Parents who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also fail to set consistent limits. The third type of parenting style is the democratic style. These parents believe in giving their children choices. They balance their demands with freedom. Democratic parents have simple rules and reasonable consequences for breaking the rules.
Parents spend time discussing with their children the reasons for the rules.
This style of parenting is like a backbone. The spine has to be strong enough to hold the upper body upright but can bend and flex as the situation warrants. But he will extend the bedtime if the family has a special guest visiting or if the child has an outside event that keeps her out later than usual. Children in democratic families learn that their opinions are important. Because they are allowed to make small mistakes when they are young, older children make better decisions when the stakes are higher.