Influence of Parenting Style on Children’s Behavior in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explored the influence of the parenting styles of the parents on the behavior of the children from southern Punjab, Pakistan, through a qualitative research design. A purposive sampling technique was used, and a semi-structured interview protocol was developed for data collection. The five parents (mothers) whose parenting styles had to be measured were from different backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. The participants were approached through personal sources and contacts after complying with the complete research ethics. The validity of the instrument was examined through the expert opinion (N = 03), while the reliability of the instrument was assured through the extensive literature that addressed parenting styles. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis by finding three major themes that emerged from the categories of interviews, which are parents’ behavior, ineffective parenting, and reasons for leaving educational institutes. The findings of the study revealed that authoritative and permissive parenting styles are used by most parents (mothers). Additionally, this study concluded that delinquent behaviors in children are a result of various factors of domestic life, e.g., false beliefs of the parents, low self-esteem of the children, mystification by parents, and communication gaps between parents and the children. The study recommends that regular training for parents on improving the quality of positive parenting styles should be conducted through the collaboration of public and private partnerships. Moreover, community-based rehabilitation centres must be established to raise awareness of parenting styles.