parenting style essay question

93 Parenting Styles Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best parenting styles topic ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting parenting styles topics to write about, 📌 simple & easy parenting styles essay titles, ❓ research questions about parenting styles.

• The Three Parenting Styles This style of parenting is where the parents let their children to make decisions on their own. The good thing about this style is the fact that communication is always open and parents are able […]
• Cybernetics and Parenting Styles in Family Therapy This concept will be very helpful in my future work since I will be able to notice negative behavior in children that is the result of the parenting style adopted by the parents. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Parenting Styles: Advantages and Disadvantages Kids do what they are made to do because they want to escape the punishment. As parents support children, they become independent and strong-willed.
• Four Styles of Parenting The authors continue to explain that parenting styles are affected by children’s and parents’ dispositions and mainly based on the influence of one’s culture, traditions and origins. The four types of parenting styles include Authoritarian […]
• Parenting Style in Japan and USA Parenting encompasses the growth ecology of a growing up child, and hence it is very important in shaping up the behavior of the child and in their physical survival, social growth, cognitive development, and emotional […]
• Parenting Styles: China vs. North America Since Chinese parenting styles pay critical emphasis on the role of parents in shaping their children’s outcomes, it may be viewed as better compared to the North American style that only focuses much on self-esteem.
• Parenting Styles and Their Influence on Adulthood The family context is regarded as essential because it helps to establish the link between childhood and the relationships of a person with their parents with future behavior and performance.
• Parenting Styles and Academic Motivation Lyengar and Brown conducted a study about the correlation between the academic achievements among the students and the parenting styles. This report paper tries to synthesize the literature review that surrounds the influence of parenting […]
• Different Parenting Styles The disadvantage of this style of parenting is that it over-estimates the value of discipline and forgets to highlight the importance of independence and self reliance, which is vital for maturity of an adolescent child.
• How Does Having a Child With Autism Affects Parents’ Lifestyle? The creation of a system of psychological, pedagogical and social support can reduce the risk of a complete family life dedication to a child with autism.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Parenting Style On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being lowest and 10 being highest, how much do you believe that kids need to learn early who the boss is in the family?
• Parenting Styles and Overweight Status The authoritarian parenting style has a strict disciplinarian and a high expectation of the child’s self-control from the parent but a low sensitivity.
• Analysis of Bullying and Parenting Style Since the given topic usually refers to children and adolescents, it is evident that their parents hold a portion of responsibility because the adults affect the growth and development of young individuals.
• Parenting Styles Concept Comprehensive Study The differentiation between the main parenting styles depends upon the cultural context and the personal perceptions of the parenting strategies. The choice of the most appropriate parenting style can have a significant impact on the […]
• Gender-Schema and Social Cognitive Theory in Parenting Styles Children live according to the rules and direction given by the parents and they are denied the chance of voicing out their views.
• Parenting Styles and Authority Problems Authority or the right to influence the actions and opinions of other people plays an important part in many areas of our life, including the relations between a parent and a child.
• Parenting Style and the Development First of all, the effectiveness of the authoritative style has been repeatedly confirmed in the relevant literature; in fact, it is now considered to be the most effective of the three styles.
• Authoritarian vs. Permissive Parenting Styles Authoritarian and permissive styles are parenting approaches that are commonly used and that have varied effects on children because they approach the concepts of discipline, warmth, nurturance, and communication differently.
• Parenting Styles of Young Adults The authoritative parenting style generates intrinsic motivation in students, which enables them to have better academic performance. Different studies have indicated that better academic performance is not confined to the authoritative parenting style.
• Parenting and Its Major Styles Relations between the children and their parents are the basic criteria on which the development of the child is based. In the course of a month or two, an infant begins to show the affection […]
• Styles of Parenting as a Psychological Strategies In the third style of parenting, which is indulgent parenting, the parent is responsive but not demanding. In this form of parenting, the parent is detached and uninvolved.
• Chinese Parenting Style in Raising Successful Children The parenting approach by a large number of Western parents influences children to embrace the notion that their abilities have limits and promotes the development of characters who quit on every difficult task.
• Parenting’s Skills, Values and Styles Subtopic 2: Parental Values and Attitudes That Accompany Stages in the Development of the Child Description of Concrete Experience: I learnt that in the early stages of development, the child is in most cases preoccupied […]
• Alcohol Drinking Frequency Correlated to the Four Parenting Styles
• Authoritarian and Authoritative Parenting Styles Comparison
• Parenting Styles: The Impact on Student Achievement
• Parenting Styles and Academic Achievement: A Cross-Cultural Study
• Perceived Parenting Styles, Depersonalisation, Anxiety and Coping Behaviour in Adolescents
• Influence of Parenting Styles on the Social Development of Children
• Parenting Styles in a Cultural Context: Observations of “Protective Parenting” in First‐Generation Latinos
• Linking Mother-Father Differences in Parenting to a Typology of Family Parenting Styles and Adolescent Outcomes
• Parental Influences on Adolescent Adjustment: Parenting Styles Versus Parenting Practices
• Reliability and Validity of Parenting Styles & Dimensions Questionnaire
• Internet Parenting Styles and the Impact on Internet Use of Primary School Children
• A Neurobiological Perspective on Early Adversity and the Transmission of Parenting Styles Across Generations
• Revisiting a Neglected Construct: Parenting Styles in a Child-Feeding Context
• Parenting Styles and Child Behavior in African American Families of Preschool Children
• Correspondence Between Maternal and Paternal Parenting Styles in Early Childhood
• Associations of Parenting Styles and Dimensions With Academic Achievement in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis
• Parenting Styles, Adolescent Substance Use, and Academic Achievement
• Remembered Parenting Styles and Adjustment in Middle and Late Adulthood
• Differential Parenting Styles for Fathers and Mothers
• Sex‐Based Differences in Parenting Styles in a Sample With Preschool Children
• The Relationship of Perceived Parenting Styles to Perfectionism
• The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Creativity and the Predictability of Creativity by Parenting Styles
• Parenting Styles, Feeding Styles, and Their Influence on Child Obesogenic Behaviors and Body Weight
• High School Students’ Goal Orientations and Their Relationship to Perceived Parenting Styles
• Parenting Styles and Youth Well-Being Across Immigrant Generations
• Parenting Styles, Adolescents’ Attributions, and Educational Outcomes in Nine Heterogeneous High Schools
• Relationships Between Parenting Styles and Risk Behaviors in Adolescent Health: An Integrative Literature Review
• Relationship Between Adolescent Sexual Risk-Taking and Perceptions of Monitoring, Communication, and Parenting Styles
• The Long Arm of Parenting: How Parenting Styles Influence Crime and the Pathways That Explain This Effect
• The Role of Parenting Styles on Behavior Problem Profiles of Adolescents
• On the Development of Regulatory Focus: The Role of Parenting Styles
• The Influence of Parenting Styles, Achievement Motivation, and Self-Efficacy on Academic Performance in College Students
• Parenting Children With Down Syndrome: An Analysis of Parenting Styles, Parenting Dimensions, and Parental Stress
• The Relationship Between Internet Parenting Styles and Internet Usage of Children and Adolescents
• The Role of Perceived Parenting Styles in Thinking Styles
• Generational Changes in Parenting Styles and the Effect of Culture
• Parenting Styles and Self-Efficacy of Adolescents: Malaysian Scenario
• Asian Parenting Styles and Academic Achievement: Views From Eastern and Western Perspectives
• Adolescents’ Perceived Parenting Styles and Their Substance Use: Concurrent and Longitudinal Analyses
• Elucidating the Etiology and Nature of Beliefs About Parenting Styles
• What Are the Four Types of Parenting Styles?
• How Does Parenting Styles Influence a Child‘s Developmente of Children?
• Which of the Four Parenting Styles Is the Best?
• How Do You Determine Parenting Styles?
• How Does Culture Affect Parenting Styles?
• What Unites All Parenting Styles?
• How Parenting Styles Directly Associated With Academic Rerformance of Children?
• How Do Parenting Styles Affect Children’s Personality?
• What Are the Most Damaging Parenting Styles?
• Which Parenting Styles Are Most Encouraged in America?
• Which Country Has the Best Parenting Styles?
• Which Parenting Styles Are the Best in the United States and Why Are They Recommended?
• Which Are the Most Commonly Used Parenting Style?
• What Are the Parenting Styles in France?
• Do Parenting Styles Change Over Time?
• Who Invented the Four Parenting Styles?
• Who Came up With the Different Parenting Styles?
• Who Did the Most Influential Research on Parenting Styles?
• What Are the Factors That Influence Parenting Styles?
• What Is the Importance of Parenting Styles?
• Why Do Parenting Styles Differ?
• What Is Diana Baumrind’s Parenting Styles Theory?
• How Do Different Parenting Styles Influence Development?
• What Effect Do Parenting Styles Have on Children in School?
• Can Two Parents Have Different Parenting Styles?
• Which of Baumrind’s Four Parenting Styles Is Most Obedience Oriented?
• Do Parenting Styles Vary From Culture to Culture?
• What Is the Significance of Knowing Different Parenting Styles for Teachers?
• Can Different Parenting Styles Ruin Marriage?
• Which of Baumrind’s Parenting Styles Is Highly Involved but Not Very Demanding?
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102 Parenting Styles Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on parenting styles, 🌶️ hot parenting styles essay topics, 🎓 most interesting parenting styles research titles, 💡 simple parenting styles essay ideas, ❓ research questions on parenting styles.

• Parenting Styles’ Impact on Child’s Development
• Parenting Styles: Indifferent, Indulgent, Authoritarian, and Authoritative
• Types of Parenting Styles in a “Parenthood” by Howard
• Parenting Styles – Case Study Analysis
• Personal Experience of Child: Parenting Styles
• Overindulgent Parenting Style and Its Harm to Children
• American and British Parenting Styles
• The Uninvolved Parenting Style and Its Effect on the Psychological Development of a Child Approaches to parenting and child care can vary significantly based on the parents’ characteristics and their preferred style.
• Parenting Styles Overview and Analysis This essay aims to describe parenting styles, reflect on the impact of my family’s upbringing approaches, and discuss how I plan to raise my children.
• Bullying and Parenting Styles There are many positive and negative outcomes of parenting on children. This paper aims at investigating the connection between several types of parenting and bullying behaviors.
• Parenting and Choice of Child-Rearing Style The child-rearing style applied to a child has an impact on the child’s growth and development. The style employed by the parents can predict the future character of the child.
• Parenting Styles’ Impact on Children Parenting style plays a significant role in a child’s life. Each selected technique may have predetermined outcomes.
• Parenting Styles and Aggressive Adolescents Researchers have identified parenting styles that influence children’s growth and development. Parenting styles include authoritative, permissive, negligent, and authoritarian.
• Parenting Styles by Diana Baumrind This paper describes advantages and disadvantages of parenting styles generated by Diana Baumrind and its characteristics as well as the consequences for children.
• Differences in Parenting Styles in the East (China) and the West (America) The article discusses introduction in the essay “Differences in parenting styles in the East (China) and the West (America)” and argues that is short and straightforward.
• Childhood Attachment and Parenting Styles In social sciences and psychology, the term emotional attachment may refer to the process of understanding the expressive closeness.
• Parenting Styles Exemplified by the Molly Family In the current essay, the abovementioned four parenting styles will be considered, and four various answers on Molly’s desired behavior will be provided.
• Parenting Styles in Situational Examples This paper examines different situational examples related to child-parent and assesses the parenting style of each of these situations.
• Parenting Styles: Infancy and Early Childhood Generally, a child’s behavior is directly linked to the parenting approach being used by the respective parent. Each technique used has a corresponding impact on the well-being.
• The Relationship Between Parenting Styles This paper provides an analysis of data pertaining to the relationship between parenting styles employed by a child’s parent.
• Parenting Style and Bullying Among Children The investigation of parenting styles is highly essential to understand how they affect the bullying behavior of children to prevent it.
• Nature vs. Nurture Parenting Styles in Psychology This research analyzes the nature vs. nurture parenting styles and recommends the best style that must be applied to ensure children grow to be responsible adults.
• Parenting Styles and Children’s Social Competence The social competence of children is usually associated with authoritative parenting of all parenting styles, in which parents balance the demands of the child and responsiveness.
• Parenting Styles by Diana Baumrind Children exhibit behavioural characteristics depending on their upbringing. Diana Baumrind developed four parenting styles explaining children’s behaviour in specific situations.
• Types of Parenting Styles Analysis The parents’ attitudes to their kids create a certain emotional atmosphere, which is known as a “parenting style.”
• Dominant Parenting Styles: Gender-Differentiated Parenting Revisited In lower-middle-class American families, the authoritative parenting style is the most dominant. Authoritative parents impose high standards upon children.
• Authoritative Parenting in Comparison to Other Styles There are four parenting styles: authoritative, permissive, neglectful, authoritarian. If I were to have children, I would associate myself with the authoritative parenting style.
• Parenting Styles: Values and Standards Transmission Numerous observations of children show that major developmental changes mostly occur during early childhood. It may be perceived by the parents in the form of imitation and observation.
• Parenting Styles Researching: Analytical Techniques This paper considers the use of the observational method for analyzing video recordings depicting parent-child interaction.
• Parenting Style Comparison: Positive and Negative Impacts Different parents use different styles to raise their children. These parenting styles have positive and negative impacts on the young infants and the adolescents.
• African American Parenting Styles According to Social Class
• Family Income, Parenting Styles and Child Behavioral: Emotional Outcomes
• Differences Between Chinese and Western Parenting Styles
• Parenting Styles, Prosocial, and Aggressive Behavior: The Role of Emotions in Offender and Non-offender Adolescents
• Pursuing the Same Goal Through Different Parenting Styles
• Authoritarian and Authoritative Parenting Styles
• How Parenting Styles Affect the Psychological Growth of a Child?
• Parenting Styles and the Chinese Tiger Mother: Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior
• Four Basic Parenting Styles Used by the 21st-Century Parents
• Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Children’s Behavior
• Relationship Between Aggression and Parenting Styles
• Parenting Styles and BMI: Are There Links Between the Two?
• Social and Emotional Factors of Parenting Styles
• Parenting Styles and Their Effect on Toddlers’ Emotional Development
• Evaluating the Most Effective Parenting Styles With Children: Positive Outcomes in the Home and Classroom
• Parenting Styles and Social Anxiety Among Adolescents
• Parenting Styles: What They Are and Why They Matter
• General Parenting Styles and Children’s Obesity Risk: Changing Focus
• Different Strokes for Different Folks? Parenting Styles
• How Parenting Styles Changed for Indian Immigrants?
• Parenting Styles and Parent-Adolescent Relationships: The Mediating Roles of Behavioral Autonomy and Parental Authority
• Authoritarian Parenting and Types of Parenting Styles
• Diana Baumrind’s Parenting Styles in Psychology
• Parenting Styles and Socioemotional Development in Middle
• Juvenile Delinquency and Parenting Styles
• Family Environment, Socio-Economic Status, and Parenting Styles
• Paternal and Maternal Parenting Styles
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of Harsh-Heart and Easy-Going Parenting Styles
• Children and Traditional Parenting Styles
• Parenting Styles Across Different Cultures
• Relationships Between Parenting Styles and Risk Behaviors in Adolescent Health
• Parenting Styles and Practices, and Their Impacts on Social Competence and Academic Achievement
• Psychological Insights Into Parenting Styles
• Different Parenting Styles and Child Rearing
• Pros and Cons for Each of the Four Parenting Styles
• How Parenting Styles Affect a Child’s Development?
• Parenting Styles and Children’s Classroom Performance Education
• Effective Parenting: Early Development, Various Parenting Styles and Discipline
• Parenting Styles, Perfectionist Tendencies, and Self Criticism
• Disciplining Children: Parenting Styles
• School Parenting Styles: East or West
• Parenting Styles and Children’s Social, Emotional, and Academic Development
• How Do Different Parenting Styles Affect Child Development?
• What Is the Most Important Thing to Remember When Choosing a Parenting Style?
• Why Is Research on Parenting Styles Important?
• What Are the Main Parenting Styles According to Diana Baumrind?
• How Does Culture Affect Parenting Styles?
• Are Biological Influences More Conducive to Development Than Parenting Styles?
• How Does Parenting Style Shape a Child’s Future?
• Which Parenting Style Is Associated With the Best Outcomes for the Child?
• What Are the Features of Authoritarian Parenting Style?
• Is There a Universal Best Parenting Style?
• In Which Parental Style Is There an Effective Balance Between the Rights of Parents and Their Children?
• What Is the Behavior of a Person With a Permissive Parenting Style?
• What Is a Uninvolved Parenting Style?
• What Parenting Styles Are Popular in Western Cultures?
• Which Parenting Style Is Most Likely to Produce Spoiled, Self-Indulgent Children?
• In Which Parental Style Do Parents Enforce Rigid Rules and Demand Strict Obedience?
• What Parental Style Is Long-Term Psychological and Developmental?
• Does the Parental Style Depend on Nationality?
• In Which Parental Style Do Parents Control Their Children’s Behavior in a Caring, Responsive Manner?
• Can Parenting Style Cause Autism?
• What Parenting Style Is Associated With High Self-Esteem?
• Which Parenting Style Has the Most Limitations?
• Should the Government Introduce Programs for Parents to Teach Them Parenting Styles?
• Which Attachment Style Would Be an Inconsistent Parenting Style?
• How Do Different Parenting Styles Differ From Each Other?
• What Are the Challenges in Different Parenting Styles?
• What Are the Advantages of an Authoritative Parenting Style?
• How Can a Parent Adapt Their Parenting Style to Meet Their Child’s Unique Needs?
• How Does Social Class Influence Parenting Styles?
• How Do Different Parenting Styles Balance the Needs of Parents With the Needs of Children?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, October 26). 102 Parenting Styles Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/parenting-styles-essay-topics/

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These essay examples and topics on Parenting Styles were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

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83 Parenting Styles Research Topics & Essay Examples

📝 parenting styles research papers examples, 🏆 best parenting styles essay titles, 🎓 simple research topics about parenting styles, ❓ parenting styles research questions.

• Infancy and Early Childhood Development - Psychology Psychology essay sample: Infancy refers to the period when a human being is aged between 1 and 12 months. Infancy is marked by rapid physical growth, which aids an infant’s new abilities.
• Children Behavior Changes Psychology essay sample: This paper improves the understanding on family dynamics that help in understanding the model of transition and child adjustment.
• Childhood Stages and Development Psychology essay sample: The dynamic systems theory of motor development states that a child’s maturation is tied to the development of gross and fine motor skills.
• Child Development: The Attachment Theory Psychology essay sample: The process of child development starts with infant-mother interrelation being the background of human inner world formation.
• The Development of Identity and Self-Concept Psychology essay sample: Although teens are more socially, psychologically, and biologically developed than toddlers, their behavior is often misaligned with the ethical and moral conduct of adults.
• Treating Adolescent Children Psychology essay sample: Among the many adulthood challenges, finding the right ways to treat adolescent children occupies a special place.
• Parenting Styles in Different Cultures Psychology essay sample: To understand the specificities of parents’ behavior that influence their children, it is vital to consider them in the context of selected countries and regions.
• The Difference in Child Rearing and Expectations for Boys and Girls Psychology essay sample: Child rearing practices and expectations for boys and girls are very high in the sense that several differences exist in upbringing of the two.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Case Study Psychology essay sample: The case study about the patient with ASD will involve the identification of specific problems, the assessment of risk factors, and a review of models of abnormality.
• Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and Its Impact on Human Life Psychology essay sample: This paper aims at analyzing Bowlby’s attachment theory and its application in childhood, adulthood, romantic life, and the choice of parenting styles.
• The Influence of Parents on the Psychoemotional Development of Children Psychology essay sample: In the context of the influence of parents on the psychoemotional development of children, such aspects as parenting style, emotion regulation, and parental distress.
• How Can Attachment Styles Influence Children's Development Psychology essay sample: From a psychological standpoint, it is thought that the child's attachment style has a substantial impact on his or her development.
• Baumrind’s Parenting Styles Scenarios Psychology essay sample: Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging experience but there are plenty of resources and research available today to help parents deal with most if not all situations.
• Why the Nurture Approach Should Be Prioritized Over the Nature Theory Psychology essay sample: This essay explored how nurture is reflected in people’s everyday life and demonstrated how it could potentially influence the overall development of society.
• Parenting: a Dynamic Perspective Psychology essay sample: Problems, setbacks, disappointments, and mistakes are inevitable in life. Problems cannot be avoided, but how individuals respond after their occurrence shapes their lives.
• Blended Families and Their Functioning Psychology essay sample: Blended families undergo difficult moments during the transition process. The paper offers reliable data essential in analyzing the functioning of the family.
• Childhood Trauma and Attachment Theories Psychology essay sample: Childhood trauma is a life-threatening and violent event in a child's life. It significantly impacts a person's behavioral and emotional functioning.
• Personality Disorder: The Development of Antisocial Behavior Psychology essay sample: Antisocial behavior refers to a set of actions that result from a person's lack of the ability to respect other people's rights. Examples of these actions include setting fires.
• The Pros and Cons of Authoritative Parenting: The Balance Between Love and Discipline
• Teaching Responsibility Through Permissiveness: Encouraging Accountability in Children
• The Role of Technology in Uninvolved Parenting
• The Impact of Authoritative Parenting on Child Development: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Authoritative, Authoritarian, Indulgent Parenting Styles The main aim of parenting is to protect the children and to put in their skills and cultural values till they attain adulthood. There are about four styles of parenting
• Unpacking the Impact of Permissive Parenting on Children’s Development
• Uninvolved Parenting and Attachment Theory: Exploring the Emotional Impact on Children
• The Role of Authoritarian Parenting in Cultivating Resilience in Children
• Overcoming Uninvolved Parenting Patterns in Your Own Family
• Incorporating Authoritative Parenting Techniques Into Your Daily Routine
• Permissive Parenting and Emotional Intelligence
• How Parenting Styles Affect on Children This paper determines that the authoritative parenting style is the most appropriate for ensuring the wellbeing of children.
• The Influence of Attachment Parenting on Parent-Child Bonding
• Exploring the Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles Around the World
• The Evolution of Parenting Styles: From Traditional to Modern Approaches
• The Art of Mindful Parenting: Practices to Enhance Your Parent-Child Relationship
• Uninvolved Parenting: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Support
• The Role of Communication in Permissive Parenting: Trust With Your Child
• Parenting Styles of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders The paper discusses the mental state of the parents whose kids are struggling with autism spectrum disorders. There are four common types of parenting styles.
• Navigating Co-parenting Challenges With an Uninvolved Ex-partner
• Mindful Parenting: Integrating Mindfulness Practices Into Parenting
• From Theory to Practice: Real-Life Examples of Authoritative Parenting in Action
• Co-parenting Strategies for Divorced or Separated Parents
• Authoritative Parenting: What Research Says
• Navigating Challenges: Practical Tips for Implementing Authoritative Parenting
• The Ultimate Guide to Authoritative Parenting: Finding the Perfect Balance
• Authoritative Parenting vs. Permissive Parenting: Which Is Right for Your Family?
• The Impact of Neglectful Parenting on Children’s Mental Health and Behavior
• Parenting Without Guilt: Embracing Permissiveness Without Doubt or Regret
• Researching of Parenting Styles The article under review is devoted to such an important topic as the style of parenting. Bernstein explores the connection between parenting and teaching.
• Finding a Balance Between Permissiveness and Authoritative Parenting
• Addressing Misconceptions About Authoritative Parenting
• The Impact of Permissive Parenting on Academic Success
• The Role of Communication in Engaged Parenting
• Single Parenting: Challenges and Strategies for Finding the Right Parenting Style
• Setting Boundaries With Love: A Closer Look At Authoritative Parenting
• Coping With Criticism: Addressing Judgment From Others as an Uninvolved Parent
• The Intersection of Parenting Styles and Child Discipline: Finding Effective Strategies
• Parenting in the Digital Age: Balancing Screen Time and Real-World Experiences for Children
• Parenting Styles, Academic Achievement and the Influence of Culture The article acknowledges the existing body of research on the topic of correlations between different parenting styles and levels of academic success.
• Authoritative Parenting Styles Around the World: A Cultural Perspective
• The Benefits of Permissive Parenting
• The Evolution of Parenting Styles
• The Rise of Uninvolved Parenting: A Cultural Shift in Modern Parenting Styles
• Finding Your Parenting Style: Tips for Transitioning From Uninvolved to Engaged Parenting
• How Helicopter Parenting Affects Children’s Independence and Self-Esteem?
• How Gender Stereotypes Shape Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Children?
• How Mindful Parenting Can Help Children Thrive Academically?
• Why the Importance of Setting Boundaries Mindfully With Your Children?
• How Technology Influences Parenting Styles and Family Dynamics?
• What the Real-Life Examples of Engaged Parenting in Action?
• How Authoritative Parenting Can Help Build Stronger Parent-Child Relationships?
• How to Introduce Mindfulness to Your Family Routine?
• Why Prioritizing Your Well-Being Is Essential for Engaged Parenting?
• How Authoritative Parenting Fosters Independence?
• What the Role of Mindfulness in Building Resilience in Kids?
• Why Giving Your Child Freedom Can Lead To Positive Outcomes?
• How Permissiveness Differs Across Generations?
• How Engaged Parenting Can Help Children Thrive in the Face of Adversity?
• How Mindful Parenting Can Enhance Your Child’s Self-Esteem?
• How to Navigate Uninvolved Parenting With Your Co-parent?
• Uninvolved Parenting vs. Hands-off Parenting: What’s the Difference?
• How Engaged Parenting Encourages Healthy Child Development?
• How Engaged Parenting Can Foster Discipline and Respect?
• How Practicing Mindfulness Can Help Reduce Parental Stress?

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The 4 types of parenting styles: What style is right for you?

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A parent’s job is to prepare their children to be adults who are capable of taking care of themselves and overcoming difficulties. It’s not an easy job. Parents have to set appropriate limits, watch their children fail and let them feel the consequences of their actions. Sometimes parents even endure the harsh screams of “I hate you!” or other painful words.

“I tell parents that it’s OK for your kids to be mad at you and not like you because of the limit you set,” said Hannah L. Mulholland, LICSW, MSW, a Mayo Clinic pediatric social worker. “You’re the best person in the world for them not to like and be mad at because you’re the one person who’s not going to desert them. You’re still going to love them, even when they’re mad at you. But for many parents, the reason they don’t set limits is because they want to be liked.”

Parenting is about supporting children while they make their own mistakes, take on age-appropriate responsibilities, think for themselves and solve their own problems. How you do that is up to you.

For example, you can let your kids choose how and when to do their homework — but also let them know that if they don’t do it, there may be consequences at school. “Let your kid be distressed. Let your kid make mistakes,” Mulholland says. “That’s how they learn.”

Kids who don’t learn might enter the adult world woefully unprepared or even afraid because they don’t know how to have relationships, do their laundry or manage their money. “They get in over their heads because they don’t really know what their own capacity is,” Mulholland says.

4 parenting styles

There are four main parenting styles: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and neglectful. You don’t have to commit to one style. It’s natural to use different styles in different situations. When safety is at stake, a parent might use a firm authoritarian style that leaves no room for negotiation. But a parent might put consequences on hold and lean into a permissive approach to encourage a teenager to call for help if they put themselves in a dangerous situation.

“As parents, we are all doing the best we can each day,” Mulholland says. “Our intentions are always good, but we struggle to execute depending on our own capacity in the moment. Give yourself a break as a parent and recognize your own limits. All of the advice in this article is for when you are your very best self, not necessarily something you can implement all the time.”

Here’s a look at each of the four styles.

Authoritative parenting style

Authoritative parenting is often considered the ideal style for its combination of warmth and flexibility while still making it clear that the parents are in charge. (3) Children of authoritative parents know what is expected of them. Their parents explain reasons for the rules and consequences for breaking them. Parents also listen to their child’s opinions, but the parent remains the ultimate decision maker.

Authoritative parents develop close, nurturing relationships with their children. Children with authoritative parents tend to grow up confident, responsible and capable of managing their emotions. They are also friendly, curious and achievement-oriented.

What is an example of authoritative parenting style?

One place where parenting style shows is at mealtimes. Authoritative parents have more family meals where the parents model eating behaviors — rather than imposing strict restrictions. The parents will include the children in meal preparation. Perhaps the child will choose what’s for dinner one night a week or choose the side dish. Research shows that children of authoritative mothers have a high quality of diet and eat more fruit than children from different parenting styles.

Permissive parenting style

Permissive parents might pride themselves on being their child’s best friend. These parents are warm and nurturing with open communication. They are actively involved in their children’s emotional well-being. They also have low expectations and use discipline sparingly. Permissive parents let children make their own choices, but also bail them out if it doesn’t go well.

Children of permissive parents have the freedom to make decisions like what to eat, when to go to bed and whether to do their homework. These children tend to have good self-esteem and social skills. But they can be impulsive, demanding and lack the ability to self-regulate. (1) Permissive parents often try to control their child’s environment, so the child doesn’t have to experience rejection or failure. This means the child might enter adulthood unprepared.

What is an example of permissive parenting style?

When it comes to food, permissive parents might have lax rules. They allow the children to choose what they want, even if that means the parents make a special meal. This could lead to picky eating and unhealthy diet choices. Permissive parenting is associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake. It may also result in inexperience in trying new things or going with the flow and difficulty in social settings involving food.

Authoritarian parenting style

Authoritarian parenting uses strict rules, high standards and punishment to regulate the child’s behavior. Authoritarian parents have high expectations and are not flexible on them. The children might not even know a rule is in place until they’re punished for breaking it.

Children of authoritarian parents are good at following instructions and behave well. However, these children might grow up with a fear of punishment and lack experience making their own decisions. As a result, some might become aggressively rebellious, lack social skills and may have difficulty making sound decisions on their own.

What is an example of authoritarian parenting style? 

At mealtimes, authoritarian parents might enforce rules, such as the children eat the same meal as everyone else or finish everything on their plate. However, the family is unlikely to discuss why they eat certain foods and how they fit into their culture or affect a child’s health.

Neglectful parenting style

Neglectful parents fulfill the child’s basic needs, but then pay little attention to the child. These parents tend to offer minimal nurturing and have few expectations or limitations for their child. It’s not always a conscious choice parents make, but can be forced by circumstance, such as the need to work late shifts, single parenting, mental health concerns or overall family troubles.

Children of neglectful parents usually grow up to be resilient and self-sufficient out of necessity. They might have trouble controlling emotions, don’t develop effective coping strategies and they have difficulty maintaining social relationships. They tend to have low self-esteem and might seek out inappropriate role models.

What is an example of neglectful parenting style?

Parents who are uninvolved might not buy groceries or plan meals consistently. That could leave the child concerned about when they will next eat. It can lead them to become preoccupied with food. Children who had neglectful parents often overeat when food is available and may become overweight. But these children often have an easier time leaving home when it’s time.

How do I make sure I don’t mess up my child?

There’s no parenting style that is guaranteed to produce perfectly adjusted children. Nobody’s child is going to go through life universally liked and immune to failure or disappointment. Mulholland says everyone experiences difficulties. “It’s just unrealistic to say that a parenting decision is the reason for that.”

Since children will inevitably go through difficult moments, it’s best to equip them with the ability to bounce back. It helps if kids have had some practice from being allowed to try and fail in a safe environment.

For example, if a child played video games instead of studying, they might do poorly on the test. That’s how they learn that they need to manage their time better. But if you let them stay home “sick” to get an extra day to study, they won’t have learned a lesson.

A lot of parents see their child’s successes or failures as a reflection of themselves as a parent. But it’s the parent’s job to give the child the tools they need, not to control the situation.

“I’m always reminding parents that those aren’t your grades,” Mulholland says. “That’s not your college that they end up going to. That’s on them. You shouldn’t measure your worth as a parent on how successful your children are.”

How can parents change their parenting style?

If you find that your child is having some behavior issues, you might decide you need to adjust your parenting style. Behavior change can be as difficult for parents as it is for kids.

Mulholland recommends thinking back to your own childhood and what worked for you and what didn’t. Some people had parents who were very strict. The child wasn’t allowed to talk at the table and was punished severely. As a result, when they became a parent, they went the other way and became permissive. But perhaps a middle ground would work better. As you reflect on your own parenting, think about why you react the way you do.

If you want to change your parenting style, look into parenting workshops. Many schools or early childhood centers offer classes or can refer you to one. Mulholland also recommends the book, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk . A mental health therapist can also help you work through issues from your own childhood and find a parenting approach that will work for your family.

Which parenting style is most encouraged?

Authoritative parenting is the most recommended parenting style . The combination of clear communication and age-appropriate standards can lead to emotionally stable adults who can handle themselves in social situations and set goals for themselves.

To take an authoritative approach, parents can:

• Set clear boundaries and communicate them to children.
• Offer children choices and have discussions about what’s appropriate. For example, you can choose which pajamas you want to wear to bed. You cannot wear your winter coat to bed because it will be too warm.
• Listen to and explore their children’s emotional health concerns.
• Frequently express love and affection.

A helpful approach can be to use praise and positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior. Ignore annoying, but not dangerous, attempts at getting attention, such as banging on a wall or whining. You also can tell children, “I’ll wait and respond to you when you stop whining.”

Another approach is to reward children with something they want. For example, instead of taking away their tablet until they do their homework, use it as a reward. “I’m going to give you your tablet as soon as you’re done with your homework.” That way the tablet is a reinforcer instead of a consequence.

How to set limits for children

A big part of parenting is setting rules and limits for your children. A metaphor from Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. , suggests thinking of parenting like enclosing a pasture for your sheep. You build a fence and put things the sheep need in the pasture — plus some fun things to play with. Then let the sheep roam around within their limits.

“You don’t tell the sheep ‘You need to only be in this corner.’ Or ‘You need to only eat that type of flower,'” Mulholland explains. “They’re likely to run into the good flowers and eat the good stuff. But you’re also going to have the fence around them. So there’s a limit as to how far they can go.”

The same with children. As the parents, you set the limits and provide children with food to eat and toys to play with. As the children show they’re being responsible and can handle more, you can expand their boundaries.

Setting limits together

As much as you can, decide with your child what your limits are ahead of time. For example, before the start of a new school year, decide on your limits for weekday screen time, after-school snacks or homework rules.

If you’re trying to make rules on the fly, you’re more likely to be inconsistent from day to day. If you decide that the kids get 90 minutes of screen time on a school night, then you can always hold to that, and the kids know what to expect.

If you have a spouse or co-parent, discuss limits together. It’s common for two parents to have different ideas of what’s appropriate, so it’s helpful to set the boundaries together. And whether you live in the same house or not, try to maintain the same basic limits.

“The most important thing is — in front of the child — you 100% have your partner’s back, even if you disagree wholeheartedly with how they approached it. In front of the child, you have to have their back,” Mulholland says. “In the moment you say, ‘Yep. Dad said eat your broccoli. ‘” If you would have done things differently, talk to your partner about it away from the kids.

Your relationship with a grown child

Parenting style also plays a role in the relationship between parents and their children when they become adults. Kids who had strict, inflexible parents might not have a close relationship as adults. Kids of permissive parents might come back for help frequently when they are in a bind. Kids who grew up with encouraging, supportive parents tend to have close relationships with their parents. They will be independent, but still go to their parents for advice.

“The best-case scenario is they’re still keeping you involved in their life,” Mulholland says. “They’re telling you about the hardships and maybe even seeking advice, but they’re also not expecting you to fix everything.”

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Parenting Styles

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

It is a stereotype that, in therapy, all of a person’s problems will be blamed on their parents. That is not the case. But decades of psychological research have suggested that the approach to parenting generally followed by an individual’s mother and/or father can influence the way they approach relationships, challenges, and opportunities. That doesn’t mean that an adult can’t change, of course, especially once they understand what may be influencing their behavior. And parents who become aware of the pitfalls of their own style and how it may affect their kids can also change.

For more on dysfunctional parenting, click here .

On This Page

• What are the four major parenting styles?
• How can a parent’s style predict a child’s future relationships?
• How can mothers and fathers tell what their parenting style is?
• How can parents become more authoritative?
• What is supportive parenting?
• What is attachment parenting?
• How can mothers and fathers transition away from attachment parenting?

Research begun by developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind in the 1960s identified three main parenting styles —authoritarian, indulgent, and authoritative. Later studies added a fourth—neglectful. Every parent does not neatly fit into one of these four categories but they describe the approaches of many.

• An authoritarian parent seeks to maintain a high level of control over their children. They may set and adhere to a strict set of rules, and are more likely to support and take part in corporal punishment such as spanking. Children of highly authoritarian parents may struggle socially and may be likely to become authoritarian parents themselves.
• Neglectful parents (also known as uninvolved or disengaged) take on a limited parenting role. They may not spend as much time as other parents in conversation, play, or other activities, and may not bother to set many house rules. Some children of neglectful parents may resist rules outside of the home and struggle with self-control.
• Indulgent (or permissive) parents may be attentive and warm, but may not set many rules for their children. They may prioritize being their child’s friend over being their parent. Research suggests that the children of permissive parents may show higher levels of creativity but may also feel entitled, and be more interested in taking rather than giving in their own relationships.
• Authoritative parents follow what is widely understood as the preferred approach. Such parents are more pragmatic and flexible. They set clear boundaries but also encourage children’s independence within those limits. Discipline in such families may be more supportive than punitive, and as children get older, their independence increases. Children of authoritative parents may have more highly developed self-control and self-reliance.

Recent research suggests that, in some families, a parent’s style, especially as it relates to maintaining control over their children, could leave their kids vulnerable to emotional abuse from future partners, employers, and and others. Researchers found that people raised with a parent who maintained strict psychological control over them grew to be especially vulnerable to emotionally abusive partners. The effect appeared to be offset, though, by experiencing emotional warmth from the other parent. Research continues to explore the effect of differing parenting styles in the same family, and whether it matters if a mother or father is the authoritarian.

Much research of parenting styles has examined how the styles affect children as they grow up, and how negative effects could be tempered. But other studies have focused on helping parents become more self-aware and change their styles to develop healthier relationships with their kids . Some researchers have developed analytical scales in which parents indicate how they would respond to certain scenarios with an eye toward helping them shift, perhaps through therapy, to a more moderate approach.

In practical terms, most parents do not think of themselves as authoritarian, authoritative, or otherwise, and many mothers and fathers are self-aware enough to know that they may not be consistent with their kids at all times. Experts suggest that attention to some general guidelines can help parents develop a healthier style—for example, being consciously warm and loving toward children, setting age-appropriate limits, actively listening to children’s concerns, gently but firmly asking to be treated with respect, and “catching” kids being good , while making sure they know they’ve been seen and acknowledged.

Supportive parenting describes an approach to authoritative parenting in which mothers and fathers are conscious of how often they say no to children (as they often must, especially when kids are young) so that they can seek more opportunities to say yes to them in encouraging ways that help kids develop confidence and self-esteem. When children are mostly told what they cannot do, they can feel rejected by a parent, even a well-meaning one, with potentially negative emotional outcomes. Being consciously supportive and selfless with children can help them internalize belief in themselves.

Attachment parenting , a term coined by pediatrician William Sears, describes an approach to parenting in which mothers and fathers are physically and emotionally close to their children, especially at an early age, and is characterized in practice by extended periods of breastfeeding and co-sleeping. Sears referred to it as “what mothers and fathers would do instinctively if they were raising their baby on a desert island.” There is little evidence, however, that this approach leads to more positive psychological outcomes for children and many experts reject attachment parenting as unnecessarily demanding of parents and potentially creating conflict and division between new parents.

Parents who commit themselves to attachment parenting and have the time and temperament to maintain the approach throughout early childhood may then be faced with the challenge of weaning their children from the approach. These mothers and fathers may need to consciously practice “ detachment parenting ” so that children entering early adolescence can develop independence and healthy friendships, while resisting feeling rejected themselves as kids begin to resist a parent’s efforts to hold onto their previous level of connection.

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What Is Your Parenting Style, and Why Does It Matter?

From authoritarian to authoritative, permissive to neglectful, we're breaking down different types of parenting styles. Which one do you practice? 

Authoritarian Parenting

Permissive parenting, authoritative parenting, neglectful or uninvolved parenting, sub-types of parenting styles.

Your parenting style can affect everything from your child's self-esteem to their academic success. It's important to ensure your parenting style supports healthy growth and development because the way you interact with your child—and how you discipline them— will influence them for the rest of their life. 

Researchers have identified four main types of parenting styles that take a unique approach to raising children:

• Authoritarian
• Authoritative

People often want to know which parenting style they're using, and which one is the best overall. The truth is that there's no one right way to parent, but the general parenting style that most experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend is an authoritative approach.

Read on to learn the difference between these four major parenting styles, with information about popular subtypes like helicopter parenting, free-range parenting, tiger parenting, and more.

Baumrind's Four Parenting Styles

In the 1960s, developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind described three distinct parenting styles—authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive—based on parental demands and responsiveness to children. A fourth style, neglectful, was added later based on work by other researchers.

Do any of these statements sound like you?

• You believe kids should be seen and not heard.
• When it comes to rules, you believe it's "my way or the highway."
• You don't take your child's feelings into consideration.
• You've uttered the words "because I said so" when a child questions the reasons behind a rule.

If any of those ring true, you might be an authoritarian parent. The authoritarian style of parenting focuses on strict rules, obedience, and discipline. These parents have high expectations, and they don't hesitate to punish when children don't follow their guidelines.

Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter. Similar to an army drill sergeant, authoritarian parents are not nurturing, lenient, or communicable. They make the rules and enforce the consequences with little regard for a child's opinion.

How authoritarian parenting affects children

When raised by an authoritarian parent, children are often well-behaved at home, but they may rebel when with classmates or friends. Kids may also struggle with the following:

• Social skills
• Indecisiveness and trouble thinking on their own
• Low self-esteem
• Poor judge of character
• Anger management and resentfulness
• Hostility and aggression

Some research also indicates that children whose parents were authoritarian reported more substance use and higher instances of depression.

• You set rules but rarely enforce them.
• You don't give out consequences very often.
• You think your child will learn best with little interference from you.
• You let your children do what they want—even if it's drinking soda at every meal.

If those statements sound familiar, you might practice permissive parenting . Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there's a serious problem. They're quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of "kids will be kids." Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures.

Permissive parents cater to their children's needs without giving out much discipline . When they do use consequences, they may not stick. For example, they'll give privileges back if a child begs, or they may allow a child to get out of time-out early if they promise to be good. Permissive parents are the total opposite of strict.

How permissive parenting affects children

Since they have a high standing in the household, children of permissive parents are accustomed to getting whatever they want. They may exhibit more behavioral problems as they don't appreciate authority and rules.

Other downsides of the permissive parenting style can include:

• Lack of responsibility
• Difficulty with decision-making
• Impulsiveness and aggressiveness
• Lack of independence and personal responsibility
• Anxiety and depression
• Academic struggles

Kids who are parented permissively often act entitled, egocentric, and selfish. These children might also fail to put effort into school, work, or social endeavors since they don't have to put in any effort at home.

Additionally, kids raised by permissive parents are at a higher risk for health problems, like obesity , because permissive parents struggle to limit unhealthy food intake or promote regular exercise or healthy sleep habits. They're more likely to have dental cavities because permissive parents often don't enforce good habits, like ensuring a child brushes their teeth.

The "Gold Standard" Parenting Style

Experts consider authoritative parenting to be the most developmentally healthy and effective parenting style. Research has found kids who have authoritative parents are most likely to become confident, responsible adults who feel comfortable self-advocating and expressing their opinions and feelings.

• You put a lot of effort into creating and maintaining a positive relationship with your child.
• You explain the reasons behind your rules.
• You set limits, enforce rules, and give consequences, but also consider your child's feelings. 
• You use positive discipline strategies such as praise and rewards.

If those statements sound familiar, you might practice authoritative parenting , which is considered to be the "gold standard" parenting style. Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions.

With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children's feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge. They invest time and energy into preventing behavior problems before they start. They also use positive discipline strategies , like praise and reward systems, to reinforce positive behavior.

Authoritative parents view mistakes as a learning experience, and they have clear expectations for their children. They're nurturing and warm, yet they instill the importance of responsibility and discipline.

How authoritative parenting affects children

Children raised with authoritative parenting tend to be happy, confident, and successful. They're also more likely to make sound decisions and evaluate safety risks on their own. Authoritative parenting is linked to academic achievement, heightened self-esteem, and resiliency.

Kids with authoritative parents tend to have the following positive outcomes:

• Close, nurturing relationships with parents
• Tendency to be responsible and respectful
• Ability to manage their aggression
• High degrees of self-esteem, self-confidence , and self-regulation
• More likely to be happy and successful
• Ability to clearly express their emotions

Kids who are parented authoritatively can be trusted to make the right decision on their own, and they often set high expectations for themselves. These children may also perform well academically and socially, and they're less likely to misuse drugs or alcohol.

Do any of these statements sound familiar?

• You don't ask your child about school or homework.
• You rarely know where your child is or who they're with.
• You don't spend much time with your child.
• You don't have many rules and expectations.

If those statements sound familiar, you might be an uninvolved or neglectful parent. Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention. They don't set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing.

Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don't devote much time or energy to meeting children's basic needs. At times, uninvolved parents lack knowledge about child development—or they may believe that their child will do better without their oversight.

Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it's not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child's physical or emotional needs consistently.

How uninvolved parenting affects children

Without any guidance, structure, or parental involvement, children of neglectful parents often act out. Research has found that kids with uninvolved parents have the worst outcomes, and they're more likely to experience the following:

• Substance use
• Rebelliousness
• Delinquency (vandalism, assault, rape, petty theft)
• Lower cognitive and emotional empathy
• Diminished self-esteem

Children of uninvolved parents might, for example, get in trouble at school or with the law. In addition, they might hesitate to form bonds with other people and exhibit depression. Academic performance and social competence often suffer.

Getty Images / Shaw Photography Co.

Of course, there are plenty of parenting style subtypes, including the following

Free-range parenting

Helicopter parenting, snowplow parenting, lighthouse parenting, attachment parenting, tiger parenting.

Free-range parents give their children the independence of being less supervised or unsupervised in public. For a long time, parents who practiced this style were considered neglectful, and many thought they endangered their kids.

But more recently (and after much debate) states like Utah passed laws in favor of the hands-off parenting style. Specifically, Utah changed the definition of neglect so it doesn't include certain independent childhood activities like walking to school and playing outside. Proponents say it can instill amazing qualities like self-sufficiency and resilience.

If you're an overprotective parent who feels the need to control most aspects of your child's life, you likely fit the bill of a helicopter parent . Helicopter parents constantly intervene in their kid's life, and they obsess about successes and failures.

The risk-assessing tendencies of helicopter parents are often driven by fear and anxiety. Parents who intervene in this way can hinder a child's ability to learn integral life skills, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Research by the American Psychological Association found that kids who experience helicopter parenting are less likely to be able to manage their emotions and behavior.

Snowplow parents (also known as lawnmower or bulldozer parents) are willing to drop everything to fulfill their child's wants and demands, no matter how small. They essentially "plow down" anything standing in their child's way.

These types of parents often have good intentions and don't want their children to experience struggle. However, their habits don't provide a foundation for long-term happiness, and they can worsen a child's anxiety about failure. An extreme example of snowplow parenting involves the college admissions scandal , where numerous high-profile celebrity parents were convicted of bribing colleges to admit their children.

One of the more balanced methods of parenting, the lighthouse approach was coined by pediatrician and author Kenneth Ginsburg, MD. In his book, Raising Kids to Thrive: Balancing Love With Expectations and Protection With Trust, Dr. Ginsburg writes: "We should be like lighthouses for our children. Stable beacons of light on the shoreline from which they can measure themselves against."

The lighthouse parenting style involves finding the perfect balance between loving, protecting, communicating, and nurturing your child. Parents seek to guide and support their children, much like a lighthouse does.

Attachment parenting involves a nurturing and hands-on approach. These parents think that putting a child's needs first leads to independence and emotional stability. Parents who follow this style value physical closeness, bed-sharing and co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding , positive discipline, and other attachment-based approaches to raising children.

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found an association between sensitive-responsive parenting and children’s language skills. Specifically, kids of parents with higher levels of responsiveness and warmth had more than two times better language skills than children whose parents were less responsive. On the other hand, this parenting style is demanding and can sometimes feel out of balance when parents are less flexible in their approach.

Often displaying rigid and harsh characteristics, tiger parents expect obedience and success. This term gained mainstream attention due to Amy Chua's book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom , where she describes tiger parenting as an authoritarian method commonly used in Chinese culture.

Some research has found a correlation between tiger parenting and anxiety in children , possibly due to their parent's high demands and constant expectations for perfection.

Additional reporting by Amy Morin, LCSW  

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Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children .  StatPearls  [Internet]. Updated 2022.

Role of parenting styles in adolescent substance use: results from a Swedish longitudinal cohort study . BMJ Open.  2016.

Authoritarian parenting and youth depression: Results from a national study .  Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community.  2016.

Role of Parenting Style in Children’s Behavioral Problems through the Transition from Preschool to Elementary School According to Gender in Japan . Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health . 2019.

Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept .  J Child Fam Stud . 2019.

Consequences of parenting on adolescent outcomes .  Societies . 2014.

Psychosocial Consequences of Parenting . IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science . 2016.

Helicopter Parenting May Negatively Affect Children’s Emotional Well-Being, Behavior . American Psychological Association . 2018.

Investigations of College Admissions and Testing Bribery Scheme . United States Attorney's Office . Updated 2023.

Parenting Behavior and Child Language: A Meta-analysis . American Academy of Pediatrics . 2019.

The moderating effects of positive psychological strengths on the relationship between tiger parenting and child anxiety . Children and Youth Services Review . 2018.

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Parenting Styles: Types, Examples, And Consequences

When you think of how your parent raised you, much of what you remember might be related to their parenting style. Once you become a parent yourself, you develop your style, and this will be a part of what your children will remember, too. Understanding parenting styles and their results can help you become more self-aware and better prepared to be the kind of parent you want to be.

What is a parenting style?

Each parent develops their way of dealing with their child. There are four recognized styles, but because parents often use different parenting styles at various times, each parent has their unique blend of styles. So, what is a style of parenting?

Parenting style: Definition

A style of parenting is a set of strategies you use to raise your child. Researchers have come up with four basic parenting style categories called the Baumrind parenting styles. Each style has its unique characteristics.

Types of parenting styles

The four Baumrind parenting styles are:

Authoritative

Permissive/Indulgent

Uninvolved/Neglectful

Authoritarian/Disciplinarian

Authoritative parenting style

The  authoritative parenting  style is usually considered the most helpful for children in most instances. It is also known as the most effective and  positive parenting  style. When parents are acting in the authoritative style, they focus on nurturing their children. Authoritative parents support their children and respond readily to their needs.

When parents use an authoritative style, they explain things to their children and take the time to listen to them. Authoritative parents reason with their children, although they may not agree with them on all points. Authoritative parents are their children's leaders and guides, as well as the ones who set important rules. The rules they set aren't excessive, but they're clear and consistent.

Authoritative parents expect much of their children, but they allow them to help set their own goals. Rather than pushing their children beyond what they can reasonably do, authoritative parents communicate with them often to help them achieve.

Imagine that a parent would like a child to get involved in after-school activities. If the parent is acting in an authoritative mode, they talk to the child about what kind of activity they would like to do. After listening to the child's opinion, the parent decides whether it is a good option for their child. They tell their child their decision and explain why they chose that option, and make sure that the child genuinely understands. 

The authoritative parent might ask the child how they can help them get started. Authoritative parents make sure the child has what they need for the activity and talks to them frequently about their progress after they begin.

In this example, a teenager has secretly skipped school. The authoritative parent finds out about it and goes to the teen to talk about what happened and why they made that choice. The parent listens to the teen but also explains why they're disappointed and need to set limits.

Earlier in the teen's life, the parent has already let their child know that they always need to go to school unless they have permission to be absent. So, the teen isn't surprised when the parent explains the consequences of their actions. The parent then makes sure the child faces the consequences.

Consequences of authoritative parenting

Children whose parents have mostly used authoritative parenting tend to be healthy and well-adjusted. These children often have the following characteristics:

Independent

Self-controlled

Interested in finding out about their world

Cooperative

Focused on achievement

Permissive or indulgent parenting style

Someone who parents in the permissive style is typically warm and kind to them. However, they don't set limits for them or have any firm expectations for good behavior. They may not know what their child is doing and may not know whether they are displaying maturity appropriate to their age. The parent and the child seem more like friends.

The school year starts, and the child comes home with a form to fill out to choose after-school activities. The permissive parent might look over the sheet and tell the child how fun an activity would be.

However, if the child says they don't want to do any, the parent says it's okay. If they don't want to do it, they don't have to. The parent doesn't try to find out why or talk to the child about why it's a good idea to get involved. The parent drops the subject. 

This is the situation where the teenager skips school. The parent finds out. They might or might not let the teen know that they've discovered they weren't at school. If the parent does ask them about it, they let the child control the conversation. They might tell them what they did was wrong, but even if they do, they don't stand their ground.

A permissive parent doesn't impose punishments or consequences. They don't take any actions to keep the child from skipping again or even show it if they think it's important. A permissive parent tends to want their child to like them, so they don't push.

Consequences of permissive parenting

When a mostly permissive parent raises a child, they don't learn to set their limits. They might act impulsively and show little self-control. At the same time, they may seek to control others. They're typically aimless and don't usually focus on achievement. They're often rebellious.

Uninvolved or neglectful parenting style

People with an uninvolved style of parenting don't respond to their child's needs. They don't make themselves available when their child needs them. They may even seem to reject their child. An uninvolved style of parenting is similar to being neglectful.

If the school sends home information about activities, the uninvolved parent probably won't even look at the sheet. They don't ask the child if they want to do an activity or pay enough attention to notice the child's need to do it.

If the child decides to do the activity, the parent doesn't make sure they have the supplies they need or transportation to get home. Either the child can't keep up, or someone else steps in to provide these things. If someone does take on those parental responsibilities, the child might bond to them and view them as a role model, whether that's a good idea or not.

If the child of an uninvolved parent skips school, the parent typically won't respond at all. The only exception would be if the child's actions had consequences for the parent.

Consequences of uninvolved parenting 

When children have received mostly  neglectful parenting , they tend to think there's something wrong with them. Their self-esteem is low, and they have little self-confidence.

Disciplinarian or authoritarian parenting style

A parent acting in the authoritarian style is a strict disciplinarian. They rarely explain why they make the rules they make, but they expect the child to follow their rules explicitly. They expect their child to do what they want and to do it perfectly. When the child doesn't manage to satisfy them, they punish them.

When the child brings home their list of activities to choose from, the authoritarian parent tells them which one they must do. They don't listen to find out what the child wants. They also set rules about attendance and participation in the activity. They expect the child to excel in the activity, even though they don't nurture them with understanding or support.

If the teenager of an authoritarian parent skips school, the parent immediately goes straight to punishment. They might lecture them about it. Even if they ask them why they skipped, they probably don't want to know. They don't listen or negotiate, regardless of what the teen's reason might be. They aren't interested.

Consequences of authoritarian parenting

Children raised by authoritarian parents tend to be fearful. They usually have low self-esteem. They may be shy and have poor social skills. If the child wants to show someone they love them, their go-to response is obedience. When they're away from the authoritarian parent, they risk them misbehaving in rebellion or never truly expressing themselves.

Using a combined parenting style

As mentioned earlier here, most parents use a combination of styles. This can be helpful to deal with different situations in ways that are appropriate.

For example, if a child could do an afterschool activity, they'll probably have the best outcome if their parent uses an authoritative parenting style, allowing them to have input before the parent makes the final decision. However, in the second scenario, the parent might do the most good for their child by using an authoritarian approach, but with better communication.

Although it can be healthy to use different parenting styles, you must make sure your child knows what to expect from you as much as possible. They need consistent rules and consequences. They also need to be nurtured and supported. It's even okay to indulge your child on rare occasions.

While being a 'helicopter parent' may be harmful, there is little place for uninvolved parenting styles in healthy parenting. Instead, it's best to allow independence when possible, without abandoning or neglecting your child.

What to do if you're concerned about your parenting style

What type of parenting style do you usually use? If you aren't sure, think about how you communicate with and correct your child. You might feel that you could do a better job if you understood parenting better. You might even be worried about what could happen if you continue along on your present course.

Changing to a healthier parenting style might be very helpful for your child and your relationship with them. Making that change is rarely easy. Talking to a therapist can help you learn parenting skills like communication, negotiation, and self-control. When you talk to a licensed counselor at Regain for online therapy, they can help you identify your unique parenting style and refine it to give the child what they need when they need it. You might have been on the wrong track before, but with help, you can parent your child to be a strong, independent, and caring adult.

Understanding parenting style: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the 4 types of parenting styles.

The four types of parenting styles are:

Authoritarian parenting 

Uninvolved parenting , permissive parenting , authoritative parenting .

Authoritarian parenting, also called disciplinarian style, is a type of parenting that involves setting many rules and demanding perfect adherence to them. The goal is for the parent to be in complete control of their child's behavior (this is a similarity to helicopter parents). With authoritarian parenting, when a child misbehaves, they're punished, and the punishments are often severe. The child is not allowed to question their parents' decisions or make many of their own decision. The parents rule, and the children obey, or they face the consequence that their parents set. Parenting practices of authoritarian parents can often be harsh and feel cold and unloving to the child. 

The uninvolved parenting style, also called neglectful parenting, refers to a parenting style that allows the child to do whatever they want without interference from their parents. They have no one to teach them the best ways to do things, and they often end up being physically hurt because there's no one watching out for them. Their parents don't take care of their needs or teach them what they need to survive when they grow up. The goal of an uninvolved parent is not to be bothered by their children.

The permissive parenting style is similar to uninvolved parenting only because it allows the child to do anything they like. However, in terms of the goal of parenting, the permissive style is different. The permissive parent wants their child to like them, and their parenting reflects that. They set no expectations or limits on their child's behavior at all. In terms of attitude in parenting, permissive parents are happy to do whatever it takes for their child to get what they want at the moment.

Consider all the parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Of these, authoritative parents tend to be the most rational. Authoritative parents are the authorities, or experts, on life, but they are not the absolute rulers like authoritarians. Authoritative parents allow their children to have a genuine say, but in the end, they make decisions based on what benefits their child and their family most, both in the short run and in the long-term. Being an authoritative parent means addressing your child's needs and having positive expectations of them. Yet, at the same time, an authoritative parent does set limits. Authoritative parents have rational discussions with their child about the child's goals and needs, listening and explaining so that everyone is on the same page. Read here for more authoritative parenting examples.

Although many experts have described these four parenting styles, another parenting style has been developed in recent years. It's called free-range parenting. Free-range parenting means giving your child freedom to explore their neighborhood, try new things, and have new experiences on their own. The parent's role is to prepare them for these experiences by teaching them the skills they need. Rather than overloading them with tons of structured activities, free-range parents allow their children lots of time for unstructured play. They encourage them to be independent and play outdoors as much as possible. They may have some rules, especially for safety issues, but their main goal is to allow their kids to be kids while developing the skills they need for later life. However, as mentioned above, strong evidence indicates that authoritative parents tend to raise the healthiest, most capable children. 

What is the most effective parenting style?

The link between parenting styles and outcomes for children is undeniable. And each parenting style might be appropriate in specific cases. Yet, of all the parenting styles, authoritative parents seem to get the best results.

In most instances, authoritative parenting is the most effective of all the types of parenting styles. Because their parents listen to them and explain what they need to know about their rules and decisions, the children feel understood and valued. They are more likely to follow the rules and pursue the set goals when they understand them. This is especially true if they had a voice in making those rules or setting those goals. Children learn from their parents how the world works and what they need to do to thrive. They tend to have positive attitudes, rational ways of thinking, and good social skills.

The permissive style of parenting has many drawbacks. The children are in control even though they aren't mature enough to know what's best for them. No one questions their poor decisions or expects them to do anything they aren't eager to do. This sets them up for disappointment and failure later in life. They don't have the skills they need to thrive unless they just happened to want to learn them. When they can't get what they want, the children of permissive parents don't know what to do about it. So, they act out in anger, quit trying, or get into bad habits.

The link between parenting and outcomes couldn't be more evident than with neglectful, uninvolved parenting. The children of uninvolved parents typically have very low self-esteem. After all, their parents showed no signs that they cared anything about them. Because an uninvolved parent's parenting practices are so lacking, the children grow up without any guidance or instruction in life. Thus, they may find it hard to build a life for themselves when they grow up.

As for the authoritarian parenting style, understanding what can happen if you stick to this style alone is critical. The influence of parenting like your child's ruler can show up later when they rebel against society or adopt extreme conformity. They tend to be filled with fear and anxiety and have low self-worth. With the authoritative parents around, the child might be quick to obey, but as soon as they are away from their parents, they tend to do the opposite of what their parents want.

How do I fix bad parenting?

The best way to fix bad parenting is to talk to a therapist about it. Maybe you were the victim of too much of the least helpful parenting styles—authoritarian, neglectful, or indulgent. Or maybe you've used these parenting styles too often, and now your children are behaving in unhealthy ways. Perhaps you would like to be a better parent and do what's most helpful for your children and your family. Maybe you learned about parenting through cultural influences like TV and movies, but now you want to learn more about the best parenting styles from an expert. In any of these cases, a therapist can help you heal the damage from bad parenting and set you on a better path for yourself and your children. Be on the lookout for bad parenting examples such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

So, what can you do to help yourself? First, you can look at your parenting practices and determine what types of parenting styles you've been using. Next, try learning more about authoritative parenting. Put the parenting practices of an authoritative parent to work with your children. You can still use other styles at times if they are more appropriate to the situation. However, remember the relationships between parenting styles and children's behavior. Vary parenting styles as needed but avoid constantly switching from one style to another. Your child needs to know what to expect from you as much as possible.

Your children may need therapy as well, especially if your bad parenting has put them in danger or failed to meet their needs. If you've been a harsh disciplinarian, your child may need some therapy for their anxiety. And if you went through childhood with a bad parent, a therapist can help you understand what happened to you better and guide you as you learn to be a good parent for yourself and your children. If you have survived authoritarian, indulgent, or neglectful parents yourself, it's important to heal from your childhood. 

Can a parent yelling at a child be harmful?

Yes.  As a parent, yelling at your child can have severe consequences. Yelling is verbal abuse, and it can:

Affect the development of a child’s brain

Cause a child to become depressed

Cause medical conditions related to stress

Lead to chronic pain

Increase a child’s bad behavior

Raising children can be frustrating for anyone. That's why even the best parents may want to yell at their kids once in a while. But giving in to that impulse can be harmful to your child, no matter what parenting style you usually use. So, unless the yelling is to warn them of immediate danger, it's best to put a check on those parenting practices and find another way to communicate your message.

Why is authoritative parenting best?

Authoritative parenting has many advantages and benefits. Here are a few benefits that authoritative parents offer:

Children feel loved and valued and learn to value themselves as well

Children tend to behave appropriately

Children have a more positive attitude

Children become good at setting goals and working towards success

Family conflicts tend to be resolved without resorting to verbal or physical abuse

Children have limits as well as opportunities

In the long-term, children of authoritative parents tend to be more successful and happier

What are the 3 basic parenting styles? What is the hardest stage of parenting? What are the hardest parts of parenting? What is unhealthy parenting? What is emotionally abusive parenting?

Parenting styles: Related articles

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/what-is-authoritative-parenting-and-how-does-it-affect-children/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/how-to-balance-parenting-marriage/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/the-best-parenting-style-for-you-and-your-kids/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/dealing-with-codependent-parents-how-to-help-them-and-how-to-heal/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/the-top-parenting-fails-and-how-to-avoid-them/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/examples-of-bad-parenting-what-to-do-about-it/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/what-is-positive-parenting-and-how-does-it-work/

Uninvolved Parenting

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/the-dangers-of-indulgent-parenting/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/raising-a-child-alone-how-to-win-at-single-parenting/

https://www.regain.us/advice/parenting/parenting-skills-that-every-parent-should-have/

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Characteristics and Effects of an Uninvolved Parenting Style

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

• Characteristics

Examples of Uninvolved Parenting

Coping with an uninvolved parenting style.

Uninvolved parenting , sometimes referred to as neglectful parenting, is a style characterized by a lack of responsiveness to a child's needs. Uninvolved parents make few to no demands of their children and they are often indifferent, dismissive, or even completely neglectful .

During the 1960s, psychologist Diana Baumrind described three different  parenting styles  based on her research with preschool-age children: authoritarian , authoritative , and permissive parenting. In later years, researchers added uninvolved parenting.

Characteristics of Uninvolved Parenting

Baumrind characterized her parenting styles in terms of two key dimensions: parental responsiveness and parental demandingness. People with an uninvolved parenting style are low on both of these dimensions.

They do not respond well to the needs of their children and provide little affection, support, or love. They also make very few demands on their children. They rarely set rules and do not offer guidance or expectations for behavior.

Common Patterns of Behavior for Uninvolved Parents

• Act emotionally distant from their children
• Limit interactions with their children because they're too overwhelmed by their own problems
• Provide little or no supervision
• Set few or no expectations or demands for behavior
• Show little warmth, love, and affection towards their children
• Skip school events and parent-teacher conferences

Free-Range vs. Uninvolved Parents

It is important to note that uninvolved parenting is not the same as free-range parenting. Where uninvolved parents have no interest in their children's lives, free-range parents are loving and attentive but give their kids plenty of freedom to experience the natural consequences of their actions.

Busy Parents

It is also important to note that just because a parent is busy with work or other obligations does not mean they are uninvolved. Intent and caring matter. While parents may work a lot of hours, they are not uninvolved if they spend the free time they have with their kids and make sure their children are cared for when they cannot be with them.

What's Your Parenting Style?

This fast and free parenting styles quiz can help you analyze the methods you're using to parent your kids and whether or not it may be a good idea to learn some new parenting behaviors:

Uninvolved parents have little emotional involvement with their kids. While they provide for basic needs like food and shelter, they are, for the most part, uninvolved in their children's lives. The exact degree of involvement may vary considerably.

Examples of the uninvolved parenting style include:

• Ignoring their child when they are upset or crying
• Expecting their children to care for themselves 
• Not respecting a child's interests
• Failing to provide adequate supervision for a child

Some uninvolved parents may be relatively hands-off with their kids, but may still have some basic limits such as curfews. Others may be downright neglectful or even reject their children outright. Kids might be given the bare minimum they need for survival, such as shelter, nourishment, and clothing, yet little or nothing in the way of guidance or affection.

Causes of Uninvolved Parenting

It is important to note that uninvolved parenting is often not intentional. It may arise for a number of different reasons, including things like parental experience and stress.

Parents who exhibit an uninvolved parenting style were often raised by uninvolved and dismissive parents. As adults, they may find themselves repeating the same patterns they were raised with. Other parents who display this style may simply be so caught up in their busy lives that they find it easier to take a hands-off approach to dealing with their children.

In some cases, parents may be so wrapped up in their own problems (i.e., being overworked, coping with depression, struggling with substance abuse) that they actually fail to see how uninvolved they are with their children or are simply unable to provide the emotional support their children need.

Effects of Uninvolved Parenting

Researchers associate parenting styles with a range of child outcomes in areas such as social skills and academic performance. The children of uninvolved parents generally perform poorly in nearly every area of life. These children tend to display deficits in cognition, attachment , emotional skills, and social skills.

Due to the lack of emotional responsiveness and love from their caretakers, children raised by uninvolved parents may have difficulty forming attachments later in life.

The complete lack of boundaries in the home makes it difficult to learn appropriate behaviors and limits in school and other social situations, which is why children with uninvolved parents are more likely to misbehave.

What are the effects of uninvolved parents?

Children with uninvolved parents may:

• Be anxious or stressed due to the lack of family support
• Be motionally withdrawn
• Fear becoming dependent on other people
• Have an increased risk of substance abuse
• Have to learn to provide for themselves
• Exhibit more delinquency during adolescence

The uninvolved parenting style can leave a lasting mark on kids, which you may continue to feel as an adult if you were raised by uninvolved parents. You may also fear repeating these patterns with your own children. There are things you can do to improve your parenting skills, such as:

• Learn more about parenting : Read books, websites, and articles devoted to childrearing to learn more about effective approaches that are beneficial for children.
• Take a parenting class : Parent training has been shown to help improve parental involvement. Check with local hospitals, schools, libraries, and community colleges to find parenting courses in your area.
• Consider therapy : Talking to a mental health professional can help you contextualize your own experiences and develop new skills that will help you build healthy bonds and boundaries with your kids.
• Get involved : Make an active effort to spend more time with your children. Listen to them and learn about their lives. Changing isn't easy and it may be more difficult if you are a busy, working parent. Focus on carving out whatever time you can to devote your undivided attention to your kids. 

If you recognize that you have been an uninvolved parent, you may find family therapy helpful. A therapist can help you identify strategies that will help form closer connections, deeper bonds, and better responsiveness within your family unit.

While you can't change the past, there are also things you can do to help heal from being raised by uninvolved parents. Reparenting yourself , developing healthy attachments with other people in your life, and speaking to a mental health professional are all steps you can take that can foster the healing process.

Get Advice From The Verywell Mind Podcast

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares what mentally strong parents do.

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A Word From Verywell

It is clear from looking at the consequences of this type of child-rearing that the uninvolved parenting style is far from ideal. In order to raise confident children who are emotionally healthy and resilient, children need support, warmth, love, appropriate discipline, structure, and guidance from adults that they trust.

Baumrind D. Child care practices anteceding three patterns of preschool behavior . Genet Psychol Monogr . 1967;75(1):43-88.

Zahed Zahedani Z, Rezaee R, Yazdani Z, Bagheri S, Nabeiei P. The influence of parenting style on academic achievement and career path .  J Adv Med Educ Prof . 2016;4(3):130-134.

Hong YR, Park JS. Impact of attachment, temperament and parenting on human development .  Korean J Pediatr . 2012;55(12):449-454. doi:10.3345/kjp.2012.55.12.449

Hoffmann JP, Bahr SJ. Parenting style, religiosity, peer alcohol use, and adolescent heavy drinking . J Stud Alcohol Drugs . 2014;75(2):222-7. doi:10.15288/jsad.2014.75.222

Hoskins D. Consequences of parenting on adolescent outcomes . Societies . 2014;4(3):506-531. doi:10.3390/soc4030506

Rincón P, Cova F, Saldivia S, et al. Effectiveness of a positive parental practices training program for Chilean preschoolers' families: a randomized controlled trial .  Front Psychol . 2018;9:1751. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01751

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

We all parent differently, but it's safe to say that (most) of us have the same goals in mind when it comes to raising our children: that they're happy, healthy, functional, and turn into kind adults that contribute to society. While we all have that end goal in mind, many of us choose to take very different routes to get there, meaning even our closest mom-friends will end up deciding to parent differently than we do. Because there are so many ways to be a mother, there are questions friends with different parenting styles should ask each other, to ensure those differences don't end up being the reasons why a cherished friendship comes to an end.

For some, being a good parent means practicing attachment parenting , while others might prefer free-range parenting . Some parents don't second guess their children's vaccinations, while others are very adamant in their anti-vaccination beliefs . There are organic parents, helicopter parents, strict parents and laid back parents. There are spiritual and religious parents, parents that co-sleep and parents that sleep train. I mean, there are simply all sorts of men and women with varying beliefs and parenting methods, but they all have something very important in common: they all want the best for their babies.

Sadly, that commonality is discarded while disagreements and disputes over what the "best parenting method" actually is (usually) take over. I mean, have you visited any parenting forums lately? The internet is filled with varying opinions that, often times, spark some pretty intense, and even hurtful, debates. If we could just start listening to one another and stop attempting to push our own ideas onto other people, we might just learn something of value that actually assists us during our own parenting journey. If you've got friends with different parenting styles , try taking the time to listen and learn about how and why they've decided to raise their children that particular way. Even if you don't necessarily agree with every decision they make, every parent could use the support of others who may view the multifaceted world of parenting just a little bit differently than they do.

Which is why, if you're face-to-face with a friend who parents differently than you do, try asking them these seven questions. Just because someone decided to parent differently, doesn't mean they won't continually support you or care about you and, inevitably, want what's best for you and your kid.

"What Lead You To Your Specific Style Of Parenting?"

Was it something that they read, or something that happened with their child that lead them to making a particular decision, or even something that happened to them as a child that has shaped their parenting style? Did they decide not to vaccinate their kids because they were worried about the possible harm, or was it a religious decision? A lot of factors can go into why a person decides to parent in any one particular way. By learning why your friend chose their styles or methods, you will also be prompted to take a look at your own choices and ask yourself why you made those specific decisions in the first place.

Some people are devout in their reasoning and beliefs, and learning why they feel so strongly could inspire you to take a deeper look at your own decisions and possibly improve in areas that you didn't even know needed improving. Or, you know, maybe they don't need improving, but you like the results your friend has seen so you might just give a try anyway. Constantly attempting to better yourself as a parent is never a bad thing, and who better to learn from than a friend?

"Did Your Own Upbringing Impact Your Parenting?"

Some people parent the way they do because of their own parents, and some people do it despite their parents' decisions. The way we are raised can have a monumental impact on how we raise our own kids. Parents that have grown up in divorced homes might find that their parents' divorce affects the way they treat their own children; people that have been physically or emotionally abused might also find that some of the decisions they make stem from them learning what not to do from the many mistakes of their own parents. Anyone that has grown up with a toxic parent is likely to make decisions that will ensure they won't become one themselves.

On the other hand, some people have a great deal of respect and admiration for their parents, so they mimic the upbringing they experienced when raising their own children because, well, they want their kids to have the kind of childhood they were lucky enough to experience.

"Have You Been Ridiculed For Your Parenting Decisions?"

The answer to this question is probably an astounding "yes," at least, for most parents. Not everyone is going to agree on the "best way" to raise kids, but that doesn't mean that differing opinions should merit judgment. A person doesn't stop needing support after they become a parent. If anything, they need more support than ever before.

Parenting is one of the toughest jobs any of us will ever have. When other people ridicule our parenting decisions or talk down about the way we've decided to raise our children, it can feel like getting a bad review at work, only much much worse. That's why it's so important to reassure any of your friends that may have experienced some sort of backlash or adversity for their parenting decisions. Just because we don't always agree, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't always support one another.

"Has Your Relationship With Your Child Benefited From Your Parenting Decisions?"

It's interesting and beneficial to see the results that another parent has seen with their child after making a particular decision. For example: maybe you co-sleep with your children, but your best friend let her kids cry it out. Your best friend thinks that letting a baby cry it out is a harmless and effective way of instilling routines, discipline, and self-soothing tactics, but you think that it's cruel and would rather have your child sleep with you for forever and/or until they're comfortable sleeping alone. Even though you don't necessarily agree with your friend's decision, you see that it has given her results, so much so that you're interested in trying some of her methods yourself.

"How Do You Relate To Other Parents That Don't Necessarily Agree With You?"

Parenthood is, at times, isolating enough without the added stresses of trying to relate to parents that don't relate to your methods. So, if your friend has experienced any sort of social isolation from other parents (due to their own parenting style), they need your support. They need to know that you are there for them, despite your differing views or opinions or choices.

The great thing about having friends with different parenting styles is that there really is so much that we can learn from one another, including how to deal with people who don't agree with you. Not only is it worth it to get to know your friend's unique parenting style, but it is super beneficial to learn how she deals with the "haters" because, well, you'll inevitably have to, too.

"Do You Ever Second Guess Yourself?"

While we all like to put our best foot forward and present a strong parenting front, parenthood is filled with so much self-doubt. Sometimes, it helps to hear that we're not the only ones constantly wondering if we're messing up or doing it wrong or could be doing better. Talk to your friend about the not-so-fun aspects of parenting, especially when you're unapologetic about your choices and, therefore, more likely to be on the receiving end of criticism. We're all human, and exposing that humanity to friends we can trust is, more often than not, exactly what we need.

"Have I Ever Made You Feel Bad For Your Parenting Choices?"

This question is a tough one, but one we should all be asking. We're not perfect; not in parenthood and definitely not in friendship. Sometimes, we end up hurting someone we care about without even realizing it. Maybe you said a remark that came across as judgmental? Maybe you gave your friend a look when she disciplined her child, that made her feel just the most awful? It's good to keep ourselves in check and make sure that we're being the best, most supportive friend possible.

And, you know, if the answer to this question is a resounding, "yes," it's a good idea to apologize and learn from your mistake. After all, whether it's being a mother or being a friend, we can all stand to be a little bit better than we were the day before.

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StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

StatPearls [Internet].

Types of parenting styles and effects on children.

Terrence Sanvictores ; Magda D. Mendez .

Affiliations

Last Update: September 18, 2022 .

• Definition/Introduction

When it comes to parenting, there is a great deal of diversity among families. Cultural backgrounds have a major impact on how the family unit exists and how children are reared. In the last several years, the population of the United States of America has had a makeup. Changes driven by immigration (with different cultural, ethnic, and spiritual ideologies), socioeconomic status, and single-parent families are some of the factors that determine a variety of parenting styles among families. As per the 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data, ¼ of children lived in single-parent families, and three-fourths lived in households with two married parents. These patterns differ when race and ethnicity are considered. Although children can thrive in all types of family environments, data suggest that, on average, children living in single-parent families fare less well than their counterparts.

The definition of culture refers to a pattern of social norms, values, language, and behavior shared by individuals. As a result, parents are affected by their culture. When it comes to self-regulation, parenting approaches vary across cultures concerning promoting attention, compliance, delayed gratification, executive function, and effortful control.

Every parent has a different approach in how to interact and guide their children. A child’s morals, principles, and conduct are generally established through this bond. Different researchers have grouped parenting styles into three, four, five, or more psychological constructs. This article's content will only focus on four parenting categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Every category employs a unique approach to how parents raise their children. Generally, each parent will fall into one of these categories and sometimes have some characteristics from another category. Parenting style can also be situation-dependent.

• Issues of Concern

Authoritarian Parenting

Parents of this style tend to have a one-way mode of communication where the parent establishes strict rules that the child obeys. There is little to no room for negotiations from the child, and the rules are not usually explained. They expect their children to uphold these standards while making no errors. Mistakes usually lead to punishment. Authoritarian parents are normally less nurturing and have high expectations with limited flexibility. 

Children that grow up with authoritarian parents will usually be the most well-behaved in the room because of the consequences of misbehaving. Additionally, they are better able to adhere to the precise instructions required to reach a goal. Furthermore, this parenting style can result in children who have higher levels of aggression but may also be shy, socially inept, and unable to make their own decisions. [1]  This aggression can remain uncontrolled as they have difficulty managing anger as they were not provided with proper guidance. They have poor self-esteem, which further reinforces their inability to make decisions. [2]  Strict parental rules and punishments often influence the child to rebel against authority figures as they grow older.  

Authoritative Parenting

This type of parent normally develops a close, nurturing relationship with their children. They have clear guidelines for their expectations and explain their reasons associated with disciplinary actions. Disciplinary methods are used as a way of support instead of punishment. Not only can children have input into goals and expectations, but there are also frequent and appropriate levels of communication between the parent and their child. In general, this parenting style leads to the healthiest outcomes for children but requires a lot of patience and effort on both parties. 

Authoritative parenting results in children who are confident, responsible, and able to self-regulate. [1] [3]  They can manage their negative emotions more effectively, which leads to better social outcomes and emotional health. Since these parents also encourage independence, their children will learn that they are capable of accomplishing goals on their own. This results in children who grow up with higher self-esteem. Also, these children have a high level of academic achievement and school performance. [4]

Permissive Parenting

Permissive parents tend to be warm, nurturing and usually have minimal or no expectations. They impose limited rules on their children. Communication remains open, but parents allow their children to figure things out for themselves. These low levels of expectation usually result in rare uses of discipline. They act more like friends than parents. 

Limited rules can lead to children with unhealthy eating habits, especially regarding snacks. [5]  This can result in increased risks for obesity and other health problems later in the child’s life. The child also has a lot of freedom as they decide their bedtime, if or when to do homework, and screen time with the computer and television. [6]  Freedom to this degree can lead to other negative habits as the parent does not provide much guidance on moderation. Overall, children of permissive parents usually have some self-esteem and decent social skills. However, they can be impulsive, demanding, selfish, and lack self-regulation. [7] [8]

Uninvolved Parenting

Children are given a lot of freedom as this type of parent normally stays out of the way. They fulfill the child’s basic needs while generally remaining detached from their child’s life. An uninvolved parent does not utilize a particular disciplining style and has a limited amount of communication with their child. They tend to offer a low amount of nurturing while having either few or no expectations of their children. 

The children of uninvolved parents usually are resilient and may even be more self-sufficient than children with other types of upbringing. However, these skills are developed out of necessity. Additionally, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, less effective coping strategies, may have academic challenges, and difficulty with maintaining or nurturing social relationships. [9] [10]

• Clinical Significance

Characteristics of a parent’s upbringing style may continue to be prevalent in the child’s behaviors and actions as they age. As a child grows older, they can be affected by other factors that further shape their conduct or possibly change it entirely (i.e., therapy, culture, job, and social circle). With regards to health outcomes, it is important to identify which areas of concern are related to the upbringing style of a patient’s parents (i.e., the habit of unmonitored snacking) and address the issues at that level. These issues become relatively more important when it comes to behavioral/ psychological intervention.

Becoming culturally competent whenever possible is a great asset for providers who take care of pediatric patients. Understanding the family background, how rules are set, and discipline styles will allow the clinician to understand the dynamics of the family unit. Once the provider is familiarized with the parental rearing techniques, identifying, managing, or referring families will be an easier task.

• Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

Child interventions may require knowledge of their parent's upbringing style, especially if physical or verbal abuse is suspected. Understanding the child's home environment can lead to better patient outcomes as more personalized approaches can be taken towards the child's wellbeing.

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Disclosure: Terrence Sanvictores declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Magda Mendez declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ), which permits others to distribute the work, provided that the article is not altered or used commercially. You are not required to obtain permission to distribute this article, provided that you credit the author and journal.

• Cite this Page Sanvictores T, Mendez MD. Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

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• Perceived parenting styles and primary attachment styles of single and children living with both parents. [J Pak Med Assoc. 2021] Perceived parenting styles and primary attachment styles of single and children living with both parents. Idrees MU, Zahra SM, Naeem F. J Pak Med Assoc. 2021 Jun; 71(6):1540-1544.
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Guest Essay

The Invasive-Species Debate Is Not Always Simple

By Margaret Renkl

Ms. Renkl is a contributing Opinion writer who covers flora, fauna, politics and culture in the American South.

Where starlings are concerned, I thought my heart was a stone.

Starlings descend in great flocks on orchards and farms, decimating crops and dining on feed meant for livestock . In the air, they can bring down airplanes . Their excrement fouls city streets and walkways. And that’s just the nuisance they cause to people. European starlings also outcompete native birds for roosts and nest holes. What is there to love about a bird whose presence causes so many problems? A bird who doesn’t even belong here?

And yet, despite my deep environmental convictions, I have somehow fallen in love with starlings.

I love the gorgeous starry plumage that emerges after they molt. I love the way they can mimic nearly anything, including an elaborate array of construction noises that they have learned in this neighborhood of unceasing construction. I especially love the way they gather in great swooping, looping wintertime flocks, turning the sky into an endless blue stage for their endlessly inventive performances.

As the discourse around nonnative plants and animals grows increasingly strident , I’ve been thinking a lot about the starling-softened stone that was once my heart.

In late March, a New York chapter of Wild Ones , a national nonprofit that advocates for native plants and natural landscapes, posted an explanation for why planting spicebush is better than planting forsythia . Like forsythia, spicebush adds a pop of yellow color to the early spring garden. Like forsythia, spicebush can create a natural screen for backyard privacy. But unlike forsythia, which is both nonnative and sterile, spicebush flowers feed pollinators in springtime. Its leaves feed spicebush-swallowtail caterpillars in summer. Its berries feed a host of songbirds in fall.

One of these plants can restore a garden to its original purpose as a biodiverse ecosystem. The other simply offers a brief display of yellow flowers.

These are incontrovertible facts. Native creatures evolved to recognize native plants as food and habitat. At a time when insect populations are plummeting (in part because of the ubiquity of nonnative plants ) and two-thirds of North American birds are at risk of extinction , there is no good reason to plant a flower that offers nothing to the wild world.

But that fact didn’t stop the pro-forsythia contingent from flying into an online rage at the very idea that someone was coming for the flower they learned to love at Granny’s knee. (I won’t link to these posts because I don’t want to add fuel to the conflagration.) In a comment on one post, someone called native-plant advocates “plant racists.”

There was nothing preachy about the Wild Ones post, which after all was aimed at native-plant enthusiasts anyway, but it’s true that environmentalists can sometimes take on a give-no-quarter tone. Sometimes they advocate for a slash-and-burn approach, using literal fire or literal poison to kill off any plant that doesn’t have the right provenance. Sometimes they call for killing introduced birds by any method that works. I can see how unpleasantly similar all this sounds to the dangerous nativist impulses in our culture.

But human beings, whatever their race, belong to the same species. Depending on how you look at it, either all human beings are native to a particular ecosystem or none of us are. Plant and animal species, on the other hand, evolved for a particular landscape — a landscape that in turn evolved to accommodate their presence. Crucial habitat is lost when introduced plants crowd out the native ones that sustain indigenous wildlife.

Despite the scolding tone that native-plant advocates can sometimes take, they are making an irrefutable point. The earth is teetering near a tipping point of no return. In the context of environmental apocalypse, there is no time — and no square inch of garden space — to waste. Every Cassandra in human history has felt this way: desperate to make others see the truth before the towers are on fire.

I am one of those Cassandras. I wrote a whole book about how we can learn to be better neighbors to the wild creatures who share our ecosystems.

But I am also learning how much more complicated this question of who belongs and who does not can sometimes be. Burmese pythons are incontestably devastating the Everglades . But starlings don’t appear to have nearly the negative impact on native cavity-nesting birds that they were long presumed to have. And as the climate changes, we are seeing that it is also changing where specific plants and animals can thrive. Through seed dispersal, introduced creatures can end up being what allows native plants to survive climate change.

Eradicating all the problematic plants that Americans have introduced into their landscapes — not to mention 85 million starlings — is just never going to happen. My husband and I have been rewilding our half-acre lot with increasing urgency for the past 29 years, with only limited success. To return this tiny ecosystem to its pristine origins without using fire or poison would require a level of backbreaking work that neither of us has the back for, and I’m not sure I would risk it anyway. To smother everything in pursuit of a pure yard would mean also smothering the spring beauties and the spring beauty mining bees.

I’m certainly not arguing that what we plant in our gardens doesn’t ultimately matter. It matters very much, and I always want to be on the side of helping rather than harming. Though I have at times been misled by an inaccurate nursery tag, I would never introduce a nonnative plant on purpose. I try to control invasive vegetation, and I will keep on trying, but there is only so much I can realistically do.

Besides, where they are welcomed, wild creatures can find a way to make use of nearly everything. Even plants that feed nobody can serve as a shelter from the cold, or as a nesting site, or as a place to hide from predators. If there’s a plant already in this yard that is doing no harm, I try not to worry about it too much.

Forsythia, for example, is not on any invasive species lists . Since I’ve been honest about my love for starlings, I’ll admit that I love our stand of forsythia, too. My mother started it from a cutting. She planted it here soon after we moved into this house. I had just survived a devastating late miscarriage, and she thought its bright color might cheer me up.

I treasure the native plants that my husband and I have lovingly added to this yard, but I belong to a species that treasures loving memories, too, and I can’t help loving that useless spray of yellow flowers at the end of every fragile gray winter. It reminds me of my beautiful mother, who wanted to save me from my own grief and thought to do it the only way she knew how: by planting flowers.

Margaret Renkl , a contributing Opinion writer, is the author of the books “ The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, ” “ Graceland, at Last ” and “ Late Migrations .”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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