The Four Main Parenting Styles and How They Shape Our Children

Discover the four main parenting styles: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Learn how each style impacts child behavior and development, and which one fosters healthier relationships and growth.

No matter your background, culture, or how many kids you have, every parent follows a certain pattern — knowingly or not. Parenting researchers have categorized all approaches under four main parenting styles, based on how parents typically respond to their children’s development, needs, and behaviors.

These styles are:

Authoritarian (Strict/Disciplinary) Parenting Authoritative (Balanced/Supportive) Parenting Permissive (Lenient) Parenting Uninvolved (Neglectful) Parenting

As your child grows, especially after the age of 3, your natural parenting tendencies become clearer. Some parents stick to one style, while others evolve their approach based on outcomes or new understanding.

Let’s explore what each parenting style looks like — and why finding your balance is key.

1. Authoritarian Parenting Style

What it Looks Like:

High expectations, strict rules, minimal flexibility. An authoritarian parent believes discipline comes before emotion and expects immediate compliance.

Example:

Expecting a toddler to clean up, stay silent, and follow instructions without fuss or expression.

Benefits:

Teaches respect for authority and structure. Helps children understand boundaries.

Drawbacks:

Suppresses the child’s voice and emotional growth. Can lead to resentment, low self-worth, or rebellion. Often results in strained parent-child relationships.

2. Authoritative Parenting Style

What it Looks Like:

Firm, yet loving. Authoritative parents set clear rules but take the time to explain them. They value dialogue, consistency, and emotional support.

Example:

Saying “We brush teeth every night because it keeps them strong — let’s do it together,” instead of “Brush now or else!”

Benefits:

Most balanced and effective parenting style. Encourages trust, emotional intelligence, and respectful behavior. Builds strong, lasting parent-child bonds.

Drawbacks:

Requires effort, patience, and emotional availability. Parents may feel overwhelmed by always having to explain or negotiate.

3. Permissive Parenting Style

What it Looks Like:

Lax and indulgent. Permissive parents avoid rules to maintain peace or avoid conflict. The child often makes decisions independently.

Example:

Letting a child skip homework, bedtime, or chores “because they don’t feel like it.”

Benefits:

The child enjoys freedom and may feel unconditionally loved.

Drawbacks:

Lack of structure often leads to behavioral issues. Children may struggle with self-regulation, discipline, and respecting authority. Can create confusion and insecurity due to lack of boundaries.

4. Uninvolved Parenting Style

What it Looks Like:

Detached or distracted. An uninvolved parent offers minimal guidance, attention, or emotional connection.

Example:

Not checking on a child’s grades, friends, eating habits, or emotions.

Drawbacks:

Most harmful style of parenting. Can lead to long-term emotional, social, and academic struggles.

💡🧍🏻‍♀️Final Thoughts: Find Your Balance

The healthiest parenting approach is often a balanced blend, tailored to your child’s personality and your values. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be present, aware, and willing to grow.

💡 Remember: Good parenting is less about control, and more about connection.

Written by:

Maha Youssuf

Mamas’ Guides Chief Editor