Parenting Styles-Indifferent Parent
The final parenting style of the four typologies suggested by Baurmind (2005), Maccoby and Martin (1983) is the indifferent parent. Unlike the authoritarian parent, authoritative parent, and permissive parent, the indifferent or dismissive parent is relationally disconnected from the child. The characteristics, biblical application, and outcomes of this parenting style are examined here.
Indifferent Parent
Characteristics
Permissive and indifferent parents are less responsive, demand less and are less controlling than the other parenting styles. Although exercising little or no parental control may be viewed as a positive trait by some, research reports otherwise. The indifferent parent is one who does not want to be bothered with the responsibility of a child, who is seen as a nuisance. This parent may retreat to their own space, expressing irritation when that space is violated. Because the parent has their own agenda, little interaction exists between the indifferent parent and child. As a result, the ignored child may feel isolated, alone, and unloved. 
This parent may not be capable of or interested in training or teaching their child. Unlike the permissive parent who shares some characteristics with the indifferent parent, the indifferent parent withholds affection, emotional support, and supervision (Cherry, 2014; Miller et al., 2012). The indifferent, dismissive parent is uninvolved and unaware of the child’s academic, social, and emotional state. Mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or the stress of managing life may contribute to the parent’s neglect of the child.
Biblical Application
Scripture does not support this parenting style. In fact, it contradicts a biblical perspective with regard to the parent-child, and person to person relationship. Charged by God with the responsibility of loving, caring for, and training their children, parents are accountable to be a living witness of God’s love and grace (Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians. 6:4).
Rather than offering love and support, the indifferent parent communicates a disdain and impatience for their child. In contrast to the training commanded in Scripture, the child is ignored and left to fend for himself.
Outcomes
Children raised by indifferent parents often lack confidence and a sense of purpose. Like children of permissive parents, they tend to misbehave and struggle in school. Research suggests that these children may themselves, become involved in criminal activities, abuse drugs or alcohol.
Case Study
Growing up, Sarah lived with an alcoholic mother. As a result, this parent was uninvolved and indifferent to the events around her. With the high school just blocks away, the house became a hangout for teenagers, who often walked over after school. On the weekends it was a party house where drinking and drugs were permitted. The open-door policy meant kids were in and out all the time. There were no rules imposed on Sarah or the people she brought into the house. The mother retreated to her bedroom and rarely emerged. She was both permissive and indifferent. Sadly, as a result, Sarah performed poorly in school, became an alcoholic as an adult, and struggles to this day. Having a permissive and indifferent parent may have made for a popular social life in high school but had a negative impact on her overall long-term well-being.
REFERENCES
Baumrind, D. (2005). Patterns of parental authority and adolescent autonomy. New Directions for Child & Adolescent Development, 2005(108), 61-69.
Cherry, K. (2014). Parenting styles: The four styles of parenting. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/a/parenting-style.htm
Miller, A., Lambert, A., & Speirs Neumeister, K. (2012). Parenting style, perfectionism, and creativity in high-ability and high-achieving young adults. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 35(4), 344-365. doi:10.1177/0162353212459257