Authoritative Child Rearing

• Authoritative child rearing is an approach that establishes clear and firm boundaries, but also respects a child's unique personality. While closely observing the actions and development of their children, authoritative parents typically grant considerable freedom within behavioral guidelines, often encouraging discussion and decision making. Families.com notes that parenting is clear and consistent but also flexible. There is a communicative and mutually respectful relationship between parents and children, although the ultimate decision is made by the mother and father. A study on "Child Rearing, Prosocial Moral Reasoning and Prosocial Behavior" from the International Journal of Behavioral Development concludes that children raised in authoritative environments display a high level of "prosocial moral reasoning," defined as making choices for the benefit of others.
  
  

Indulgent Child Rearing

• Indulgent parents are typically very loving and responsive to their children's varying demands. Behavioral boundaries tend to be lenient and inconsistent, while punishment is either infrequent or seldom. Health.com notes that indulgent child rearing is "permissive," adding that parents can be divided into either "democratic," referring to those who are more conscientious of their child's development, or "nondirective." This approach accommodates a high level of self-regulation and is generally nonconfrontational.
  
  

Authoritarian Child Rearing

• Authoritarian child rearing is highly controlling and less responsive to the child's personality. Parents typically assert their authority and establish strict guidelines, which are sometimes reinforced using "forceful measures." A high emphasis is placed on obedience, and children are not included in decision making. An article titled "What Kind of Parent Are You?" from The Guardian notes that authoritarian parents frequently intervene in the actions and lives of their children and issue demands without explanation. It says that authoritarian parents may also be highly critical.
  
  

Uninvolved Child Rearing

• Uninvolved parenting is both unresponsive and undemanding. Parents tend to be permissive and casual in reinforcing or establishing boundaries. Extreme examples of uninvolved child rearing can result in either neglect or rejection. Parenting Styles says that children raised in overly permissive environments often struggle to adapt to structured settings, such as school. It adds that children tend to be creative and sociable, but sometimes encounter problems identifying with "mainstream" social behavior.