Context for Child Development Part 1

Parenting Styles Overview

Developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind created a framework to classify parenting approaches.
You must know the 4 primary parenting styles for the exam:
- Authoritarian
- Authoritative
- Permissive
- Neglectful / Uninvolved (sometimes called Rejecting)
These styles differ along 2 underlying dimensions (explained below):
- Nurturance / Child-Centeredness
- Discipline / Control

Authoritarian
- High standards and rigid rules; strict punishment for misconduct.
- Communication is minimal: “My way or the highway.”
- Child’s perspective is largely ignored; no negotiation.
Authoritative
- Also sets clear limits and expectations.
- Listens to child’s emotions and opinions; willing to adjust rules when warranted.
- Balance of high discipline and high nurturance.
Permissive
- Very warm, nurturing, and communicative (“friend” parents).
- Provide little discipline, guidance, or control.
- Children often free to do whatever they wish.
Neglectful / Uninvolved (Rejecting)
- Indifferent or unaware of child’s activities and needs.
- Provide little to no discipline and little to no nurturance.
- Considered the poorest style for healthy development.

Nurturance / Child-Centeredness
- Degree of emotional warmth, responsiveness, and attention to the child’s needs.
Discipline / Control
- Degree of rule-setting, structure, and enforcement of behavioral standards.
Mapping the styles:
- \text{Authoritative} → High Nurturance + High Discipline (Ideal)
- \text{Authoritarian} → Low Nurturance + High Discipline
- \text{Permissive} → High Nurturance + Low Discipline
- \text{Neglectful} → Low Nurturance + Low Discipline (Worst)

Authoritative parenting is consistently linked to the most positive developmental results.
Later content (not yet covered) will explain why combining warmth with clear rules benefits children.
Key takeaway for now: Parents should provide a consistent roadmap, listen to their children, and remain attuned—hallmarks of the authoritative style.

Memorize all four styles and the two defining dimensions.
Focus on contrasts between Authoritarian vs. Authoritative (names look similar but philosophies differ).
Complete the Canvas activity to reinforce these distinctions before moving on to child outcome data.