A new study suggests there are three types of families, cohesive, enmeshed and disengaged, and those last two types can create specific problems for kids when they start school.

Disengaged families may behave in ways found in the depressing movie “Ordinary People,” while enmeshed families may resemble the famous Barones from the popular sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” according to a story on the study in Medical News Today.  

Neither parenting style is good.

"This study shows that cold and controlling family environments are linked to a growing cascade of difficulties for children in their first three years of school, from aggressive and disruptive behavior to depression and alienation," (Melissa) Sturge-Apple (lead researcher and an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Rochester) explains. "The study also finds that children from families marked by high levels of conflict and intrusive parenting increasingly struggle with anxiety and social withdrawal as they navigate their early school years." – Medical News Today, 7/18/10.

While it may seem obvious Mary Tyler Moore’s character as a mom in “Ordinary People”and Ray Romano as a dad are not great role models, researchers suggested their parenting styles can lead to specific challenges for kids early in elementary school. (Check out the story for details.)

If you are looking for a better role model, the healthy cohesive family is reflected in the Huckstables from “The Cosby Show,” according to the article.

Thanks to Daddytypes for highlighting this research.

You can read this top daddy blog’s hilarious Friday Freakout for amusing takes on medical news for families.

New Early Learning Website: If you get a moment, check out the U.S. Department of Education’s Early Learning Initiative website.