PA R E N T I N G
Parents also model to imitate or identify with influencing
besides children’s self-esteem, academic achievement,
cognitive development (and behavior). Equally, ‘progress in emotional, social, regulatory and moral capacities are some remarkable gains achievable through an
informed parenting’, duly noted by Grover. It is becoming increasingly evident in research that early experiences are the building blocks for all later development
and that a vigilant parenting has a critical role to play for
children on individual level and for society as a whole. D.
Baumrind, conceptualized three styles of parenting: authoritative, authoritarian and permissive. Authoritative
parenting isn’t intrusive, sanctions children considerable
freedom, within reasonable limits. Children of this parenting style have a high level of self-esteem, adaptability, competence, internalized control, popularity with
peers and low levels of anti social behavior. In contrast,
authoritarian parenting is rigid, power assertive, harsh
and unresponsive to children. Dissatisfied, conflicted,
and an anxiety-ridden conduct is often found in children
of authoritarian parents. In spite of the permissive parenting’s reasonably affectionate relationship with children, excessively lax and inconsistent discipline, and
encouragement of the free expression of children’s impulses, it is related with the development of uncontrolled,
impulsive behavior in disciplining. In a fourth, uninvolved
or neglecting style, a little time and effort is put to interact with the child. Neglectful parenting is, thus, associated with a host of physical, intellectual and emotional
problems in children. Social class, wealth, culture and its
values, income along with the set of parental beliefs,
goals, and expectations inherent in one’s culture play a
strong and major role in determining the parenting style.
Parenting phenomenon may be universal, but parenting
behaviors vary across cultures. Most Western cultures,
for instance, place great value on authoritative parenting
and maladaptive parenting styles i.e. authoritarian and
permissive have generally been linked with problematic
outcomes and impact ranging from adjustment and social issues to pathologies like depression, anxiety and
low frustration tolerance. However, in Arab and Asian
cultures a more authoritarian parenting is still seen and
practiced. Western culture is more individualistic where
personal rights and autonomy are cherished. Children
are trained to be self-sufficient and independent and restrictions or control is perceived as an attack on the independence of the child. On the other hand, Asian cultures are more collectivistic and conforming to group
values e.g. family and community are given precedence
over individualistic needs. Studies carried out in different
Asian cultures like China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea
have also shown that control and strictness are not perceived as damaging but a sign of love, care and concern. Islamic cultures also emphasize the need to inculcate obedience in the children and it has been observed
that in Islamic countries authoritarian style is not associated with psychological problems. Authoritarian parenting is accepted by Arab youth e.g. majority of the Egyp-
tians favor ‘absolute submission’ to parents. Chao,
challenged the Baumrind typology, accentuated the difference between Asian and Western conception of parenting and theorized that optimal parenting is characterized by close involvement with the child, devotion and
willingness to make sacrifices for the child’s well being
and family control is seen as supportive. Respectively, in
Pakistan parents are considered to be totally responsible for their children’s upbringing and training. Not only
by the social norms but also by the religious teachings,
the duty of supervision and training is specified to mothers. Daughters in Pakistan, for instance, are controlled
and closely supervised till marriage. So, in a culture
where obedience is valued, tolerance for control and
domination is more likely to be greater. In addition to
cultural, social factors, religion has major impact on parenting practices; according to which parents are considered to be ‘second only to God’ resultantly obedience,
respect and submission to authority are cultivated. Parental authoritarian control and supervision seem to be
more normal and accepted in Pakistan as well, research
affirms. The paradigm of parenting in Pakistan requires
revamping; in the context of contemporary, nerve-racking, fast paced and digitized world clinching cultural
strands besides. To develop state-of-the-art parenting
awareness literature or syllabi through latest research
induction; to organize awareness programs at community level and in educational setups; to stretch social
consciousness about the children rights, parenting skills
and responsibilities at all government and non-government levels exploiting all modes of advert and media;
well thought out edification and training, also extending
counseling and support services for parents by the state,
are a few imperative rectifications to be ingrained and
kicked off into Pakistani parenting structure, to ensure a
healt