Different parenting practices can be classified into many types based on educational approaches and the level and quality of support provided to children. It is important that although there are countless educational styles, most of the time our own style cannot be clearly classified into one or the other type. Science has been researching the different types for years, in this article we have collected the most frequently occurring versions. 

Authoritarian / dictatorial parent 

• What does it mean? An authoritarian parent sets strict, high expectations for their children and is characterized by little warmth and support. Such parents often use punishment to enforce the rules.
• Features:
  • Strict rules and high expectations
  • Little flexibility and warmth
  • Frequent punishment and discipline
  • Little explanation behind the rules
• How can you know yourself? If you often apply strict rules, give your children little room to make decisions, and prefer to solve problems with punishment, then you are probably an authoritarian parent.

An assertive parent

• What does it mean? A firm parent balances strictness with warmth. She sets high expectations, but at the same time supports and encourages her child. Such parents are open to communication and consider children's opinions.
• Features:
  • High expectations and clear rules
  • Warmth and support
  • Open communication
  • Balanced discipline
• How can you know yourself? If you set high expectations, but at the same time are open to your children's feelings and opinions and support them in making their own decisions, then you are a decisive parent.

Permissive parent 

• What does it mean? A permissive parent gives their child a lot of freedom, sets few rules, and rarely uses punishment. Such parents are very supportive and warm, but provide little structured guidance.
• Features:
  • Few rules and requirements
  • Great freedom for the child
  • Lots of warmth and support
  • Rare discipline
• How can you know yourself? If you rarely set rules, give your children a lot of freedom, and act more like a friend than a parent, then you are a permissive parent.

Indifferent / distant Parent 

• What does it mean? An indifferent parent pays little attention to their child, has no clear expectations and rules, and rarely provides support or warmth. Such parents are often emotionally and physically distant.
• Features:
  • Few rules and expectations
  • Minimal communication and interaction
  • Little warmth and support
  • Frequent emotional distance
• How can you know yourself? If you are rarely involved in your children's lives, pay little attention to education, and do not set rules, then you are an indifferent parent.

Laissez-faire parent

• What does it mean? Free-range parents give their children a lot of freedom and independence, allowing them to explore the world on their own and learn from their own experiences.
• Features:
  • Ensuring great freedom and independence
  • Little interference with daily activities
  • Support in developing independence and a sense of responsibility
• How can you know yourself? If you feel like your kids need to learn things on their own and you like to let them play or explore on their own, you're probably a freewheeling parent.

Helicopter parent 

• What does it mean? Helicopter parents constantly monitor their children's every move and constantly intervene to ensure their children's safety and success.
• Features:
  • Continuous supervision and intervention
  • Great attention is paid to the child's school performance and social relationships
  • Close emotional connection with the child
• How can you know yourself? If you frequently check on your children, intervene in their daily activities, and constantly monitor their progress, then you are probably a helicopter parent.

Snow plow parent 

• What does it mean? Snowplow parents remove all obstacles from their child's path to ensure success and a smooth life for them. They try to prevent or solve all problems instead of the child.
• Features:
  • Continuous problem and obstacle elimination
  • Strong control in all areas of the child's life
  • Great emphasis on the child's success and happiness
• How can you know yourself? If you often take over solving your children's problems and try to remove all obstacles from their path, you are probably a snowplow parent.

Lighthouse parent

• What does it mean? Lighthouse parents provide guidance and security while letting their children explore the world on their own. They are present and watch, but only intervene when necessary.
• Features:
  • Providing a safe and supportive environment
  • Flexible but firm guidelines
  • Supporting children's independence
• How can you know yourself? If you provide a safe and stable environment, but let your children explore the world on their own and learn from their experiences, then you are probably a lighthouse parent.

Bonding parent

• What does it mean? Attachment parents place great emphasis on emotional attachment and a close relationship with their children. Physical closeness and emotional support are considered important.
• Features:
  • Close emotional connection with the child
  • Frequent physical contact and closeness
  • A flexible and child-centered approach
• How can you know yourself? If you bond closely with your children, spend a lot of time with them, and value physical proximity, you are probably an attachment parent.

Tiger parent 

• What does it mean? Tiger parents have very high expectations for their children and work hard to ensure that the children succeed, especially in school and other competitive situations.
• Features:
  • High expectations and strict rules
  • Strong focus on academic and other achievement
  • Common criticisms and requirements
• How can you know yourself? If you have very high expectations for your children and strongly encourage them to perform, you are probably a tiger parent.

As parents, it is important to recognize which educational approach or which elements of it are characteristic of us and how they affect our children. Finding balance, open communication and support for children are key to growing into healthy, happy and confident adults. Recognizing our own parenting style and making adjustments as needed can help us better support our children's development and well-being. In the next 10 chapters, you will find useful details for each type of education.