Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that stretches us to the limits and fills our hearts with indescribable love. It is a journey that requires patience, resilience, and empathy. However, amidst the challenges that come with raising kids in contemporary society, our ultimate goal as parents remains: to raise happy and healthy children who will become responsible and respectable adults. To achieve this goal, experts recommend a shift in parenting from control to connection. This means prioritizing building healthy relationships with our children rather than simply enforcing rules and demanding obedience.

Let’s talk about theories in psychology that support this approach!

Attachment theory and self-determination theory both emphasize the importance of connection and autonomy in human relationships, particularly in the context of parent-child interactions. These theories suggest that healthy development requires a balance of both connection and
autonomy, with the goal of fostering secure attachment styles and promoting positive outcomes in various domains of life.

Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, posits that children have an innate need for attachment to a caregiver, and that the quality of that attachment can have a significant impact on their development. Bowlby identified four attachment styles: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized. Secure attachment is characterized by a strong emotional bond with a caregiver who is responsive and attuned to the child’s needs. Anxious-ambivalent attachment is marked by a lack of consistent responsiveness from the caregiver, which leads to anxiety and uncertainty in the child. Avoidant attachment is characterized by a lack of emotional responsiveness from the caregiver, leading the child to develop strategies to avoid emotional connection. Disorganized attachment arises from experiences of trauma or abuse, resulting in a lack of coherent coping strategies.

Parenting styles can also impact attachment style development. Authoritative parenting, which combines warmth and responsiveness with reasonable expectations for behavior, has been linked with secure attachment styles. Authoritarian parenting, which emphasizes control and obedience, has been linked with anxious-ambivalent attachment styles. Permissive parenting, which lacks clear boundaries and expectations, has been linked with avoidant attachment styles.

Self-determination theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, emphasizes the importance of autonomy and relatedness in motivation and well-being of the child. The theory suggests that individuals have innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and that satisfying these needs promotes optimal functioning. In the context of parent-child interactions, self-determination theory suggests that parents who foster their children’s autonomy and competence while maintaining a warm and supportive relationship can promote positive outcomes in various domains. 

Attachment style and parenting style can have significant impacts on a child’s development and outcomes in various domains. Here are some ways in which attachment and parenting can influence a child’s personality, emotionality, coping, and interpersonal relationships:

1. Personality: Attachment style can influence a child’s personality development, particularly in the areas of self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience. Children with secure attachment styles tend to have higher self-esteem, better emotional regulation, and greater resilience in the face of stress and adversity.

2. Emotionality: Attachment style can also impact a child’s emotional development. Children with insecure attachment styles may struggle with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depression, while those with secure attachment styles tend to have more positive emotional experiences and better emotional regulation.

3. Coping: Attachment style and parenting style can both impact a child’s coping strategies. Children with secure attachment styles tend to develop more effective coping strategies, such as seeking social support and problem-solving, while those with insecure attachment styles may rely on less effective strategies, such as avoidance or emotional suppression.

4. Interpersonal relationships: Attachment style and parenting style can significantly influence a child’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with others. Children with secure attachment styles tend to have more positive and satisfying relationships with others, while those with insecure attachment styles may struggle with trust, intimacy, and emotional connection.

When parents prioritize these needs in their child-rearing practices, they create an environment that fosters growth and development. This means allowing children to have choices and control over their lives, supporting their efforts to learn and develop new skills, and encouraging positive social interactions with peers and family members. By doing so, parents are providing a foundation for their children to develop into independent, competent, and socially connected individuals.

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize our children as unique individuals with their own emotions, thoughts, and needs. Understanding their underlying emotions and motivations and providing a safe space for them to express themselves helps them develop a secure attachment, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Focusing on their strengths and positive qualities enables them to build self-esteem and confidence, paving the way for healthy development and growth. By prioritizing these approaches, we create a nurturing environment that supports our children’s well-being and full potential.

Author: Shifa Maimunah