I selected my mother as a parental figure because she had the most influence on me while growing up.
The parenting style she mostly displayed is Authoritarian based on the high expectations in terms of social values and academic achievement she had for me. For example, when I came home from school, the first thing I had to do is finish homework because I had the tendency to forget it. I also remember she insisted that when I went out to play, I had to inform someone where I was going, carry a sweater, and return home by five o’clock, and failure to do so I would be punished. Sometimes she used threats to keep me in line when I became too stubborn, and even though she never used them, I would always obey
to avert it.I believe my mother’s parenting style played a significant role in how I turned out to be. I have grown up to be an independent and responsible person. I am very cautious about what is expected of me and acceptable. Before I engage myself in any risky situations, I have to think twice about what would be the consequence of my actions. I am also competent in my academic field and do not need anyone to dictate to me when it’s time to have fun or study. I am also goal orientated and always plan ahead on what I want to do
in the future.However, I feel this parenting style was not ideal. I remember during my early teenage years, I started to rebel against both her and my father because I felt they were treating me harshly than my friends’ parents. I would intentionally ignore her rules, hoping to make her change her mind. My father was lenient and would always intervene when the situation went out of hand. I also think her parenting affected me in that in case of an intense argument with someone, I always give in fast as I hate confrontations and to wrong others in the process.
One aspect I liked about my mother’s parenting style is that she always encouraged responsibility. For every action I did, there had to be consequences, including punishment. I liked that whenever I did something right, she would reward me in various ways. This encouraged me to strive to do what she considered to be right. The same way I would love for my children to grow up knowing what is expected of them in certain situations.
What is did not like about her parenting style is that she was the final say. When her mind was made up, it was so hard to convince her otherwise. I hated that I could not air my views on what I considered did not make sense. For my potential future children, I would always explain my reason behind certain decisions and allow negotiation in situations that I see they make sense.