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Lesson 2 of 4
  • Year 11

Different models of parenting

I can describe different parenting styles and explain their effects.

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View unit
Lesson 2 of 4
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New
  • Year 11

Different models of parenting

I can describe different parenting styles and explain their effects.

Download all

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Each parenting style has strengths and weaknesses, and they need to be adapted for the individual child.
  2. Authoritarian parenting is strict and less nurturing.
  3. Authoritative parenting blends warmth with clear rules.
  4. Permissive parenting lacks firm boundaries.
  5. Uninvolved parenting is dismissive with limited boundaries.

Keywords

  • Authoritarian - in this context, a parenting style with strict rules, high control and limited emotional warmth

  • Authoritative - in this context, a parenting style combining clear boundaries with emotional support and warmth

  • Permissive - in this context, a parenting style with minimal rules and high warmth, but low expectations or control

  • Uninvolved - in this context, a parenting style with low emotional involvement and minimal rules or expectations

Common misconception

All parenting styles are equally effective for all children.

Authoritative parenting tends to lead to the most positive outcomes. However, 'bubble parenting' shows no parent/carer needs to be perfect - being mostly authoritative is good enough.


To help you plan your year 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Different models of parenting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Discuss examples of parenting in popular culture and work out what sort of parenting styles are used.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which word means an imaginary line separating what we will or won’t allow?

Correct Answer: boundary, a boundary, boundaries

Q2.
Who developed three parenting principles to support a child’s healthy growth?

Brené Brown
Correct answer: Daniel Siegel
Donald Winnicott
Correct answer: Mary Hartzell

Q3.
Which of the following statements is correct according to the 'good enough' parenting theory?

Children must have perfect parents or carers.
Correct answer: Children don’t need perfect parents or carers.
Children need perfect parents but imperfect carers.

Q4.
Which scenario shows a parent setting a clear boundary while still being supportive?

"You can't go out and that's final - no discussion!"
"Maybe you can go out, or maybe not - we'll see what happens."
"Do whatever you want, I don't really care what you choose."
Correct answer: "I understand you want to go out, but you need to finish homework first."

Q5.
What does the theory that parents/carers don't need to be 'perfect' mean?

Parenting doesn't matter much, so mistakes by parents/carers are fine.
Correct answer: Parents/carers can make mistakes as long as they learn and repair relationships.
Children should lower their expectations of their parents/carers.
Being a perfect parent/carer is automatic, so parents/carers don't have to try.

Q6.
Match each parenting approach with its likely outcome.

Correct Answer:very strict rules, no flexibility,children may become rebellious or anxious

children may become rebellious or anxious

Correct Answer:no rules or expectations,children may lack self-discipline

children may lack self-discipline

Correct Answer:clear rules with explanations,children feel supported but guided

children feel supported but guided

Correct Answer:little involvement or interest,children may feel neglected or insecure

children may feel neglected or insecure

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word with the definition.

Correct Answer:authoritarian,strict parenting, high expectations, low warmth

strict parenting, high expectations, low warmth

Correct Answer:authoritative,warm parenting, responsive, sets clear rules and expectations

warm parenting, responsive, sets clear rules and expectations

Correct Answer:permissive,minimal rules, high warmth, but low expectations or control

minimal rules, high warmth, but low expectations or control

Correct Answer:uninvolved,low emotional involvement and minimal rules or expectations

low emotional involvement and minimal rules or expectations

Q2.
Which parenting style is most likely to have clear, explained boundaries?

permissive
authoritarian
uninvolved
Correct answer: authoritative
all of the above

Q3.
is considered the most strict parenting style.

Correct Answer: authoritarian

Q4.
What effect might permissive parenting have on children?

They might be able to think through consequences to their actions.
They might be afraid of their parents.
Correct answer: They might be more impulsive and have less self-discipline.
They might feel unimportant or invisible.
Correct answer: They might appear confident but lack resilience.

Q5.
Uninvolved parents are ...

warm but lacking boundaries, leading to impulsive children.
warm with clear boundaries, leading to confident and responsible children.
strict and less nurturing, leading to obedient children with lower self-esteem.
Correct answer: indifferent and distant, leading to children struggling with relationships.

Q6.
Which term refers to the idea that mostly authoritative parenting is good enough?

Correct Answer: 'bubble parenting', bubble parenting