I DO Have Style...

I love reading on-line about parenting- there is so much out there, but a term I see repeated over and over is 'parenting style'- I just took a quiz and the results had it narrowed down to these three styles-

1)You fit the classic laissez-faire parent profile; you think it's important that your kids develop and grow in the way that they choose, and you don't want to set any kind of expectations for them. You may hope that your children learn from your example, but you're not interested in spelling out behavioral guidelines or forcing them to follow rules. And when it comes to family decisions on everything from vacations to deciding on a name for a new baby brother, it's essential that your kids' views are taken into account

2)When it comes to setting rules and expectations with your kids, you're sort of a benevolent dictator – in the nicest way. When you know what's best for them, there's no need to discuss your decisions. But when it's appropriate, you're happy to take a more democratic approach and let your kids have their say. This kind of combination of firmness and fairness means that you can have open discussions with your children while still being able to assert your authority when it matters.

3)Strict No doubt about it: You're strict! In your opinion, kids need to be told what to do and how to do it. The approach you take to discipline is firm and direct. That's what's best for your kids, since being firm helps them understand who the boss is, and helps them respect and obey the important rules you establish. When your kids step out of line, you make sure there's an appropriate punishment - not that you enjoy punishing them, and you try never to be too harsh (or too lenient, for that matter). Parents who answered like you indicate that sometimes, spanking is an appropriate form of discipline.

My guess is if your 'style' falls under #1 above, you probably aren't on-line looking up parenting sites/blogs- it was a silly quiz though- here's one of the questions-

'- Kids can make up their own minds and do what they want to do-'
Strongly agree--------------Strongly Disagree

Does anyone actually even kind of agree with that...I mean anyone who has kids?  It made me laugh because there is an option to 'Take the Quiz for Your Partner'- I am certain there is a good chance my partner and I would answer a bit differently!

My kids are growing up and really all I know is this- I am with them the most, I know them the best of anyone as much as they may not want to admit it at this stage.  I know when they are just being moody or if something is really wrong.  I know when they ask me if they can go somewhere or do something, they really actually want me to say no sometimes just so they don't have to...I know I love them in a way I can't describe- if I had the kids describe my 'style', I would hope that the word 'loving' would get thrown in at least once (or at least as much or more than 'crazy') Hopefully the rest is something that could only be used to illustrate us - not just something that could be thrown into one of three categories....I hope we will keep re-defining our style as we go!  Nobody really has it all figured out-
P.S.- my quiz result was # 3- I am sure the kids will be shocked....