Helicopter, Free-Range, Tiger and Attachment Parenting Styles: Experts Weigh In

Parenting philosophies vary widely as various value systems, cultures, religions, etc. all have different ideas about the best ways to raise children. Here is a look at four popular parenting styles that have gained momentum in American households, and experts thoughts on them:

Attachment Parenting: In 1993, Dr. William Sears introduced this term which emphasizes closeness between babies and particularly their mothers through long-term breastfeeding, co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This style focuses on strong parent-child emotional bonds.

Family Counselor and author Alyson Schafer describes attachment parenting - not as pampering or overindulging children, but a style centered on 8 principles of instilling safe birth, feeding, responding, touching, sleeping, loving, disciplining and balance in your child's life.

Helicopter Parenting: In 1990, researchers Foster Cline and Jim Fay introduced the term "helicopter parent" as a style known for hovering over children's every move, but also advocating for children to ensure their success and even paving the path for them, when necessary.

Experts warn that overly anxious parents may let their fear outweigh their desire for their children to grow autonomy and self-reliance. The risks of entirely parenting styles entirely opposite of Helicopter, are that kids may be subject to bullying, abuse, and failure.

Free-range parenting: Author Lenore Skenazy’s book “Free-Range Kids" introduced a style of parenting centered on minimizing parental oversight and giving children greater independence, free play and reducing scheduled activities.

There is some disagreement among experts on the extent of free-range parenting effectiveness as it varies by region. Some states have strict laws about the age children are allowed to do certain things unsupervised, but there is ample evidence of benefits to this style.

Tiger Parenting: Amy Chua's book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" introduced the idea of the academic focused parenting style that is very common amongst Asian households. Tiger parents value obedience, strict rule enforcement and hold high expectations for their children.

Experts say this style is similar to authoritarian parenting style and it produces one of three types of children: the pleaser, the sneak or the outward rebel. This style puts children at risk of anxiety, depression and suicide.

Overall, even as parenting philosophies continue to change overtime, all styles benefit from a balance of love, discipline, guidance, independence and coming alongside children to help them succeed.

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