Human Growth and Development

Parenting Styles Diana Baumrind , a developmental psychologist, identified four major parenting styles based on warmth, discipline, communication, and expectations.

Parenting Style

Characteristics

Child Outcomes

Authoritarian

Strict rules, little warmth, high expectations, low communication. Few rules, high warmth, low discipline, open communication. Clear limits, high expectations, warm and nurturing, encourages discussion. Emotionally distant, little guidance, neglectful, low expectations.

Obedient but may struggle with independence and self-confidence. May lack self-control and struggle with authority.

Permissive

Authoritative

Independent, well-adjusted, less likely to engage in risky behavior.

Uninvolved

Struggles with emotional regulation, social skills, and academic success.

No single parenting style is perfect —cultural values, family circumstances, and individual child needs all play a role in shaping effective parenting. However, authoritative parenting is generally linked to the most positive developmental outcomes.

Additional Parenting Styles & Family Dynamics

While Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles are widely recognized, other variations exist, reflecting different levels of warmth, expectations, and involvement. ●​ Permissive-Indulgent: High warmth, low expectations, and excessive leniency. Parents may avoid setting limits, leading children to struggle with self-discipline. ●​ Neglectful: Low warmth and low involvement, often resulting in emotional detachment and lack of supervision. Children raised in this environment may struggle with attachment, academic performance, and emotional regulation.

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