Cultural background gives kids a sense of who they are in their lives. Kids respond to unique cultural influences from birth concerning their language, religion, customs, and beliefs. These cultural influences affect how they develop emotionally, socially, and physically.

Defining parenting in each culture is also challenging since many factors and environmental variables shape parents' thinking. Each culture has its own attitudes, rules, and languages. Shaping parental styles and goals is greatly influenced by culture.

Cultural influences are such a powerful indicator of kids' future well-being parents and those who work with children need to understand the cultural influences on kids' development. The impact of culture on parenting styles helps parents shape their kids' growth and learning.

What are parental styles?

These constructs describe the different strategies parents or guardians use when raising kids. The styles contain parents’ behaviors and attitudes and the emotional environment in which they raise their kids.

Types of parenting styles

There are four parenting styles, each affecting a kid’s behavior. They include;

• The authoritarian parenting style

In an authoritarian parenting style, kids are expected to follow the strict rules established by the parents. Parents expect their kids to behave exceptionally and avoid errors even though they provide little direction about what they should do in the future.

• The authoritative parenting style

Authoritative parenting style is when parents establish rules and guidelines that their kids are expected to follow. Parents expect a lot of their kids, but they provide warmth, feedback, and adequate support.  Authoritative parenting provides love and care as parent use simple general ways to direct and discipline their children

• The permissive parenting style

In a permissive parenting style, parents make few demands on their kids. The parenting setting doesn’t offer particular discipline formula the children. Here parent allow their kids to make their own decisions as they grows up.

• The uninvolved parenting style

In the uninvolved parenting style, parents have few demands, low responsiveness, and very little communication. They ensure their children are fed and have shelter but offer little to nothing regarding guidance, structure, rules, and support.

Impact of culture on parenting styles

A kid’s upbringing, education, discipline, and the overall function of parents in a child’s life are all viewed differently in different cultures. Here are some impacts of culture on parenting styles. They include;

• Parent kid connection

The assent placed on the parent-child connection depends on culture. Cultivating independence and self-reliance from age is given more benefits in other cultures.

• Discipline and behavioral expectations

The discipline and behaviors of kids depend on parental cultural influences. Some cultures may place harsh discipline, obedience, and compliance. Most parents' expectations of their sibling's behavior and cultural norms significantly influence the tips they use to encourage discipline and self-control.

• Role of extended family and community

Many cultures have different levels of extended family and community involvement in raising kids. Collective responsibility is strongly valued in some cultures where extended family is active in parenting kids.

• Focus on education

Cultural beliefs about education significantly affect how parents raise their kids. Some cultures encourage education, learning, and achievements. This motivates many parents to give structured education or extracurricular activities.

• Cultural identity

Culture is essential for the generational transmission of cultural identity and traditions. Introducing a sense of cultural pride and belonging in kids may need to teach language and religion.

• Mental health

The types of parenting styles also influence kids' mental well-being.

• Self-esteem

Parents who raise their children with authoritative parenting styles tend to have stronger self-esteem than kids raised by parents with other styles.

Conclusion

Though parenting is unique, it’s a journey that should be taken with caution. Your children depend on the nurturing aspects you provide at a tender age as it’s their life foundation. With some parents/guardians reacting to their negative childhood to raise their kids. It’s time to make change and provide your kids with the best balance and healthy life. Define the odds and nurture your angels with love care and discipline.