08/16/2025
Parenting Style and a Child’s Success in Stuttering Treatment
Multiple variables impact treatment outcomes for children who stutter. Some of these variables include therapeutic alliance, the therapist him/herself, treatment approaches and strategies, delivery styles, client’s desire, practice, belief, trust, learning styles, cooperation and compliance. Especially in the early years of development; preschool, elementary and early teens, parenting styles influence results of stuttering therapy.
Four main parenting styles have been identified:
1. Authoritarian-This style is characterized by high control and low warmth. Authoritarian parents set strict rules, expect obedience, and are less responsive to their children's needs or emotions. They may use punishment to enforce rules.
2. Authoritative-This style combines high control and high warmth. Authoritative parents set clear expectations and boundaries, but they also explain the reasons behind rules and are responsive to their children's feelings. They encourage independence and open communication.
3. Permissive- This style is characterized by high warmth and low control. Permissive parents are very responsive to their children's needs and desires, but they don't set clear boundaries or expectations. They may avoid confrontation and discipline.
4. Uninvolved-This style is marked by low levels of both warmth and control. Uninvolved parents are often emotionally detached and don't set rules or expectations for their children. They may not be actively involved in their children's lives.
If this information may help someone you know, please feel free to share and/or direct them to freedom to speak at stuttersolutions.com
Research suggests that children with authoritative parents tend to have the most positive outcomes, including high self-esteem, social competence, and academic success. Characteristics of authoritative parenting, include high parental responsiveness and high parental demands. This style of parenting emphasizes open communication, active listening, and focusing on the message rather than the delivery, which can reduce anxiety and improve communication confidence.
