Do you know yours? If not, try out the Parenting Style questionnaires at Children today or 4parents.gov and see if their assessment truly fits you. I took several tests myself but I have had conflicting results from all the tests (all 5 of them!) that I took.

So, what is my style? Well, here's an essay I wrote for DotMoms. Perhaps, this will give you an idea.

"Have you ever gone out with your child and seen some onlooker with disapproval on his/her face? Have you ever received unsolicited advice about how you should handle your own child? Have you ever heard a loud tsk-tsk behind you when your toddler starts one of his tantrums?

Some months ago, I went out with my 15-month-old son. Since I knew that I was going to eat at the fair where they sell mostly junk food, I made sure that I had something for him. When we finally sat down to rest, I unpacked his little backpack and gave him his drink and cookies. I looked up a few seconds later and there was this old woman shaking her head from side to side, with a look of distaste on her face. For a moment there, I experienced insecurity and wondered if, in this simple act, I did something wrong.

The same thing happens whenever Jan-Patrick would practice his stacking abilities and climb up. Distract him, I will try. Admonish him, maybe. And if he still insists, let him climb up, I will. Most of the time, a frown or tsk-tsk is thrown my way.

There are times when I am guilty of disapproving of someone else's parenting style. However, I refrain from showing even a hint of censure. Because what works for one, may not work for another. The fact that a lot of people forget that fact exasperates a lot of parents, including me.

I let my child feed himself. Even if it means stained shirts and sticky fingers. Nothing that a few wet tissues would not solve. Priceless are the moments when he would beam at me as if to say, "Look Ma, I fed myself!"

I let my child take risks. Even at a young age, I let him discover his own strengths and weaknesses. If he insists on doing something that might hurt him, even after several warnings, I let him. As long as it would not hurt him seriously and as long as I see that this simple experiment of his would result in him discovering something new. And, if he does get hurt on occasion, mommy will be there to comfort him.

I choose not to be over-protective because I want my son to develop self-esteem and self-confidence. This can only be achieved through practice. If he makes mistakes then so be it. It will not be the end of the world. He may cry, yes, but he will also learn.

My parenting style has been getting a lot of flak, even from friends. Some even choose to misunderstand my approach and say that I neglect my child. Despite the censure, I will encourage him to experiment and try out new things so that he will later grow up with a sanguine temperament -- someone who can deal with changes and can handle whatever it is that life throws at him.

Like every parent, I will strive to be loving, patient and consistent with my child. The only difference is that I may need more wet tissues."

What about you? What is your parenting style?