Clearly, each has a contribution to creating the individuals that we are. The more important point to remember is that we cannot control the genetic makeup of our children, but we can control the environmental factors that might influence them. Have you ever thought about what your parenting style is and if it is helping your child to get the right opportunities to be the best version of themselves?

Here is a quick quiz for you to help identify your parenting style. Don’t worry, the responses and results are only for you to know.

Q1. Your son wants to start soccer classes, what do you do?

(a) You enroll him in a sports academy that has an alumnus of good performers and makes sure he does not miss out on any class.
(b) You ask him for further information and together go see a few places and then enroll.
(c) You buy him the entire soccer gear available and enroll him in the best academy in town
(d) You enroll him in a class closest to home so that he can manage the routine on his own.

Q2. You want to teach your child how to ride a bike. What all do you get?

(a) A bike tow bar that connects his bike to your bike, so that you can monitor and train
(b) A bike with training wheels, and you could run along if required
(c) A balance bike and all the safety gear required, better safe than sorry
(d) Any kind of balance bike should do.

Q3. Your child got the 3rd rank in his class for overall performance, what do you do?

(a) Congratulate him and find out about the top two performers and discuss how to do better next time.
(b) Celebrate by acknowledging his effort and getting him a treat
(c) Buy him the latest toy and announce it to all family and friends
(d) Congratulate him.

Q4. It is your daughter’s 10th birthday, what do you do?

(a) You know what your child likes, and have planned a party well in advance
(b) Your daughter shares her ideas with you, and you shop and organize a party keeping those things in mind together.
(c) You shower her with gifts in front of everyone at a large-scale party organized by you for her
(d) You have had a busy week, so you buy her a gift and cake.

Q5. Your child is not feeling well and does not want to go to school.

(a) You keep her home and check with the teachers about what she missed and make her catch up later at night
(b) You check for signs, and after observation keep her home and take her to the doctor if required.
(c) You keep her home and make her comfortable by indulging her with things she likes
(d) You give her medicine and send her to school. If she gets sicker the school will contact you.

Q6. Your teenage son wants a phone.

(a) Get him a phone as you can keep a tab on him now
(b) Agree but make his pitch in for monthly bills
(c) Buy the latest phone with all the accessories
(d) He has to wait till he reaches college

Q7. You go for a holiday with your family

(a) You have a pre-planned itinerary that involves activities for everyone that the family follows
(b) You have a list of must-do’s, but take each day as it comes
(c) Others decide what to do, and you follow
(d) You spend the day at the beach while the rest can carry on with what they want to do.

Q8. What does your child wear when they go for playtime at the park?

(a) Completely covered from head to toe, so as not to be bitten by mosquitoes or get scratched
(b) Comfortable clothes for easy movement with mosquito patches on them
(c) New outfits with a carry-along bag with water and snacks
(d) Whatever your child feels like

Q9. If there is a complaint from the school about your child’s misbehavior, what do you do?

(a) Reprimand your child in front of the teachers and later punish him or her
(b) Find out the details of the incident and address it privately with the school and your child separately
(c) It’s obviously the other person’s fault; your child can do no harm.
(d) Things like this happen in childhood so ignore them.

Q10. What are your expectations from your child?

(a) To be successful
(b) To be compassionate
(c) To be happy
(d) To be independent

Results:

If you scored mostly A’s on your responses then it means you have an Authoritarian Style of Parenting. This is mostly seen in adults who like to be in charge and confident in themselves in making choices. They avoid situations, which are ambiguous and prefer clear straightforward things. Due to their confident personality, they tend to instruct others, without providing any explanation. They also believe in hierarchy and hence do not like to be questioned. Hence this style of parenting is characterized by strictness and high expectations by the parents. Although the children might trust their parent’s choices, they feel a sense of lack of freedom to make their own choices. They might also become dependent on their parents instead of being self-reliant. The relationship between the child and parent can be described as controlling. Despite excelling maybe in academics or other activities, the effect on the child is that he or she grows up to be fearful, moody, aggressive, and has low self-esteem.

If you scored mostly B’s on your responses then it means you have an Authoritative Style of Parenting. This is mostly seen in adults who are open to other people’s views and thoughts. They have a global outlook on life, where everyone has a say. However, they can be assertive when they feel something is not right. This style of parenting is characterized by affection with assertiveness. Although the parents help children become more self-reliant, and make choices, they intervene and set boundaries when required. Hence, the children feel comfortable making their own choices, with appropriate support and direction from their parents. The relationship between the child and parent can be described as reciprocal. The effect on the child is that he or she grows up to be happy, successful, mature, and confident.

If you scored mostly C’s on your responses then it means you have a Permissive Style of Parenting. Adults who struggle with asserting themselves, and stating their opinion are known to display this style of parenting. They tend to avoid confrontational situations and please and appease people more to maintain peace. This style of parenting is characterized by a non-demanding lenient way of parenting. The children feel free to make their own choices with no restrictions. The relationship between the child and parent can be described as indulgent. The effect on the child is that he or she grows up to be insecure, demanding, self-involved, and aimless.

If you scored mostly D’s on your responses then it means you have an Uninvolved Style of Parenting. This style of parenting is characterized by an indifferent and detached attitude. Usually, the adults with this style of parenting, tend to be more involved in their own life experiences and events. They usually struggle with attending to other people’s emotional needs. They find emotions complex to comprehend and understand. Children of such parents feel their choices have no impact. The relationship between the child and parent can be described as rejective or neglectful. The effect on the child is that he or she grows up to be rude, unpredictable, anxious, and clingy.

Definitely, our parenting styles are linked to our personality traits. And these traits have been almost made permanent due to our past and present. But once we are aware of our strengths and weaknesses, we can use them to our advantage, and maybe mold some of these traits for the better. So with the answers to this quiz to know your parenting style, take time to reflect. Do you want to tweak your style? What small changes could you make?