Which One Is the Best Parenting Style in Early Childhoods' Psycho-Social Development in Tanzania? A Review of Literature

Abstract

This study examined the best parenting styles in the psycho-social development of a child in Tanzania. Data were collected using documentary review method and employed comparative research design. Data from the reviewed literature indicate that in Tanzania, the model of parenting is mixed, in the sense that it combines the two widely applicable styles; authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles. This model seems to be different from most of the developed countries which rely on authoritative parenting style. The reason why Tanzanians model of parenting is mixed is that there are some continuity of traditional norms and values which support authoritarian parenting styles and changes that have adopted some elements of modern parenting skills which support authoritative parenting style in Tanzania. The literature also shows that there is no perfect parenting style and thus the inherent weaknesses of one parenting style are supplemented by the strength of another parenting style so as to suit the local context. The study concludes by holding that mixed model of parenting style seems to be the best parenting style in early psycho-social development in Tanzania. The study has two basic recommendations; one is that the modern parenting skills which the parents are equipped with have to complement the traditional parenting skills which are positive.  Secondly, more studies have to be conducted to understand how different parenting styles are perceived across social-cultural and economic milieu in Tanzania.