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Children do best with strict parents

Children are more likely to grow into well-adjusted adults if their parents are firm disciplinarians, say researchers from London Institute of Education.

Children are more likely to grow into well-adjusted adults if their parents are firm disciplinarians, say researchers from London's Institute of Education.

Traditional 'authoritative' parenting, combining high expectations of behaviour with warmth and sensitivity, leads to more 'competent' children. It is particularly important for girls, who can suffer from a lack of confidence and may turn to drugs if care is merely adequate.

The findings, from a Government funded study into parenting qualities, raise questions about whether parents leading hectic lifestyles need only be 'good enough'.

'Contrary to the notions of "good enough" parenting, a wealth of research indicates that better parenting leads to better adjusted, more competent children,' the report said.

'The notion of "good enough" parenting may seem ideal in today's hectic world, yet the reality is that "good enough" parents will most likely produce "good enough" children at best.

'Considering this, we need to provide support to parents to be more than just "good enough" to ensure that children are not at risk.'

The best parenting was characterised by high expectations that children would act with the maturity befitting their age. Supervision and discipline was also key, as was responsiveness to children's needs.

'Multiple studies have documented that children who have authoritative parents - that is, both firm disciplinarians and warm, receptive caregivers - are more competent than their peers at developmental periods, including pre-school, school age and adolescence,' said the report.

Story reported in the Daily Mail