The Influence of Parenting Styles on the Emotional Development of Children Aged 4-10 in Uganda

Abstract

This small-scale mixed-methods study examines how different parenting styles affect the emotional development of children aged 4-10 years in Uganda. The study focuses on four parenting styles identified by Baumrind: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting. The research was conducted in a private school setting among relatively economically stable families. The findings suggest that parenting practices are influenced not only by financial conditions, but also by cultural beliefs and family values. Data were collected through parent questionnaires, children’s emotional assessments, and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that authoritative parenting is associated with higher emotional security, confidence, self-regulation, and emotional stability among children. In contrast, authoritarian and neglectful parenting styles were linked to higher anxiety levels, emotional insecurity, and weaker emotional regulation. Permissive parenting demonstrated emotionally warm relationships but less consistent behavioral regulation. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive parenting support programs in Uganda and emphasizes the need for greater awareness of children’s emotional needs within family environments. Due to the relatively small sample size and limited research setting, the findings should be interpreted cautiously; however, the study provides useful preliminary insights into parenting practices and children’s emotional development in the Ugandan context.