Exploring how parenting styles influence children’s perception of self-confidence: a case study of selected schools in Nkozi Division, Mpigi District

Abstract

The study was compelled by the need to unravel the role of parenting styles in contributing to the self-confidence of children in the Ugandan context. This is because of the lack of recent studies to speak to the times in which we are living. The research topic was “exploring how parenting styles influence children’s perceptions of self-confidence in Mpigi district”. The study explored how different parenting styles shape children’s perceptions of self-confidence in how authoritarian parenting shapes their sense of self-confidence in selected secondary schools, (iii) To selected secondary schools in Nkozi division, Mpigi district. Guided by four research objectives. To explore how children in secondary schools perceive the influence of authoritative parenting on their self-confidence, (ii) To analyze children’s perspectives on explore the impact of permissive parenting on the self-confidence of children in secondary schools, and (iv) To explore the role of social work in enhancing self-confidence of children. The study adopted a phenomenological research design, utilizing a qualitative research approach. A total of 60 participants selected purposively participated in the interviews and focus group discussions that were conducted. A total of three focus group discussions were conducted with children, and interviews were conducted with parents and teachers. The data was collected using interview guides and focus group guides, and then entered in Nvivo 14, coded and meaning attached to each code. The data was analyzed thematically and presented verbatim. The study findings showed that most children had high self-confidence because the parents used the Authoritative parenting style, while Authoritarian parenting style was found to be more associated with children having less self-confidence. The research verifies that excessive pampering, too much freedom, and no rules, which is permissive parenting, negatively affected self-esteem and the development of children. Excessive autonomy provided to children without guidance was debilitating rather than empowering. These children had low confidence in decision-making, self-regulation, and lower confidence in self-judgment. The study findings on objective four revealed that social workers played a very important role in enabling children to develop their self-confidence. The study recommends that schools recruit more social workers to fill the shortage of social workers in schools.