Positive parental behaviour `key to raising kids`

London: Can`t make out why your kid has of late started misbehaving and throwing tantrums? Blame your parenting style, says a new study.

Researchers at Alberta University in the US and Concordia University in Canada have carried out the study and concluded that parents` child-rearing styles are linked to their young children`s behaviour. Don`t be too strict or too lenient with your child as it may cause negative types of behaviour in kids; have a more even-handed approach -- it`s more likely to result in positive conduct, suggest the researchers. "Being more authoritative is a positive style. You have structure, but you also have limits for kids so they know what to expect. It`s very clear in its communication, but at the same time has expectations and doesn`t let everything go. "Toddlers are starting to test their environment. It`s hard for them to communicate exactly what they want. And so it really tests the limits of what parents can do and their own abilities," lead researcher Christina Rinaldi said. Participants in the study were asked to identify their parental style and that of their partner, and to identify and measure their children`s behaviour. The results indicated that when the mothers were more permissive in their parental style or the fathers more authoritarian, the toddlers tended to demonstrate negatively focused habits such as temper tantrums, arguing with adults or not sharing toys. On the other hand, for parents who reported that the father displayed a firm but fair and friendly style, children tended to display a more positive demeanour. The researchers claim it is important to remember that parental styles are fluid, and that factors such as mood and fatigue -- on the part of both parent and child -- can play a role in shifting a parent`s approach. Rinaldi said in a release: "The key lies with the parent being able to determine boundaries and limits to put on a child, based on the child and environment factors. "There`re many ways to be an effective parent, but what the research underscores is that parents who share the authoritative traits -- by providing structure in a loving, caring, very clear way to their young children -- are the ones to emulate." PTI