot of options to try so you can live a life of comfort and convenience.

Debt.org noted that in the U.S., 23% of total children who are under the legal age, live with a single parent. It’s difficult, but we’re all fighters! So, let’s take a look at a few of our options!

Child Support and Legal Resources For Single Mothers

A resource you can look into would be legal resources and childcare programs. Some institutions offer assistance and help to single moms who aren’t earning enough to pay for childcare.

Goodwill

Goodwill is a charitable company that provides the community with useful services. They run thrift shops where you may buy reasonably priced stuff like food and other goods for your home.

Additionally, they offer career possibilities and job training, too! They assist people in developing their talents and achieving financial independence!

Childcare Assistance Programs

Childcare Assistance Programs, aka CCAP, are sets of programs that help single parents who are part of low-income families get cheap childcare.

They get it via their state’s education department. Depending on your income and the size of your family, you’ll be responsible for a set portion of the overall cost of childcare.

Here are examples from the South Dakota and Minnesota governments.

P.E.O Program For Continuing Education

Single mothers are eligible for a one-time award of up to $3,000. This is given as help to them in paying for necessities.

Being 24 months away from finishing a degree that leads to employment and having taken a gap owing to parenthood or educational disruption are requirements for eligibility.

Government Assistance Programs

The government is one of the entities you can lean on if you need help and assistance. Most, if not all have planned methodologies to help single mothers like you!

Out of the many options to go for, the following is what’s considered the widely-known and most went for.

Medicaid

Medicaid is this cheap-to-free health insurance from the state. It’s an offer to single mothers or parents, ensuring their children’s health and welfare are taken care of.

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)

It’s a program that provides financial aid to low-income families, especially single moms. They offer temporary food and cash assistance to eligible people.

Diversion Cash Assistance

The Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) is intended to provide short-term financial assistance to single parents or mothers who dealing with hardships.

Their assistance includes housing or utility bills, as well as the allowance to community resources for ongoing support.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Lastly, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is a USDA service that gives single moms assistance with food. Particularly to those part of the 130% poverty level.

Let us now go to the next part, which is the grants and scholarships offered to single moms!

Grants and Scholarships

Being a single mom is like being a superhero. That is why many private organizations and entities work to give their best assistance – one way is by giving grants and scholarships to single mothers.

The following are the programs you can consider:

Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a vibrant group that supports and promotes the careers of women in engineering. Approved applicants are given a strong professional community, mentorship opportunities, networking opportunities, and resources.

The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST)

The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) program is given to people who are experiencing physical, economical, or social conflicts.

ASIST is offered through the EWI or the Executive Women International, granting students a range of $2,000 and $10,000 for schooling.

Pell Grants

Lastly, Pell Grants. It provides undergraduate students with scholarships up to $6,495 for the 2021–2022 academic year based on their financial needs.

Whether you work full- or part-time affects the amount you receive. This award is a crucial source of financial help for school since, unlike loans, it has no payback requirements.

NOTE: The Department of Education doesn’t offer scholarship grants for single parents. However, you can contact your state to ask and inquire what you can get.

Nonprofit Organizations and Charities: Support For Single Mothers

Oftentimes, these nonprofit organizations and charities are geared towards assisting single mothers not in the form of money, but food, clothing, and education.

Single Mother Grants

A website that is overall offering all types of assistance to single mothers.

Whether you’re looking for information about schooling, housing, or childcare, you can use the site to connect with relevant financing possibilities.

Charities and Religious Organizations

Local initiatives for single moms, such as shelters, food pantries, and clothing help, are frequently the ones offered. Although there may be lower financial criteria, many services are similar to government programs.

However, if you apply for assistance from these groups, you’ll probably have to disclose information about your income.

Employment and Job Training Programs

And last but most definitely not least are job training and employment programs.

We all know how hardworking single moms are, especially in the fact that they’re single moms. So, there are tons of offers for them, too!

CareerOneStop

Providing thorough career information and resources, CareerOneStop is a useful online resource. It provides advice on creating a résumé, access to training programs, and wage information.

CareerOneStop can assist you in finding success whether you are pursuing a career, looking for work, or developing your skills.

SCORE

A nonprofit that offers free mentorship to small business owners. SCORE is a useful resource because it helps people navigate the difficulties of beginning and expanding a successful business.

They offer knowledge and assistance in fields. Their scopes include business planning, marketing, finance, and many more! Check them out!

Financial Planning and Budgeting Tips For Single Mothers

There are plenty of ways how you can be better, from a financial perspective, even if you are a single mother. Equifax outlines a few suggestions and tips for single parents in terms of budgeting:

• Try to save money, even little by little
• Track what you spend
• Try cutting on bills (saving on electricity, gas, and the internet)
• Plan your finances a few months in advance

FAQ

I know you may still have questions about it! Don’t worry! Here are a few of the most common ones!

The Bottom Line

There will never be a shortage of financial help for single mothers in the country. Whether it’s in the form of money or not, they can help in making your lives easier and lighter.

Tap on this guide and always feel free if you (or a person you know) ever need this information! 

In today’s time, too much screen time for kids is considered normal. However, the medical society thinks that it can have detrimental effects on the overall lives of children!

Experts and studies link too much screen time to a lot of negative effects to people, in general. These include irregular sleeping patterns, problems with behavior, impaired academic performance, obesity, and other physical problems.

Learn everything you need to know about “the dangers of lengthy screen time” before it’s too late!

Disclaimer 

Please note, this article is intended to provide general information on pregnancy and diet, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The article has been reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary modifications during pregnancy.

What is Meant By Screen Time?

Screen time, when you think about it, is literally what it is. The term “screen time,” in a nutshell, describes how much time we spend in front of screens, including those on our phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs.

Medline Plus said that this “time” is sedentary and is actually not good for physical health.

             Screen time is a sedentary task. This means, you are inactive physically where extremely limited energy is used.”

For children, it’s the same – the amount of time they use to look at their screens. The type of screen doesn’t matter, they are all considered screen time.

DID YOU KNOW: According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), American children who are eight to twelve years old spend between four to six hours of screen time per day. Teens use up to nine hours.

Is Too Much Screen Time For Kids Bad?

Too much of something is bad – even too much water is not recommended by experts. But, what about screen time?

Without a doubt, giving children too much screen time can have bad consequences. The short version is that excessive screen time has been associated with sleep issues. These include difficulty falling asleep or getting adequate rest, as well as being focused.

In addition to that, longer screen time might interfere with children’s developing eyes, putting strain on them.

The effect on their attention spans, which makes it more difficult for them to focus on activities, is another drawback.

To help you understand it further, let’s take a look at some of the negative effects of too much screen time in each aspect.

Physical Health Effects

Yes, there are negative physical effects of screen time. In children, these negative effects can develop further and even extend when they mature.

Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle

It’s not good news. According to research, youngsters who watch too much television tend to put on weight. They engage in less physical exercise as they spend more time sitting and staring at computers. Obesity may be a result of this lack of activity and probable improper nibbling while watching television.

BioMed Central’s study said that children with four or more hours of screen time are more likely to be overweight or obese. The Dove Medical Press said that in preschool children, the average screen time was 104.6 minutes and the obesity rate was 13.1%. What more for younger children?

Vision Problems

To add to that, prolonged screen time may also be risky for our children’s eyesight.

Studies and eye care specialists have clarified this. The bad news is that prolonged screen gazing can strain the eyes, leading to symptoms including dryness, irritation, and impaired vision.

The American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) estimates that 80% of kids and teenagers participate in screen-related activities for more than two hours per day.

Even nearsightedness, which causes distant things to look hazy, might result from it. Eye care professionals advise adhering to the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, glance away from the screen and concentrate on anything 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Cognitive and Mental Health Effects

Besides physicality, too much screen time can have adverse effects on the mental and cognitive abilities of children, too.

Sleep Problems and Disruptions

Children’s sleep patterns and quality might be affected by screen time before bed, which presents problems for their general wellbeing.

Our screens produce blue light. This can suppress the hormone melatonin. In case you didn’t know, melatonin is necessary for controlling sleep-wake cycles.

As a result, having access to screens right before bedtime might make it challenging for youngsters to get to sleep and stay asleep.

DID YOU KNOW: About 50 to 90 percent of school-aged children aren’t getting enough sleep because of excessive screen time – even before getting to bed.

Cognitive Development

And another would be the development of their cognitive skills and abilities tampered with because of these screens.

Overall, children’s cognitive development will suffer from excessive screen usage.

Studies and professional opinions draw attention to this issue. Why? Because their attention spans might deteriorate. This makes it more challenging for them to study and focus.

Face-to-face contacts are essential for the development of a person’s language and social abilities.

Behavioral and Social Effects

And lastly, too much exposure to screens can also have social and behavioral effects on kids. By this, we mean both during their younger years up to when they mature.

Lack of Social Skills

Too much screen time might – not really might, but will definitely – prevent kids from learning vital social skills. Kids miss out on important face-to-face connections and authentic social experiences when they spend too much time absorbed in screens.

According to Statista’s latest records, only a mere 53 percent of parents set limits on screen time. The other half didn’t – imagine how many children have bad social skills in the years to come.

Attention Problems

Children who spend too much time on screens have a higher risk of developing attention issues.

According to research, a lot of time spent on screens in early infancy and adolescence increases the risk of developing attention issues. There’s no age – it affects everyone! But, it’s easier to teach and correct youngsters than adults!

Overexposure to screens can overstimulate the brain. This makes it more difficult for kids to focus on other activities that call for long-term attention and mental effort.

The attending Pediatrician, Dr. Jennifer Cross of the New York-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital said it best.

             We speculate that screens may hinder some parts of a child’s development by focusing their attention and removing alternative avenues for exploration and learning.”

She adds that because of their comfortability, adjustments can be difficult, especially for parents.

What Are Some Guidelines For Screen Time For Kids?

Guidelines for screen time depend on the children’s age. The AAP set what the appropriate screen times are for certain age groups.

• 2 Years Old and Younger – Only when an adult is with them. Avoid leaving them with screens alone.
• Two to Five Years Old – One hour per day
• Five to Eight Years Old – Should be monitored. Will depend on situation and their likelihood of watching continuously
• Nine Years and Above – Must be talked about and controlled. Proper parenting is key!

How Do You Manage Too Much Screen Time For Kids?

Managing children’s excessive screen usage is crucial for their general wellbeing. Remember, balance is key! You are the parent – you should control how much your kid is consuming!

Setting Appropriate Limits

Decide on specific screen-time limits depending on your child’s age and requirements.

Preschoolers, for instance, could benefit from having no more than an hour of screen time each day. However, older kids can have a little bit more. You can use this as a reward system for them – but, still, don’t exaggerate on their screen time.

Encouraging Alternative Activities

Another technique is to encourage them to play outside! As kids, this will be enticing.

Allow them to be active as alternatives to screen time. Kids may stay active and lessen their dependence on devices by playing simple activities like tag, riding bikes, or going to the playground.

Raising Children explains how you can combine screen time and physical activity to encourage your baby! In summary, watch videos that you can physically visit, make it a reward system, watch sports, etc.

Creating Screen-Free Zones and Hours

Lastly, creating and establishing zones and hours where screens are strictly not allowed. Designate particular portions of your home as screen-free zones.

One example would be to encourage family engagement at mealtimes. Try and prohibit the use of screens at the dining table.

FAQs

In case you’re left with a few more questions, we looked and answered the most common ones for you!

What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Screen Time? 

Too much screen time will manifest one way or another. Because of the prolonged sight to radiation, some of the symptoms could include blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, stiff neck, neck and shoulder pain, among others.

What Are the Effects of Too Much Screen Time on Child Development? 

UNICEF said that prolonged screen time in children has adverse effects on child development. Bad social skills and inability to read faces are two of the most common.

Is Watching YouTube More Harmful Than Watching TV? 

Some might think they’re the same, when, in reality, they’re not. YouTube has been programmed to keep children clicking and watching because of what they see. So, generally, it is more harmful.

Can I Reduce My Child’s Screen Time?

Yes, you can! You can reduce your children’s screen time by taking control and by setting rules up when it comes to screen time.

Final Verdict

As parents, we just want the best for our children. And prolonged watching in front of screens may not have effects during the first few years, but, long-term they’re extremely detrimental.

The dangers of too much screen time for kids are crucial and vital to their overall development. 

The article has been reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN

You’ll find tons of positive reinforcement examples in different aspects of a person’s life. But, do you know what they’re for? Do you know its impact in a person’s overall day?

Giving a thumbs up, a high-five, cheering and clapping, verbal and non-verbal praising, and getting a reward are among the most common examples of positive reinforcement.

In this guide, you will learn everything about positive reinforcement deeply. We’ll uncover what they’re for, how they’re used, a few examples, and many more!

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Source: AllPsych.com

I know how you know what positive reinforcement is, by nature – you just can’t define it! Well, in a nutshell, positive reinforcement is the process of offering a pleasurable stimulus or reward in order to make it more likely that a desired behavior will recur in the future.

To understand it better, there are two components in positive reinforcement:

1. Behavior
2. Stimulus or Reward

The behavior is the component in which it’s acted, while the stimulus/reward is the component given as a result of the behavior.

What About Negative Reinforcement?

Most people would think that negative reinforcement is just the complete opposite of positive reinforcement. But, it’s not.

The idea behind it is similar to positive reinforcement, where a positive outcome is expected. However, there is no stimulus or reward proactively given. Instead, the elimination of an unpleasant stimulus immediately after the behavior increases the probability that it will happen again.

For example, parents complain and scold their children because their room is always dirty. The child will then always clean their room in order for their parents not to scold or complain any longer.

In other words, you’ll modify how you behave when the unpleasant or “negative” stimulus goes away.

Both positive and negative reinforcement was part of operant conditioning. It was an experiment done by B.F. Skinner in the 1930s, where he wanted to see how rats changed their behavior based on consequences.

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement: A Quick Comparison

I know how it’s a lot of information to take in and how it’s too complex to understand. So, we made a table that outlines their differences for you to understand it better and easier.

Types of Positive Reinforcement

Source: Behavior TLC

Psychologists and industry experts actually extended and developed a few different types of positive reinforcement. They did it to further classify and categorize behaviors and actions more specifically.

There are actually four different types of positive reinforcement:

• Tangible
• Natural
• Social
• Token

Tangible reinforcers are those that actually involve physical rewards to gain a desired behavior. They can be anything from sweets, money, toys, or other objects that seem “desirable.”

Natural reinforcers are the ones that have direct relation from a specific behavior. It can be studying hard and listening to your teachers to get higher grades and marks.

Let’s move to the next one, which is social reinforcers. From the term alone, these are reinforcers that involve any type of positive social remark. It may be verbal praise, remarks, or gestures.

Then, lastly, token reinforcers are those that are often given “in exchange” of the positive behavior. For instance, an employer may exempt and add one day off to an employee who always comes in 1 hour earlier before work.

What Are Some Positive Reinforcement Examples? Here’s Six That Work!

Positive reinforcement can be seen in many different aspects and areas in a person’s life. In parenting, these actions can be highly beneficial not only when it comes to the behavior of the child, but also in terms of their overall development.

A few of the general positive reinforcement examples are:

• Giving a thumbs up to your kid or child after a chore
• Giving praise to a work or a job well done
• A gentle, but recognizable tap on the back, following a difficult situation
• Non-verbal praising or showing of gratitude
• Giving a reward or a token for an action or a result of a behavior

Let’s take a look at some examples of positive reinforcement in different situations.

Positive Reinforcement Examples in Parenting

By encouraging desirable behavior, creating positive connections, and supporting healthy growth in children, positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in parenting.

Emma, a first-time mother, discussed how she used positive reinforcement on her 2-year-old. She asked the 2-year-old not to make a mess and gave him an apple slice if it happens. The toddler always cleans up after himself and does the effort automatically.

Generally, it involves both promotion and reinforcement constructive behaviors through the use of rewards and recognition:

• Parents can use a token system to reward children for desired behavior by giving them tokens or points. This can then be redeemed for goodies or privileges. For instance, a kid may accumulate tokens for doing chores. So, the child can use them to watch their preferred TV show or pick a family activity.
• When their kid demonstrates desirable behaviors, such as doing homework or sharing toys, parents can offer explicit and sincere praise. Saying something like, “Great job on finishing your homework on time! I appreciate your dedication and effort.”
• To encourage kids, parents might grant them extra privileges or rewards. Providing extra playtime or a modest reward, for instance, in exchange for regularly behaving responsibly or according to home rules.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF) 

As parents, you may find positive reinforcement tricky, especially if you’re new at it. So, we prepared three free positive psychology exercises! 

You can print it or you can use it digitally!

The Well-Being Thesis  

This exercise was designed to help parents increase positive reinforcement with their children. It tackles three (3) positive things, expressing gratitude, and the kindness journal. 

Download Here! 

Positive Psychology’s Three Positive Relationships

This next downloadable PDF is from Positive Psychology. It is a science-based, detailed set of exercises to help build healthy and meaningful relationships. 

Download Here! 

NOTE: Click Yes, Send me the pack and you’ll receive it via your email! Plus there are tons of surprises you’ll receive, too! 

Positive Psychology’s Growth Mindset Phrases For Children

And lastly, the Growth Mindset Phrases sheet. It’s a list of the words you must try to avoid using versus what you can say instead. 

Download Here! 

Positive Reinforcement Examples in the Classroom

In the classroom, positive reinforcement is an important tool. This may improve student engagement, motivation, and nurture academic success.

• Teachers and educators can give stars to students. This signifies that they have done an amazing job and that it’s acknowledged.
• The more formal route would be by providing documentation. It can give children a sense of satisfaction and encourage good conduct to recognize their achievements with diplomas, rewards, or class festivities. Awards for academic excellence, growth, or acts of charity fall under this category.
• Giving children vocal recognition for their efforts, accomplishments, and contributions. This can increase their drive and self-esteem. It may seem simple, but this goes a long way!

FAQs

Here are a few of the most unanswered questions about some of these positive reinforcement examples!

What Are Positive Verbal Reinforcement Examples

There are a lot! In fact, you’ll never have a shortage of what to use! Some examples would be I am proud of you, you’re the best, great job, very good, and many more! Whether you’re doing praise, recognition, feedback, encouragement, or affirmation, it’ll have a positive mark on your baby’s heart and mind.

What Are Positive Self Reinforcement Examples? 

Self-reinforcement often entails intrapersonal reinforcement. It could be like treating yourself to a good meal, buying or doing something you want, etc.  

What Are Positive Reinforcement Examples For Students?

Positive reinforcement in the academic setting varies by age. But to give you a few examples, you can do verbal recognition, token or award system, benefit exchange, and many more! You can say things like, perfect, excellent, well done, or give praise or recognition to their work.

Is Positive Reinforcement Better Than Punishment? 

Yes, positive reinforcement is generally seen as something better, more effective, and more efficient than punishment. This is because positive reinforcement helps build self-esteem, fosters a healthy relationship, and promotes the desired behavior in a more positive way. 

The Final Verdict

Out of the multiple positive reinforcement examples available, you’ll definitely be able to find one that will best suit your needs. Don’t over-exaggerate on what to do, though. Allow it to be natural because your child will feel it – adults will, too.

If ever you need help understanding positive reinforcement again, feel free to go back to this guide! 

Over the years, parenting styles moved from being research to a household term. In today’s time, it’s seen as part of the contributing factors to how children grow up.

The four primary parenting styles of parenting are: uninvolved, permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative. There is, however, a fifth one, over-involved, but it hasn’t been official yet. The four primary ones are still considered staples.

Today, we’ll give you the goggles to dive through what these parenting styles are. How are they important? What can they do with my child’s development? More importantly, can I do this for my growing baby?

Disclaimer 

Please note, this article is intended to provide general information on pregnancy and diet, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The article has been reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary modifications during pregnancy.

To start, let us first dive right in and uncover what a parenting style is, in the first place.

What Are Parenting Styles?

Source: BYJU’s Future School

Of course, we can’t just jump to it without defining it, right? In a nutshell, a parenting style is known as parents’ stream of attitude, behavior, and emotion toward their child. Diana Baumrind found these three main parenting styles back in the 1960s.

These were permissive, authoritative, and authoritarian. The fourth style was later added by John Martin and Eleanor Maccoby in the 1980s. We’ll get to that and talk about that later!  

What is the Importance of Parenting Styles

I know that a lot of parents usually ask it, but are parenting styles important?

In truth, yes, they are. In fact, parenting styles play a major role in a child’s progress. In addition, they have a lifetime impact on their overall personality and well-being. The is from the fact that these methods of parenting can impact children’s lives.

From behavior, emotional control, to general adaptability to their environment and overall well-being. According to studies, authoritative parents are most likely to raise the best children.

This parenting style teaches them to be socially competent, self-reliant, and independent, overall.

But, let’s not rely on that statistic alone! Let’s go ahead and take a look at the different parenting styles we know and see if they’re right for their children.

How Many Parenting Styles Are There?

Initially, only three parenting styles have been coined. Then, a fourth one came through and was added because they felt the need to define it based on how it had an impact on a child’s life.

However, a fifth style, from helicopter parenting (1969 from Dr. Haim Ginott’s book) was born. From his book, Between Parent and Teenager, over-involved parenting was seen as a possible addition to the styles. It has only been defined by Ann Dunnewold in 2007.

What Are the Five Parenting Styles?

Originally, there were just four parenting styles coined in the 1960s. Approaching the 70s and late 60s, a fifth style was introduced. So, let us thoroughly deep dive and look at the different types and styles of parenting!

Authoritarian Parenting

Source: Getty Images

Authoritarian parenting is known as one of the first, if not the first identified type of parenting. I mean, in most cultures, this is the common and most-used parenting style.

It is characterized by high levels of demandingness and low responsiveness. It involves strict rules, rigid expectations, and a focus on obedience and compliance from the child. In other words, in this parenting style, parents are extremely strict.

WebMD states that authoritarian parenting has certain effects and consequences on children. This style places parental authority and control over the child’s autonomy and individuality.

Clinical psychologist, Dr. Laura Markham, says that these parents are like military superiors.

Parents who are authoritarian are like military sergeants. They give commands and demand immediate, unquestioning obedience. They think youngsters should obey the rules without question or explanation.”

As a result, children might feel constrained. They could lack confidence, with low self-esteem. Based on studies, this could limit a child’s problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Authoritative Parenting

Source: Parents

Deemed as the best parenting type, authoritative parenting is the type of parenting all parents want to imitate.

By definition, it is a parenting style known by its high levels of response and demand. It shows parents being firm, but also being warm, helpful, and attentive to the child’s needs.

Dr. Baumrind, the world-renowned psychologist, coined and discovered the three main parenting styles. She also said that this is the style that fosters and nurtures children.

In a positive sense, authoritative parents are both demanding and responsive. This parenting style produces a pleasant and caring environment. Children may feel secure, respected, and understood easily. It also encourages healthy growth, self-esteem, and self-discipline.”

So, as a result, children are able to establish high standards while being given warmth and support. Furthermore, this parenting tactic provides the development that children need! We’re talking about things from communication and social to decision-making and problem-solving.

Permissive Parenting

Source: Only My Health

The next type of parenting is the permissive style. Parenting that is permissive is characterized by high levels of responsiveness but low levels of demands.

It entails having little restrictions or expectations for the child. All the while, being caring, indulgent, and understanding of their conduct.

Sometimes, overly caring. In other words, parents would respond to their children, but would lack discipline and strictness.

Lack of self-control, discipline, and problems with authoritative figures are few of the negative effects of this parenting type. It could also add to a feeling of entitlement and make it harder to deal with annoyance or hardship.

Dr. Laurence Steinberg said that this type of parenting is warm, convenient, and comfortable.

Warm and indulgent parents who are permissive are those that let their kids determine their own rules and decisions.”

Uninvolved Parenting

Source: Right For Education

And for the last traditional parenting type, neglectful or uninvolved parenting. It’s an approach known for being less demanding and responsive.

It’s not a great parenting tactic due to the lack of emotional investment and commitment. Along with those, it also doesn’t give much focus on the needs of the child.

Some parents might think of it as “honing and developing” the independence of their child. However, it’s done in the wrong way.

In turn, uninvolved parents may appear to be careless, uncaring, or concerned with their personal issues more than their child.

This leaves a huge gap in parental support and direction, resulting in negative development.

Dr. Jane Nelsen, Founder of Positive Discipline and renowned Psychologist says that uninvolved parents have detachments from their children’s needs.

Parents that aren’t involved are emotionally aloof and have no concern about the requirements of their children. They offer meager to no oversight or direction. Children who experience neglect, lack of support, and a sense of alienation from their caretakers may suffer severely as a result of this style.”

Ultimately, this style can have adverse effects on the child’s relationship-building skills. This will manifest and show when they mature and get older.

The Fifth Type: Over-Involved Parenting

Source: Ladders

This type of parenting, although hasn’t been observed as an official one (yet), is also known as a parenting type.

From what it’s called alone, this type of parenting is when parents are overly involved in their baby’s life.

The Washington State University says that it’s like taking over your child’s life, in general. Don’t take it the wrong way, though.

This parenting type can have the black or white side. On the plus side, children may benefit from this style. A loving and supportive atmosphere where their parents are actively involved in their lives.

From early child development to their scholastic advances, and even extra-curricular activities!

The negative implications of over-involved parenting, on the other hand, are causes for concern.

Because their parents have always been too engaged in their lives, children may struggle to acquire autonomy, self-confidence, and decision-making abilities.

Clark University Psychology Professor Dr. Wendy Grolnick said that this can alter their child’s natural development.

Overly engaged parents are so concerned with shielding their children from injury, disappointment, and failure that they don’t allow them to learn from their own experiences. As a result, these youngsters may grow too reliant on others and lack confidence in their ability to deal with situations.”

It is vital for parents to understand that not all parental participation is damaging. A healthy degree of parental support, direction, and involvement in the lives of a kid is beneficial, and can be pivotal to their adult lives.

How Do You Choose the Right Parenting Style?

Choosing the right parenting style is like choosing what to have for lunch – it’s complicated! Not all parenting styles are fit for everyone.

However, the authoritative style is what many consider as the best as it leads children to becoming independent, problem-solvers.

I mean, it’s kind of evident. Authoritarian parents either choose not to explain or find it hard to explain why they decide. The permissive style parents want their children to feel comfortable, sometimes leading to them being “too comfortable.” Uninvolved parents – you know that it’s outright bad. 

If we consider over-involved parenting, you’re stripping your child of their own decision-making and problem-solving skills. This is detrimental to their development and their ability to build relationships in the future. 

What are we left with? Authoritative parenting – the best parenting there is. Being this type of parent will help your kiddo be calm, relaxed, and disciplined. It doesn’t just come with that – you allow them to be positive and hone their critical-thinking skills, too! 

This is your call, though, you have the option to follow or not follow this parenting style if you think your child needs something else. However, choosing the parenting style that’s right for your kid is essential in making sure that they grow up and develop with a positive and upright attitude!

Authoritative Parenting Tips For Parents

Being an authoritative parent, contrary to what many people believe in, is not difficult. Well, it may not be as easy as it sounds, but at least, it’s not rocket science. 

In fact, there are a few techniques and strategies on how you can do it successfully. Set the tone of parenting for babies and younger children and allow them to develop in the best ways possible!

We’re lucky, Very Well Family gave a few tips and tricks in doing it! According to them, here’s how to successfully set your authoritative parent to your little angel.

NOTE: The information here has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ann-Louise T. Lockhart.

• Listen and Understand What Your Child Needs
• Validate Their Emotions. Avoid Invalidating What They Feel
• Consider Their Feelings, Too
• Establish Rules. Be Hard and Strict About It, But Explain Well
• Offer and Provide Incentives
• Allow Your Child to Make Their Own Choices, Even If They’re Little
• Encourage Self-Discipline. Refrain From Calming Your Child Down 100% of the Time
• Maintain a Great and Healthy Relationship With Your Child

NOTE: All of these things contribute to being an authoritative parent. However, you need to back it up with an explanation. This is for them to be self-aware and prepared.

What About Children With “Different or Special” Needs?

Parenting is such a colorful thing, especially if your child is in need of special care and assistance.

It’s not surprising that these children actually excelled and were boosted in both academic and social areas with the authoritative style or discipline. It means that the children were able to balance it out with their parents.

The More Restrictive Mode of Parenting

Woolfson and Grant were able to discover that parents of youngsters diagnosed to have developmental delays (DD) who are around three to five years old, who used the authoritative style that it was some type of moderating differences in groups of parental stress with some of the DD children’s parents.

In other words, this parenting style can be challenging for parents as the days go on because the demand increases by age. To sum it up, parents may be stressed when it comes to cooperating because the demand would not be substantially removed – it’ll tone down, but it’ll still be there.

Ultimately, several approaches have been tried and are currently being tried and tested to see and gauge how it can be of impact.

Don’t treat and look at parenting styles like how you would choose an order from a restaurant, it doesn’t work that way. You’ll want to be mindful of what you’re exhibiting because it will affect your child’s behavior. 

FAQs

If you’re still left confused and don’t know how to address it, don’t worry, we got you! Here are some of the most asked questions about parenting styles that are of importance!

What is the Most Ideal Parenting Style?

According to experts, authoritative parents are considered the best in terms of raising highly-independent, skillful, and social children. The reason why is because this style allows their kids to commit mistakes and learn from them. However, that doesn’t erase their feeling of their parents’ support.

Can Cultural Differences Affect Parenting Styles?

Absolutely. Differences in terms of culture have huge effects on how parents raise their children. Ethnic ideas, values, conventions, and traditions impact parenting behaviors, which vary between nations and ethnic groups. Cultural factors can impact the expectations put on children. This could be with the amount of autonomy, independence, disciplinary tactics utilized, and parenting objectives.

What Are the Baumrind Parenting Styles?

These are the four parenting styles that we are aware of. Don’t confuse yourself – the Baumrind name is just the recognition of the psychologist who founded and coined these.

Final Verdict

Out of the many different parenting styles you can do, which one do you think fits you and your baby? Remember, whichever you choose, your little munchkin will react to it – and they will carry it until they grow up and develop.

Overall, being an authoritative parent is the way to go. It is what many psychologists recommend. Why? Because it was the one that reflected the best, most independent, and most outstanding individuals. If you’re still unsure of your parenting style, check this out!

So, it’s best to choose the parenting style that will both educate, teach, and nurture your little angels altogether

The psychological effects of divorce on children have always been overlooked and people always say they won’t remember it. But no, they’re wrong.

Some of the adverse effects that divorce has on children include poor academic performance, difficulty in adapting, relationship issues, changes in habits, and even loss of social activity. There’s more and it should never be overlooked.

In this article, we will be discussing the different short and long-term psychological effects of divorce on children, a guide on coping, and other questions related to it, too!

Disclaimer 

Please note, this article is intended to provide general information on pregnancy and diet, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The article has been reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary modifications during pregnancy.

What Are The Psychological And Emotional Effects Of Divorce On Children?

Divorce is something that’s painful not only for the people involved, but also for the children. Whether or not your child is aware of what’s happening, it can take a toll on their overall lives and development.

For us to tackle this better and more sensibly, let’s try and categorize them in such a way that parents will understand.

Babies and Younger Children (Before School-Age)

Divorce can have a variety of consequences for children. Younger children may experience separation anxiety, fear of abandonment, and bewilderment when their family structure changes.

As they try to cope with their feelings, infants may display regressive behaviors such as bedwetting or increased clinginess.

World Psychiatry Journal took this with seriousness. As per cumulative findings, a child’s risk in certain life difficulties is increased.

             As per studies, parental separation heightens the likelihood of both child and adolescent adjustment problems. This can include academic challenges like poorer grades and dropping out of school; disruptive behaviors like misconduct and drug use problems; and depression.”

School-Aged Children

Moving forward, children who are in the right minds to understand what’s happening can also be affected unfavorably. Children in this age range may experience despair, rage, and a sense of loss.

In fact, they may feel guilty if they blame themselves for their parents’ divorce even though they really don’t have anything to do with it.

Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN medically reviewed on Healthline some of the effects of separation and the child being aware of it. Healthline says that anger is common in this age, but it can be boosted by the emotion that they’re receiving.

Anger may erupt at any age, but it is most prevalent among school-aged children and teenagers. These emotions might result from feelings of desertion or lack of control. Some children may even be angry at themselves for their parents’ divorce.”

Adolescents

And lastly would be adolescents – those who are entirely aware of what’s happening. I mean, I’ve seen and witnessed cases like this and I can say that they are good in hiding that “they don’t care.” In reality, they’re severely affected by it.

Teenagers frequently go through tremendous emotional turbulence after divorce, dealing with a variety of feelings such as anger, animosity, and sadness. They may also exhibit behavioral issues, academic challenges, and engage in dangerous actions to cope.

Here’s a video that briefly outlines the possible effects of divorce on children.

Are There Mental and Psychological Effects of Divorce on Children?

Our body is like a highway – everything in it is almost interconnected and linked, one way or another. Whatever we think of manifests physically; it’s the same thing with divorce – it can trigger a mental response to think of things, and at the same time, a psychological one, too.

Poor Academic Performance

One of the things that can take a toll would be their interest and engagement in academics. It’s common knowledge that the academic achievement of children of divorced parents may suffer. It can manifest in many ways like them not going to school, poor performance, bad relationships with people, etc.

This is due to emotional upheaval and changes in their life, which might impair their ability to concentrate and focus on their schoolwork.

Loss of Interest in Social Activity

Parents might not see it, but this action may actually lead to the child losing interest in engaging with others. Divorce might cause children to lose interest in social activities.

What could happen is that they may retreat from social contacts because of embarrassment, humiliation, or a sense of being different from their peers.

Brian M. D’Onofrio, Ph.D., says that this feeling can cause a magnitude of pain in them that it can have negative effects on their social lives.

             Recognizing the degree of these issues, as well as the causative mechanisms through which divorce effects these conducts, has major social impacts.”

Difficulty Adapting to Change

It may seem unrelated, but it is. As with many of the effects, it wouldn’t have a direct, concrete line of understanding. Divorce causes major changes in a child’s life. This may or (may not) include relocation or changes in family routines.

Furthermore, these disturbances can make it complex for children to adjust and cope with new situations.  This is what leads them to heightened anxiety and stress, overall.

Emotionally Sensitive

Children of divorce may exhibit increased emotional sensitivity. Because of the disruption in their family life, they may be more prone to acute melancholy, worry, or dread. The effect, however, will depend on the age range of the child.

Mediate said that kids experience the most discomfort while teenagers’ reactions would mostly be anger and resentment.

Children are the ones that suffer the most as a result of their parents’ divorce. Children in middle school frequently assume that their parents’ divorce is their fault. Teenagers typically comprehend what is going on, and their most common reaction is rage. The divorce is interfering with their everyday lives, which fuels their wrath.”

Anger/Irritability

This unwanted separation can also cause children to become irritable and angry. They may target their rage onto their parents or other family members, resulting in squabbles and strained relationships.

Not just that, but their peers as well. They may find it difficult to build relationships because of it.

Feelings of Guilt

Even though they are not to blame for their parents’ divorce, children frequently feel bad about it. Guilt has this detrimental influence on children’s self-esteem and general psychological well-being. And it’s not something that just lingers around – they may take it further and have this feeling until they grow older.

Relationship & Attachment Issues

Following anger and irritability, separation can take a huge toll on a child’s way of building relationships. Due to what they’ve experienced, they may find it extremely difficult to cope and to attach themselves to others.

Divorce can have an impact on a child’s capacity to build and maintain healthy connections. They may suffer with trust issues, abandonment anxiety – overall, difficulties building their own relationships.

Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits

And last but most definitely not least would be the changes and the hardships they’ll encounter for themselves – eating and sleeping.

Divorce-related distress might interfere with a child’s feeding and sleeping habits. They can experience changes regarding their appetite, such as lack of appetite or emotional eating, as well as difficulties falling asleep or restlessness.

These are all the different changes and adjustments that children go through with divorce. It’s not as easy as you think. So, if you are a parent, you’ll want to be there for your child in order for them to work and get past it.

What Are the Effects of Divorce on a 3-Year-Old Child?

Why a 3-year-old child? Well, the third year of a baby’s development is when most of the things developing become crucial. They really won’t know what’s happening, but not seeing familiar faces will be one of the biggest obstacles for them.

Here’s a quick video from St. Louis Children’s Hospital that tackles the management of the effects of divorce on kiddos.

In case you didn’t know about it, babies can actually exhibit emotional trauma. They deal with it in quite a few ways, including, but not limited to:

• Bed Wetting
• Speech Delays and Problems
• Thumb-Sucking
• Withdrawal
• Sleeping Problems
• More Crying or Wailing Than the Usual
• And Others More

We did a couple of interviews with peers about this who we knew weren’t sensitive about it. We approached Lisa, our graphics designer, who claimed to have experienced her parent’s divorce when she was three years old. According to her, she has gone through the toughest of times – she would not eat, she would rarely sleep, and she wouldn’t talk in class. 

Luckily, her stepdad came in and helped her cope with the situation – he was also the reason why she didn’t feel any type of resentment from her father. 

Another would be Marko, our virtual assistant, a 32-year-old male, now living with his family. He said that he was also three (3 and a half, to be exact) when his parents decided to divorce. He said that since then, he never spoke to his father again – he would show up at least once a year, some he even missed. 

Unfortunately, his biological father passed away when he was 17 years old. He grieved for a moment, but then realized how he did not help him cope. Thanks to his grandparents, he was able to cope with it pretty smoothly. 

Can You Explain Divorce to a Toddler?

The question that many people want to ask is this: would it be possible for a toddler to understand divorce? The answer is yes, you actually can.

It’s possible for parents to let their babies know that the bond needs to drift away, somehow. Breaking the news is heartbreaking, but it needs to be done – this is the first step in helping your little munchkin cope with the situation.

Child Mind Institute Psychologist, Jamie Howard, Ph.D., suggests a sit-down talk from both parents explaining the situation and what would go forth.

This is a moment when children want reassurance, and the best way to do so is to demonstrate to your children that you are still on the same side when it comes to parenting. Make them feel the “we’ve got this” feeling even if it’s untrue.”

Are There Positive Effects of Divorce on Children?

Yes, there are ways in which divorce can help a child with their life. The Divorce Surgery UK says that children who were unfortunate enough to suffer through their parents’ divorce can:

• Learn excellent conflict resolution skills
• They get to spend more intimate time with each parent
• They tend to be more resilient and adaptable to the environment they will be in
• Better management of time due to co-parenting

It’s not something that’s “making yourself feel better” type of vibe, but these have been the things observed by experts and doctors regarding this particular scenario.

How Do You Help a Child Cope With a Divorce?

Helping a child cope with a divorce may seem unnatural. However, it’s one of the few things that you, as parents, can do to allow your child to grow and develop without having to think of divorce as “bad.”

The Cleveland Clinic, partnered with Pediatrician Heather Sever, D.O., explains that parents going through a rough period don’t have to include their child in it.

Children, regardless of age, notice when their parents are going through a tough period. While children show their stress in different ways at different ages, it is critical for parents to be as open and honest as possible, especially in stressful situations.”

With this, they gave a few points and outlines about co-parenting tips and strategies, as well as the best coping techniques parents can do.

Stay Involved In Their Lives!

Many parents look at divorce as a “free pass” from their children. Don’t be like that – don’t make it that way. As much as possible, stay involved with what’s happening with your children.

Make them feel like you love them and that you care about them even after the situation.

Further Emotional Support

Children want emotional support and confirmation that the divorce is not their fault and that they are unconditionally loved.

Encourage them to express their emotions and provide a comfortable environment for open dialogues. Moreover, give validation to their feelings and provide a sense of empathy and comfort.

Avoid Bad Mouthing

If you make negative remarks about the other parent, your child will feel compelled to agree with you. This is where the “choose sides” idea comes from. Refrain from pointing the finger at the other parent. Instead, build them up and make your child feel like nothing has changed!

Maintenance and Consistency

Try to create a regular schedule for your child to offer stability and a sense of security.

This can include consistency in daily activities, mealtimes, and sleep rituals. Doing this religiously can tremendously aid in their adjustment to the changes – they might not even feel like divorce is a bad thing while they’re young!

Honest Communication

Children deserve to hear the facts about why you are divorcing, but it must be simplified. Prepare ahead of time and carefully transmit facts.

Tell them while you are together, if possible. Attempt to explain the changes coming, especially in living arrangements, activities, and school routines, and others.

Counseling and Professional Assistance

Last but most definitely not least is to try and seek help. Some children will take this lightly, while others won’t – no matter how hard you try. Should this be the case for you, seek help from a therapist or a counselor. What this does is provide that extra reassurance to your child that everything is fine.

FAQs

I know you have a few questions in mind related to it. So, we gathered and answered the most commonly asked questions about it so you don’t have to!

How Does Divorce Affect A Child’s Self-Esteem?

Divorce has a ton of effects on the child, and self-esteem is one of those. The breakdown of the family unit, as well as the changes that come with divorce, can put a child’s feeling of security, belonging, and personal identity at risk. Some youngsters may be resilient and adaptable, but others may be more prone to the negative consequences.

How Does Divorce Affect My Child’s Personality?

Personality-wise, it can affect how your youngster views relationship-building and how to interact and engage with people. However, it will depend on how you, as parents, handle it and the things that you do in order for them to cope with the necessary adjustments.

What Are The 5 Stages Of Divorce Grief For Children?

In simple terms, the five stages of divorce grief that children go through are: (1) denial, (2) anger, (3) bargaining, (4) depression, and (5) acceptance. Most parents don’t actually think about it – they rarely care, but this is what they typically go through.

Final Verdict

I was one of the victims of the people who didn’t think that there are no psychological effects of divorce on children. I was wrong. Living a healthy life also includes maintaining inter and intra-personal relationships with the people close to you.

So, to say that there are no effects is pure negligence. There are mental, emotional, psychological effects on children – and they should never be overlooked.