Authoritarian parenting negatively impacts children, study finds

A recent study indicates that authoritarian parenting can lead to anxiety in children. Researchers are advising parents to strike a balance between discipline and rewards to prevent the development of anxiety and other behavioral issues.

The study, conducted by Wofoo Community Service Network from April to June, surveyed over 1,000 senior primary school students. The findings revealed that children are particularly distressed by phrases such as "I will count to three, three, two, one," and "How many times do I have to tell you?"

According to the research team, authoritarian parents often issue commands to their children, which can predispose them to anxiety or cause them to become more withdrawn.

Researchers recommend that parents balance rewards and punishments and make an effort to understand the reasons behind their children's actions. They also suggest that parents should patiently and clearly instill correct values in their children.

An expert cited an example regarding homework completion: instead of threatening children with the loss of playtime if they fail to finish their work, parents should encourage them by saying that completing their work swiftly will allow them more time to play.

Additionally, when children perform well, they should be praised and rewarded to reinforce good behavior. However, parents must ensure that rewards do not lead children to overlook the reasons behind their actions.

Experts also warn against comparing children to others, as it can diminish their self-esteem and confidence. Instead, they advocate for a nurturing environment where children can develop their strengths, surpass their own achievements, and strive for continual progress.