Human personality is largely formed in the family environment. Children gain their first emotional, social, and behavioral experiences in the family, and the quality of the relationship between parents and children can determine their psychological and social future. Psychologists believe that healthy upbringing requires a balance between love, supervision, and respect for the child’s independence.

On the other hand, neglect or excessive control can both disrupt the natural process of personality development. Today, many behavioral problems of adolescents and even mental disorders of adults have their roots in the family’s upbringing. The concept of parenting in parenting psychology refers to the set of behaviors, attitudes, and methods that parents use in raising children.

Diana Baumrind introduced four main parenting styles:

1. Authoritative parenting

2. Authoritarian parenting

3. Permissive parenting

4. Neglectful parenting

Among these styles, the authoritative style, which is accompanied by love and reasonable supervision, is known to be the healthiest parenting model. Consequences of parental neglect of children Neglect occurs when the emotional, psychological or educational needs of the child are ignored.

This neglect may be caused by economic problems, excessive employment of parents, family conflicts or poor educational awareness.

Psychological effects of neglect:

Decreased self-esteem A child who feels invisible gradually feels worthless. Anxiety and feelings of insecurity Lack of emotional support weakens the child’s psychological security. Academic failure Children need parental support and encouragement; neglect can reduce academic motivation. Behavioral problems such as aggression, isolation, or a tendency to engage in risky behaviors are common results of parental neglect.

Weakness in social relationships Children who do not receive enough love and attention usually have difficulty establishing healthy relationships with others.

Consequences of strictness and excessive control by parents Some parents think that being too strict will make their children successful; however, excessive control can cause serious psychological damage.

Characteristics of strict parents:

Excessive restriction Constant control of the child’s behavior Severe punishment Unrealistic expectations Constant comparison with others Psychological effects of excessive strictness Chronic anxiety Fear of making mistakes and punishment can make the child suffer from constant anxiety. Decreased self-confidence A child who is always criticized doubts his or her abilities. Weakness in personal independence Severe control prevents the development of decision-making power in the child.

Increased likelihood of depression Continuous psychological stress can lead to depression and despair. Concealment and Lying In some cases, children resort to concealment to escape punishment. Aggressive or rebellious behaviors of excessive control may lead to severe protest behaviors in adolescence.

Attachment Theory and Family Role Based on Attachment Theory proposed by John Bowlby, the quality of a child’s emotional relationship with parents plays a fundamental role in the formation of his personality and psychological security.

Children who receive balanced love and psychological support: have more self-confidence, establish healthier social relationships, and are more successful in managing emotions.

Balance; the most important principle of education Psychologists believe that neither neglect nor extreme strictness are healthy methods of education. For normal development, a child needs: affection, psychological security, reasonable freedom, and balanced supervision. The authoritative parenting style is known as the best educational model because it contains both affection and logical rules. Strategies for raising healthy children

1. Effective communication with children is very important. Listening to the child’s feelings and concerns is very important.

2. Encouraging independence. The child should have the opportunity to make decisions and experience.

3. Setting logical rules. The rules should be clear, understandable, and appropriate to the child’s age.

4. Expressing affection. Affection and emotional support strengthen the child’s psychological security.

5. Avoiding comparison. Constant comparison with others damages the child’s self-esteem.

Conclusion: The family is the most important factor shaping the personality and future of children. Parental inattention can cause feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems, and excessive strictness increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and inability to be independent.

Educational psychology emphasizes that the healthy development of children depends on a balance between affection, supervision, and respect for their personality. Parents who can provide a safe, supportive, and rational environment for their children will play a significant role in their future success and mental health.

References (APA Style) Diana Baumrind, D. (1966). Effects of Authoritative Parental Control on Child Behavior. Child Development. John Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. New York: Basic Books. Daniel Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam Books. Carl Rogers, C. (1961). On Becoming a Person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Developmental Psychology