Black Learners, Bright Futures

Instructions: For each question, choose the answer that best describes your parenting style.

Question 1: How do parents typically respond to their child’s mistakes?

* A. They offer guidance and support, helping the child learn from their errors.

* B. They punish the child harshly, emphasizing the negative consequences of their actions.

* C. They ignore the child’s mistakes, hoping they will eventually correct themselves.

* D. They show little interest or concern for their child’s mistakes.

Question 2: What is the parents’ primary goal for their children?

* A. To raise independent and self-reliant individuals.

* B. To ensure their children are successful and achieve their goals.

* C. To maintain control over their children and enforce their rules.

* D. To meet their own needs and desires, often at the expense of their children.

Question 3: How do parents communicate with their children?

* A. They actively listen to their children’s concerns and perspectives.

* B. They dictate their rules and expectations without allowing for discussion.

* C. They avoid conflict and try to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

* D. They have little or no communication with their children.

Question 4: What is the overall atmosphere in the home?

* A. Warm and supportive, with open communication and mutual respect.

* B. Strict and demanding, with a focus on obedience and conformity.

* C. Indifferent and neglectful, with little emotional connection between parents and children.

* D. Chaotic and unpredictable, with frequent arguments and instability.

Question 5: How do children typically feel about their parents?

* A. Loved, respected, and supported.

* B. Resentful, rebellious, and disconnected.

* C. Indifferent or emotionally distant.

* D. Scared, confused, and abandoned.

Parenting Style Definitions and Examples

Authoritarian: Parents with an authoritarian style are demanding and controlling, expecting their children to follow their rules without question. They often use punishment to enforce their authority. Also know as Tiger parenting style.

Example: Juan Hernandez from “One Day at a Time” is a classic example of an authoritarian parent. He sets strict rules and expectations, is quick to criticize, and often uses punishment to enforce his authority.

Permissive: Permissive parents aka Pandas parenting are lenient and allow their children to make their own decisions. They are often indulgent and avoid conflict.

Example: Dre Johnson from “Black-ish” is often seen as a permissive parent, as he is more focused on his own desires and allows his children to behave recklessly.

Authoritative: Authoritative parents are demanding but also responsive to their children’s needs. They set clear expectations while also providing guidance and support. That’s the Dolphin parenting way of life.

Example: Ruby Lee Johnson from “The Cosby Show” is often considered an authoritative parent. She sets rules and expectations but is also warm, supportive, and willing to listen to her children’s perspectives.

Neglectful: Neglectful parents are uninvolved and unresponsive to their children’s needs. They may be physically present but emotionally absent. Jellyfishes don’t provide care or protection to their offspring after releasing them into water, leaving the young to survive on their own from day one.

Example: Parents in the movie “Precious” are a clear example of neglectful parents, as they are emotionally absent and physically abusive towards their child.

Your Scoring !

• Mostly A’s: Authoritative parenting style.

• Mostly B’s: Authoritarian parenting style.

• Mostly C’s: Permissive parenting style.

• Mostly D’s: Neglectful parenting style.

Note: It’s important to remember that these are simplified descriptions of parenting styles, and individual parents may exhibit characteristics of multiple styles. Don’t worry about your score and focus on how you can adjust your way of parenting to improve your relationship with your children.