There are many parenting styles that are part of a parent's toolbox, such as free-range, helicopter, authoritarian, snowplough, tiger style.
Each style uses a different tactic to raise children. However, parents seldom only use one tool when raising their children. More often, they use every tool at their disposal to get through.

Parenting styles

Authoritarian parenting assumes high standards for the child, but there is less responsiveness. Tiger parenting is very similar to this style. This style is often used as the last resort. For example, when a child throws a tantrum or is in a poor mood.

The authoritarian philosophy

Permissive parenting is where there are only a few rules placed on the children. Instead, parents are highly responsive to the needs of the child. A potential problem with this style is that parents don't require anything from the child, creating unrealistic expectations of how the world is. However, this style can be used occasionally for a treat.

The permissive philosophy

Helicopter parenting is about being very involved in your children's lives. However, overzealous helicopter patenting is when parents interfere with teachers or extracurricular activities and demand that their children are treated in a certain way. The overzealous version can be kept in line by checking in with friends first before flattening everything in your path.

The helicopter philosophy

Lighthouse parenting is about creating stability. Parents allow life to be experienced but are always visible and willing to help. For example, at bedtime, we talk about worries that cropped up in the day and chat about a manageable way to deal with them.

The lighthouse philosophy

This style is about raising children to become more independent and is an antidote to over-protective parenting. Free-range parenting allows children to become confident, self-sufficient and independent by letting them practice skills. For example, children can make and pack their own lunches as part of the morning routine.

The free-range philosophy

The closeness and responsiveness of attachment parenting is part of building trust with our babies in the early stages. This doesn't necessarily mean babywearing or co-sleeping, but these strategies can help in increasing responsiveness.

The attachment philosophy

Also known as lawnmower parenting, this parenting style refers to clearing all obstacles from the child's path. Snowplow parenting is helpful to clear just enough for a child to manage the rest by themselves.

The snowplow philosophy

I'm the kind of parent who will use whatever she needs to get the job done&mdash;whether that's a snowplow or helicopter, a lighthouse or a tiger. And I&rsquo;m sure I&rsquo;m not the only one.

The free-range philosophy

Similar ideas to The free-range philosophy

Parenting styles

1. Focus on Building the habit