A recent study by two of Japan’s leading universities explored the relationship between parenting styles and children’s later achievements. The research categorized parenting styles into six groups: supportive, strict, indulgent, uninvolved, overly strict, and middle-of-the-road.
Results showed that children raised in “supportive” environments tended to attain higher income levels and educational attainment, while also feeling safer and happier than their peers from other groups.
Conducted by Kobe University and Doshisha University, in collaboration with the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI), the study surveyed 5,000 adults to gather data on aspects like “average salary,” “education level,” “sense of security,” and “happiness.”
Participants were then asked to reflect on their childhood and answer questions such as “Did your parents trust you?” and “Did your parents care about your emotions?”
The study concluded that the “supportive” parenting style was the most effective approach. Children raised in this environment tended to achieve the highest income and educational levels, while also experiencing greater safety and happiness compared to the other groups.
Following closely in second place was the “strict” parenting style. While children in this environment also attained relatively high income and education levels, they faced higher levels of anxiety and reported lower happiness than their supported peers.
The study found the “supportive” parenting style to be the most effective approach
The remaining parenting styles, including uninvolved, overly strict, and middle-of-the-road, did not lead to higher levels of happiness in adulthood. Notably, children with indulgent or overly strict parents struggled with feeling secure and happy and tended to have the lowest income and educational levels.
The distinction between “supportive” and “strict” parenting styles is clear, despite both involving caring and time investment.
“Strict” parents tend to exert more control, impose tighter rules, and demand compliance. In contrast, “supportive” parents provide children with freedom and encourage independence, fostering the development of their interests and hobbies.
The research highlights that the “supportive” style is considered the ideal approach to promote children’s holistic development. Parents should encourage their children to explore their abilities and interests while also trusting in their ability to be self-reliant. This not only fosters independence but also lays the foundation for future success and happiness.
Here are some strategies for parents to support their children’s development:
Create a Warm and Safe Environment
– Emotional Connection: Spend quality time with your children, expressing your love and care sincerely. This forges a strong bond and makes children feel valued and cherished.
– Active Listening: Pay attention and listen to what your children want to share. Understanding their emotions and thoughts builds trust and comfort, encouraging them to open up more freely.
– Safe Space: Ensure your children always feel safe and protected. When they feel secure, they are more likely to share their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment.
– Encourage Curiosity: Ask questions that spark curiosity and a sense of exploration. Encourage them to discover the world around them, fostering creative thinking and observational skills.
Spend quality time with your children, expressing your love and care
Emotional Education for Children
– Emotion Recognition: Guide children to recognize and categorize their emotions. This improves self-understanding and enhances emotional communication skills.
– Effective Emotion Management: Teach children healthy methods to release negative emotions. This equips them to handle stress and difficult emotions without harming themselves or others.
– Be a Role Model: Demonstrate positive emotional management yourself. Seeing your mature and calm reactions helps children learn appropriate emotional expressions and how to navigate various emotional situations.
Foster Children’s Independence
– Provide Opportunities: Instead of doing everything for them, give children the chance to take on tasks suited to their abilities. This empowers them to develop skills and boosts their confidence in their capabilities.
– Encourage Decision-Making: Create an environment where children can make their own choices and learn from the consequences. This cultivates independent thinking and a sense of initiative.
– Acknowledge Efforts: Remember to recognize and praise your children’s efforts, regardless of the outcome. This encourages them to keep trying and makes them feel valued and motivated for future endeavors.
Set Boundaries and Rules for Children
– Define Clear Rules: Help children understand acceptable and unacceptable behaviors by establishing specific rules. This provides guidance and clarity on behavioral boundaries.
– Explain the Reasoning: When setting rules, take the time to explain the rationale behind them. This deepens their understanding and increases their acceptance and cooperation in following the rules.
– Consistency is Key: Ensure that the established rules are consistently applied. Consistency creates a sense of security and stability in their environment, helping them understand when and where compliance is expected.
Help children understand acceptable behaviors by setting clear rules
Accompany Children in Their Learning Journey
– Design a Conducive Study Space: Create a quiet, well-lit, and organized study space for your children to focus. A comfortable learning environment encourages maximum thinking and creativity.
– Learn Together: Join your children in their learning journey by studying with them or helping them solve questions and problems. This improves their understanding and fosters a connection, making them more enthusiastic about learning.
– Foster a Reading Habit: Reading enhances vocabulary and knowledge. Encourage your children to choose interesting and age-appropriate books to develop their language skills and cultivate a love for learning.
Develop Children’s Social Skills
– Encourage Communication: Facilitate children’s participation in social activities with friends and family to enhance their communication skills. Teach them to express their emotions, thoughts, and opinions confidently.
– Teach Sharing and Collaboration: Guide children on the value of sharing and teamwork. Playing and sharing toys together nurtures friendships and teamwork skills.
– Conflict Resolution: Teach children peaceful conflict resolution skills. Help them recognize issues, listen to others’ perspectives, and find satisfactory solutions, fostering a positive approach to overcoming challenges together.
Every child is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Observing and understanding your child’s personality and needs is the best way to tailor social skill development methods for their individual growth.
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