Discipline doesn’t have to mean being the bad guy—especially for Gen X dads trying to balance authority with connection. In this episode of 2 Dads Gen X Edition, we dive into the ancient art of saying no while still keeping your kids’ love and respect. From old-school parenting styles to modern approaches, we share honest, funny, and emotional stories about fatherhood, discipline, divorce, dating, and the struggles of raising kids today. Whether you’re a dad navigating single parenting, a mom curious about the male perspective, or just someone who remembers growing up in a Gen X household, this conversation offers laughs, real talk, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the challenges of parenting.
Types of Discipline
Authoritative - This is the ideal type of parenting - Solves problems together with child, sets clear rules and expectations, open communication and natural consequences. - Child is more grounded to the way of the world, problem solves, more independent, follows rules and respectful to others.
Authoritarian - MY way or the highway - Parent Driven, Sets STRICT rules and punishment, One-way communication with little consideration of child's social, emotion and behavioral needs. -Child tends to be more rebellious, loses self, and often feels like they cant ever do anything right.
Permissive - Barely a parent more of a friend - Child driven, Rarely gives or enforces rules, overindulges child to avoid conflict - Child is disrespectful towards adults and authority, often craves discipline and structure, tends to be a bully, identity issues, struggles to work with others.
Neglectful - Worst type - Uninvolved or absent parent, provides little nurturance or guidance, indifferent to child's social - emotional and behavioral needs. Child feels unloved or wanted, more withdrawn, lacks social skills for coping, complete disrespect for others.
Check out Erikson's Developmental stages and what your kids developmentally need, https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740