{"id":55467,"date":"2025-12-29T12:49:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T09:49:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/?p=55467"},"modified":"2026-02-17T17:13:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:13:47","slug":"authoritarian-parenting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/authoritarian-parenting","title":{"rendered":"Am I an Authoritarian Parent? How to Recognise Your Style and Its Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Spoiler alert\u2014if you were raised by authoritarian parents, you\u2019re probably also authoritarian parents, and here\u2019s why you might want to consider a more authoritative parenting style.<\/p>\n<h2>Contents:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"contents\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\">What is Authoritarian Parenting?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Parenting Styles &amp; Associated Outcomes<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#3\">Authoritarian vs Other Parenting Styles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Common Misconceptions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5\">What Causes the Authoritarian Parenting Style<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6\">The Impact of Authoritarian Parenting on Children<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#7\">When Authoritarian Parenting Shows Mixed Results<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#8\">How to Recognise if You\u2019re Authoritarian Parents\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#9\">How to Adjust if You\u2019re an Authoritarian Parent: Practical Alternatives &amp; Balanced Parenting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#10\">Common Challenges and Mistakes \u2014 and How to Avoid Them<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#11\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"1\">What is Authoritarian Parenting?<\/h2>\n<p>Charlotte is playing in the park. At lunchtime, her mum dutifully gathers up their belongings and commends, <em>\u201cIt\u2019s time to go now.\u201d<\/em> Instructing the child with no logic or reason.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte\u2019s authoritarian parents expect her to conform to the expectations of her authority figures without question.<\/p>\n<p>Parenting styles tend to be identified in terms of \u201ccontrol\u201d and \u201cresponsiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>\u201cControl\u201d: the enforcement of rules to achieve desired behaviours<\/li>\n<li>\u201cResponsiveness\u201d: emotional connection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Authoritarian parenting is identifiable by high control and low responsiveness.<\/p>\n<p>For the authoritarian parent, children\u2019s behaviour is defined by how well they follow rules and conform to authority figures.<\/p>\n<p>Successful parenting =<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The parent defines \u201cgood\u201d behaviour<\/li>\n<li>The child demonstrates what has been defined for them<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Commonly valued \u201cgood\u201d behaviour<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Characteristic<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Expected outcome<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Immediate obedience<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">The child complies quickly without questioning or negotiation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Rule adherence<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Rules are followed consistently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Respect for authority<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Adults\u2019 instructions are accepted as final and non-negotiable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Low defiance<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Arguing is unacceptable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u2800<br \/>\n<a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0145213415003592?\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Research suggests<\/a>\u00a0that while these behaviours may appear positive, they are often rooted in fear. Some authoritarian households may administer harsh punishments, and even go as far as to employ corporal punishment if a child breaks the rules.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2\">Parenting Styles &amp; Associated Outcomes<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_55395\" style=\"width: 593px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55395\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-55395\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-1024x878.jpg\" alt=\"authoritarian parenting\" width=\"583\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-1024x878.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-300x257.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-150x129.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-768x658.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-1536x1317.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-2048x1756.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-808x693.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-392x336.jpg 392w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/Four-parenting-Grid-styles-Authoritarian-Authoritative-Neglectful-Permissive.-Infographic-template-with-icons-1232x1056.jpg 1232w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 583px) 100vw, 583px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-55395\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Skyline Graphics \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>In the 1960s, developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind identified three main <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/parenting-styles\">parenting styles<\/a>: authoritarian parents, authoritative, and permissive.<\/p>\n<p>Baumrind watched families in real-life settings, noting instances of discipline, communication, warmth, and control. She also carried out interviews, parent questionnaires, and used teacher reports to inform her study.<\/p>\n<p>The kids were assessed on social competence, independence, self-control, and emotional maturity.<\/p>\n<p>Baumrind discovered consistent links; primarily, children of authoritarian parents adhere to strict obedience, possess poor autonomy, and suffer from low self-esteem, by comparison authoritative parenting, which has a lot of similar attributes, is linked to higher self-esteem, critical thinking, and self-regulation.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3\">Authoritarian vs Other Parenting Styles<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The table below highlights the core distinctions in how structure and emotional responsiveness interact across the four styles.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 35.334px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Parenting Style<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Warmth &amp; Responsiveness<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Control &amp; Expectations<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Typical Child Outcomes (Tendencies)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 35px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\"><strong>Authoritarian<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Low warmth<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High control, rigid rules<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Obedience, low autonomy, anxiety, emotional suppression<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 35px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\"><strong>Authoritative<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High warmth<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High expectations with guidance<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Confidence, self-regulation, social competence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 35px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\"><strong>Permissive<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High warmth<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Low structure &amp; limits<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Creativity, impulsivity, difficulty with responsibility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 35px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\"><strong>Neglectful<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Low warmth<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Low involvement &amp; guidance<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Early independence, mistrust, emotional detachment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h4><strong>Authoritarian<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Authoritarian parents tend to demand obedience and rely on punishment, while withholding affection. They set clear boundaries and have consistently high expectations, and exercise harsh discipline. This approach often produces compliant behaviour in early childhood, but children may struggle with autonomy, self-confidence, and emotional expression, resulting in a tendency towards aggressive behaviour.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Potential strengths<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Common challenges<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Strong rule-following and obedience<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Low confidence in independent decision-making<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Ability to function well in structured environments<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Lower self-esteem and fear of failure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Awareness of expectations and authority<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Difficulty expressing emotions or asserting needs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High behavioral compliance<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Anxiety, perfectionism, and stress<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Predictable behavior in supervised settings<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Resentment or rebellion when control is removed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h4><strong>Authoritative<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/authoritative-parenting\">Authoritative parents<\/a> also have high expectations. Authoritative parents listen, they engage in setting clear boundaries while maintaining warmth and responsiveness, using explanation and consistency to guide child behaviour, which supports the child\u2019s independence, emotional regulation, and long-term social abilities.<\/p>\n<p>High responsiveness associated with authoritative parents is linked to stronger self-esteem, and better social skills, because children feel supported, understood, and safe expressing themselves.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Potential strengths<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Common challenges<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Strong self-confidence and sense of autonomy<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Discomfort in highly chaotic or inconsistent environments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Healthy independence with respect for boundaries<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">May question authority in rigid systems<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Good emotional awareness and communication<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High personal standards can lead to self-pressure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Internal motivation and balanced achievement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Secure relationships and adaptive coping skills<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h4><strong>Permissive<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/permissive-parenting\">Permissive parents<\/a> emphasise warmth and acceptance but provide minimal structure and very few rules, allowing freedom that can encourage creativity, yet often at the expense of self-discipline and responsible decision-making.<\/p>\n<p>Children often develop strong emotional expressiveness and openness, but may struggle with limits, routine, and long-term goal-setting.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Potential strengths<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Common challenges<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">High emotional expressiveness<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Weak self-discipline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Creativity and openness<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Difficulty with boundaries and rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Strong relational warmth<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Impulsivity and poor follow-through<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Comfort sharing feelings<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Trouble managing responsibilities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Flexible thinking<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Frustration with authority or limits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h4><strong>Neglectful<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>In 1983, <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/psychology\/parenting-style\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin<\/a> expanded on Baumrind\u2019s findings, with the addition of a fourth style: neglectful. Children raised by neglectful parents are emotionally detached and used to inconsistent care and affection. This approach will most likely be detrimental to child psychology.<\/p>\n<p>Adults raised with uninvolved parents are more resilient and independent, but avoid intimate relationships, mistrust others, exhibit anti-social behaviour, and suffer from poor mental health. Their independence tends to develop as a coping strategy rather than a supported skill.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2192\u2192\u2192<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Potential strengths<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Common challenges<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Early self-reliance<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Emotional detachment or avoidance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Adaptability in adverse conditions<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Difficulty trusting others<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Independence<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Poor emotional regulation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Survival skills<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Higher risk of mental health difficulties<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"height: 88px; width: 196.019px; padding: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.4;\">Social isolation and relationship challenges<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"4\">Common Misconceptions<\/h3>\n<p>While authoritarian parents and authoritative parents may both enforce rules, the perceived parenting style differs significantly, particularly in how warmth and intent are communicated.<\/p>\n<p>The principles of authoritarian parenting and authoritative parenting are often confused, as both can be characterised by high expectations of \u201cgood\u201d behaviour. A key distinction between authoritarian and authoritative parents is how those expectations are addressed.<\/p>\n<p>Children of authoritarian parents experience rigidity and punishment to force the child\u2019s \u201cgood\u201d behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>For the authoritative parent, their perceived \u201cgood\u201d behaviour is also important. However, the authoritative parent combines clear expectations with warmth, explanation, and responsiveness, encouraging the child to develop autonomy and emotional intelligence to guide themselves towards the parents&#8217; valued outcome.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"5\">What Causes the Authoritarian Parenting Style<\/h2>\n<p>Research suggests that many parents tend to reproduce the parenting patterns they experienced in their own childhood\u2014especially when it comes to discipline, emotional climate, and expectations. This phenomenon is often <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doiLanding?doi=10.1037\/0012-1649.27.1.159\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">described<\/a> as the <strong>intergenerational transmission of parenting styles<\/strong>. Studies <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/psychologicabelgica.com\/articles\/4\/files\/submission\/proof\/4-1-5-2-10-20131210.pdf\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">show<\/a> that behaviours such as strict control, punitive discipline, and low emotional responsiveness are more likely to be passed down from one generation to the next.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, even when parents don\u2019t consciously intend to be strict or emotionally distant, they may still default to familiar models they observed growing up. Parenting is often guided not only by beliefs and values, but also by <strong>deeply internalised experiences of what \u201cnormal\u201d family life looks like<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Other common factors that contribute to the development of an authoritarian parenting style include:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>Cultural or generational norms about \u201cstrong parenting.\u201d <\/strong>\u00a0In many Western households of the late 20th century, strictness and \u201ctough love\u201d were framed as essential for building character, responsibility, or resilience. These narratives continue to shape parenting attitudes today.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stress, insecurity, and limited emotional resources.<\/strong> Research indicates that economic stress, social pressure, or burnout can increase reliance on rigid rules and controlling behaviours, simply because they feel like the fastest way to maintain order in the home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Belief that obedience equals safety or future success.<\/strong> Some parents adopt authoritarian approaches out of care and concern\u2014wanting to protect their child from mistakes, risks, or failure, and assuming strict control will help them thrive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because of these influences, many modern parents\u2014especially Western millennials now raising children\u2014may still lean, often unintentionally, toward more authoritarian tendencies. This doesn\u2019t mean they fully replicate their parents\u2019 style; in fact, many strive to be warmer, more emotionally available, and more reflective. But those early internal models can subtly shape day-to-day reactions, especially in moments of stress, conflict, or fatigue.<\/p>\n<p>Recognising where these patterns come from is an important first step. Once parents become aware that some behaviours are inherited rather than consciously chosen, it becomes easier to pause, reconsider automatic responses, and move toward a more <strong>authoritative<\/strong>, balanced, and responsive approach.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"6\">The Impact of Authoritarian Parenting on Children<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_41151\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-41151\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-41151\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/11\/sad-depressed.jpg\" alt=\"authoritative vs authoritarian parenting\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-41151\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">FAMILY STOCK\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Children of authoritarian parents often <strong>learn to comply out of fear rather than understanding<\/strong>. What appear to be positive outcomes of authoritarian parenting are more often the consequence of the child&#8217;s need to avoid disappointing\/defying authority and the fear of harsh punishment.<\/p>\n<p>Those who experienced authoritarian parents in early childhood tend to be more likely to <strong>struggle with mental health, have low self-esteem, and indulge in risky behaviours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In adolescence and adulthood, the impact often extends to <strong>reduced autonomy, weaker decision-making confidence, youth depression, and continued sensitivity to authority<\/strong>, as well as challenges with emotional intimacy and motivation, and other mental health challenges.<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_BgQuotes\">\u201cHigher levels of authoritarian parenting have been associated with children\u2019s increased electrocortical response to errors (the error-related negativity; Meyer et al., 2014)\u2026 These particular markers of electrocortical activity are clinically relevant because they are indicators of risk for anxiety and depression, respectively (Bress et al., 2013; Proudfit et al., 2013; Meyer et al., 2015)\u2026<br \/>\n\u2800<br \/>\nFurthermore, authoritarian parenting has been found to predict depression (Garber et al., 1997) and anxiety (Wolfradt et al., 2003) in adolescents.\u201d (<a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/scan\/article\/12\/3\/363\/2587143\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Levinson et al., 2017<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Although authoritarian parenting can manage behaviour in the short term, it does so at the cost of emotional well-being, self-regulation, and long-term resilience. Raising children on strict rules and threats of physical punishment associated with the authoritarian parenting style has been proven to negatively impact psychological development and lead to hostile attribution bias.<\/p>\n<p><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.taylorfrancis.com\/books\/edit\/10.4324\/9780203581957\/handbook-moral-development-melanie-killen-judith-smetana\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Research suggests<\/a> hostile attribution bias can develop when children are frequently exposed to harsh discipline, rigid control, or unpredictable punishment, as they learn to stay hyper-alert to threat and authority. Over time, this can interfere with relationships, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution, because their instinct is to assume the worst.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"7\">When Authoritarian Parenting Shows Mixed Results<\/h2>\n<p>Authoritarian parenting often leads to high compliance and rule-following, especially in structured settings such as a school classroom. It can therefore be interpreted as resulting in positive behaviour. Especially where academic success is prioritised over emotional development.<\/p>\n<p>While the negative impact of authoritarian parenting has been consistently demonstrated, these effects have not always been found in studies focused on subjects of Asian heritage. Differences in outcomes may reflect variation in perceived parenting style, as children interpret control and discipline differently depending on cultural norms and expectations.<\/p>\n<p>For some ethnic groups, strict rules are more likely to be interpreted by children as care, responsibility, or moral guidance, rather than rejection. These cultures can produce children with strong education as well as respect for authority, while also being able to demonstrate emotional intelligence.<\/p>\n<p>In the mid 90s, Ruth K. Chao led a study into asian adolescent school performance. Her research, <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ovid.com\/journals\/cdev\/abstract\/10.1111\/j.1467-8624.1994.tb00806.x~beyond-parental-control-and-authoritarian-parenting-style\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">published in <em>Child Development<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em>focused on the association between Chinese and Chinese-American adolescents\u2019 education and parental control, similar to that demonstrated by authoritarian parents.<\/p>\n<p>Chao found that what Baumrind identified as authoritarian parenting, low responsiveness, and lack of warmth, doesn\u2019t account for cultural nuances. She argued that standard parenting measures failed to capture the concept of guan, the asian teachings of responsibility and moral guidance, which externally can appear like authoritarian parenting.<\/p>\n<p>Her work challenged the assumption that authoritarian parenting produces universally negative outcomes and sparked a major debate about cultural bias in parenting research. Chao did not claim authoritarian parenting was ideal or harmless, only that Western definitions and measurement tools failed to account for the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>However, although authoritarian parenting has been linked to academic success among Asian adolescents, large comparative studies do not support this claim.<\/p>\n<p><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0165025409345073\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pong, Johnston, and Chen (2010)<\/a> found that authoritarian parenting was not positively associated with education in Asian cultures, while authoritative parenting showed more consistent benefits.<\/p>\n<p>The study is frequently misused to reinforce the notion that authoritarian parenting works for Asians, when in fact the authors explicitly challenge the idea that authoritarian parenting explains higher academic performance among Asian adolescents, calling that conclusion overstated and methodologically flawed.<\/p>\n<p>The authors compared adolescents of English-speaking American families in the USA with adolescents raised in Taiwan. They discovered, contrary to popular belief, that authoritarian parenting was not positively associated with academic achievements in Taiwan. In some analyses, the association was neutral or negative.<\/p>\n<p>Authoritative parenting showed more consistent positive associations with academic performance, even in cultural contexts where <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/strict-parents\">strict parenting<\/a> is more common.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"8\">How to Recognise if You\u2019re Authoritarian Parents<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_55475\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55475\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-55475\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter.jpg\" alt=\"what cultures use authoritarian parenting style\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter-808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/tired-mother-saying-no-her-daughter-392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-55475\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicoleta Ionescu \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Many of the characteristics associated with authoritarian parenting, such as structure, consistency, and clear expectations, can contribute to raising a well-rounded individual. However, when these traits are paired with low emotional responsiveness, they can lead to negative outcomes in the child\u2019s life, including low self-esteem and poor mental health.<\/p>\n<p><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/1467-8624.00124?\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Studies in child psychology confirm<\/a> that children raised by authoritarian parents tend to demonstrate aggressive behaviours. Tick the statements you agree with:<\/p>\n<h3>Autonomy<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>You expect immediate obedience<\/li>\n<li>Phrases like <em>\u201cBecause I said so\u201d<\/em> are common in your responses<\/li>\n<li>You rarely ask for your children\u2019s opinions<\/li>\n<li>You interpret questioning rules as disrespectful<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Obedience<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>You don\u2019t feel it\u2019s necessary to explain rules<\/li>\n<li>You view flexibility as a weakness<\/li>\n<li>You value compliance over comprehension<\/li>\n<li>You discourage curiosity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Discipline<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>You\u2019re quicker to threaten punishment than teach problem-solving<\/li>\n<li>Consequences are primarily meant to deter behaviour, not explain it<\/li>\n<li>You end up shouting more often than not<\/li>\n<li>You praise obedience more than effort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Emotional Intelligence<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>You limit affection or empathy during conflict<\/li>\n<li>Children are told off for strong emotional reactions<\/li>\n<li>You think showing warmth will undermine your authority<\/li>\n<li>Emotional needs are only addressed after behaviour is corrected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Worries<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>You worry that being understanding will make you seem like a pushover<\/li>\n<li>You feel responsible for controlling outcomes rather than guiding skills<\/li>\n<li>You were raised with strict discipline and find it difficult to do anything else<\/li>\n<li>You don\u2019t want your children to end up like you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How to Interpret Your Results<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li><strong>0\u20133:<\/strong> Occasional control-based responses (common under stress)<\/li>\n<li><strong>4\u20137:<\/strong> Mixed approach; authoritarian techniques may surface in pressure situations<\/li>\n<li><strong>8+:<\/strong> Authoritarian patterns likely influencing daily interactions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Important Reminder<\/h3>\n<p>Authoritarian techniques often appearduring stress, fear, or <a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/mom-burnout\">burnout<\/a>, not from lack of care. Awareness is the first step toward adjusting the approach without losing structure or authority.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"9\">How to Adjust if You\u2019re an Authoritarian Parent: Practical Alternatives &amp; Balanced Parenting<\/h2>\n<p>First, the not-so-good news\u2014if you scored highly, you might be adopting a little more of the authoritarian style in your parenting, which might end up with some negative repercussions in the long run.<\/p>\n<p>Good news\u2014being raised in a particular environment does not predetermine the future, and no learned behaviour is irreversible or unadaptable.<\/p>\n<p>Lived experiences, like education, supportive relationships, therapy, or exposure to alternative models of parenting, can influence many people raised by authoritarian parents to adopt different parenting styles from their own.<\/p>\n<p>There are plenty of techniques you can consider pto adjust to a more authoritative model.<\/p>\n<h3>Communication Vs Obedience<\/h3>\n<p>Authoritative parents explain why rules exist to help the child appreciate them rather than blindly following less fear of corporal punishment. Guidance and emotional support in early childhood help to mould child&#8217;s behaviour. High expectations are still imposed, but higher self-esteem is also nurtured through autonomy.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Charlie doesn\u2019t want to brush their teeth.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Charlie: I don\u2019t want to brush my teeth.<\/li>\n<li>Charlie\u2019s parents: Brush your teeth, or you don\u2019t get a bedtime story.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The focus is on compliance and punishment, as opposed to understanding. Charlie is resentful of the parental control, but doesn\u2019t want to endure the punishment, so they reluctantly comply.<\/p>\n<p>Charlie\u2019s reaction to the rule can be reframed by implementing a more authoritative approach.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Reframed dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Charlie: I don\u2019t want to brush my teeth.<\/li>\n<li>Charlie\u2019s parents: Looking after your teeth is very important. Tiny bits of food and germs stick to our teeth, and if we leave them there, they go all yucky, they make our mouth smelly, and they can even make little holes called cavities, which can be very sore. That\u2019s why we clean our teeth in the morning and at night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Charlie is given agency. Not following the rule will result in what they now perceive as logical consequences, but Charlie can make an informed decision as to whether they follow it. They can balance the pros and cons internally, building their emotional intelligence, understanding cause and effect, and contributing toward higher self-esteem.<\/p>\n<h3>Punishment vs Consequences<\/h3>\n<p>When a rule is broken, focus on explaining the outcome, rather than enforcing a punishment. Authoritative parents lead children towards what they deem to be good decision-making.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Rea leaves their shoes in the middle of the hallway.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Rea\u2019s parents: Put your shoes away, or there\u2019s no dessert.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Reframed dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Rea\u2019s parents: We put our shoes away so we know where they are in the morning when we want to put them on. If you leave them in the middle of the hall, someone might trip over them and hurt themselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rea understands why the rule exists. They appreciate the consequence of not adhering to the rule.<\/p>\n<h3>Negotiation Vs Compliance<\/h3>\n<p>Rules are made to be broken. It\u2019s important to be flexible sometimes. Authoritative parents listen to the child\u2019s opinions makes them feel involved in decision-making and developing their sense of autonomy. If they\u2019ve played a part in engineering a rule, they are more likely to comply with it than endure the natural consequences.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Nat doesn\u2019t want to do their chores.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Parent: That\u2019s enough screen time for today. You need to do your chores.<\/li>\n<li>Nat: Just one more episode?<\/li>\n<li>Parent: No. Put it away, or you won&#8217;t have any screen time tomorrow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Reframed dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Parent: That\u2019s enough screen time for today.<\/li>\n<li>Nat: Just one more episode?<\/li>\n<li>Parent: How long is the episode?<\/li>\n<li>Nat: 20 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Parent: How about you can have another 10 minutes for each of your chores you get done first?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>as identified by <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/wwnorton.com\/books\/Identity-and-the-Life-Cycle\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Erik H.\u00a0Erikson<\/a>, by early adolescence, children are more likely to identify with parents who use reason rather than force to justify their decisions and demands.<\/p>\n<h3>Fair Vs Unfair<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not fair\u201d \u2014 every child\u2019s mantra. Instead of forcing a behaviour through punishment they deem <em>unfair<\/em>, enquire why they see it that way and explain how else they might look at it. Opening a dialogue about fairness and why rules exist teaches them to recognise when something can feel unfair; there is usually a balanced and reasonable explanation for it.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Teddy doesn\u2019t want to have a shower.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Parent: Teddy, come on, it\u2019s time to have a shower now.<\/li>\n<li>Teddy: But I\u2019m playing. It\u2019s not fair.<\/li>\n<li>Parent: Get in the shower, or I\u2019ll take the toy away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Reframed dialogue:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left; width: 100%;\">\n<li>Parent: Teddy, come on, it\u2019s time to have a shower now.<\/li>\n<li>Teddy: But I\u2019m playing. It\u2019s not fair.<\/li>\n<li>Parent: Tell me why it\u2019s not fair?<\/li>\n<li>Teddy: Because I\u2019m playing.<\/li>\n<li>Parent: You can go back to playing after your shower.<\/li>\n<li>Teddy: But it\u2019s not fair.<\/li>\n<li>Parent: Would it be very fair to your classmates tomorrow if you go to school smelly because you haven\u2019t had a wash?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This reframing of the narrative encourages the child to internalise learning and supports their emotional development.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"10\">Common Challenges and Mistakes \u2014 and How to Avoid Them<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_55474\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55474\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-55474\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on-.jpg\" alt=\"authoritarian parenting effects on mental health\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on--150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on--600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on--808x539.jpg 808w, https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2025\/12\/mother-shouting-loudspeaker-her-daughter-on--392x261.jpg 392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-55474\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicoleta Ionescu \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Moving from an authoritarian approach to a more authoritative style doesn\u2019t mean relinquishing all control and removing all of your carefully considered and honed <a href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/house-rules-for-kids\">household rules<\/a> and procedures. It\u2019s about tweaking how the rules are framed from the child\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n<h3>Five Common Mistakes<\/h3>\n<p>Here are four common challenges and mistakes parents make when changing their parenting style from authoritarian to authoritative parenting:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Confusing authority with control.<\/li>\n<li>Straying too close to permissiveness.<\/li>\n<li>Inconsistent implementation.<\/li>\n<li>Expecting immediate results.<\/li>\n<li>Neglecting to fix emotional cracks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>How to Reframe Your Authoritarian Mindset<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s impossible to seamlessly adopt a more authoritative parenting style. There will be slip-ups and transgressions along the way. But <em>well done<\/em> for starting to consider changing. Here are some important reminders to consider to avoid mistakes:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>You are the authority figure, not the puppet master.<\/strong> You cannot control a child. You can only guide them. Authoritative parenting is about instilling values and giving them the tools to grow and make good life choices, whilst being aware of boundaries and appropriate consequences.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s easy to think you need to throw away all of your values and start again. That\u2019s not true. <strong>You\u2019re doing great, you just need a few changes<\/strong>. You don\u2019t need to flick a switch and let them go feral.<\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;re stressed, tired and at the end of your tether\u2014<strong>breath<\/strong>. What would you say to your child if they were on the verge of a meltdown? That is now your mantra. Times of extreme emotion can easily lead to regression. Don\u2019t slip back into harsh parenting and punishments; keep things consistent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Long-term change takes time<\/strong>. You are both learning new techniques. Rome wasn\u2019t built in a day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus on building, not blaming<\/strong>. If kids do something wrong, how can they fix it? Teach them, talk to them, help them to understand you are there to protect and love them, encourage them to own their mistakes and correct their behaviour for themselves, not for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Is It Time to Rethink Your Parenting Style?<\/h2>\n<p>Have you spotted any negative techniques you might want to get rid of? Rethinking a parenting style does not mean abandoning the structure you have already built.<\/p>\n<p>Sofie Kuppens and Eva Ceulemans summarise the pros and cons of authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles, in their article <a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10826-018-1242-x\"\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept<\/em> (J Child Fam Stud 2019)<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p class=\"highlight_BgQuotes\">\u201cAn appropriate amount of behavioral control has been considered to positively affect child development, whereas insufficient (e.g., poor parental monitoring) or excessive behavioral control (e.g., parental physical punishment) has been commonly associated with negative child developmental outcomes, such as deviant behavior, misconduct, depression and anxious affect (e.g., Barnes and Farrell\u00a01992; Coie and Dodge\u00a01998; Galambos et al.\u00a02003; Patterson et al.\u00a01984).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Research suggests authoritative parenting is associated with the most beneficial outcomes across emotional, social, and academic domains. Authoritarian and authoritative parenting share a lot of similarities, so you\u2019re already halfway there.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"11\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>What does authoritarian parenting do to a child?<\/h3>\n<p>Children raised by authoritarian parents tend exhibit poor self-esteem, anxiety, reduced autonomy, and difficulty expressing emotions. Children may comply to avoid punishment but lack the understanding of core values, which can lead to negative emotions and behaviours.<\/p>\n<h3>What is an example of authoritarian parenting?<\/h3>\n<p>Authoritarian parents often lack an emotional connection and see no value in children\u2019s opinions. An authoritarian parent forces children&#8217;s behaviour without explanation, such as demanding obedience, \u201cbecause I said so.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Do authoritarian parents yell?<\/h3>\n<p><a id=\"readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/findmykids.org\/blog\/en\/how-to-stop-yelling-at-your-kids\">Yelling<\/a> as a form of punishment is not exclusive to parents practising the authoritarian style, but when control and compliance are prioritised, raised voices are more common.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the most effective parenting style?<\/h3>\n<p>Clinical child research suggests the authoritative approach is the most effective of the four major parenting styles. Authoritative parenting is associated with the most beneficial outcomes across emotional, social, and academic domains. The child\u2019s cognitive development is supported and reinforced with a consistent balance of boundaries, explanations, warmth, and building autonomy.<\/p>\n<h2>Resources<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/0012-1649.27.1.159\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Intergenerational transmission of harsh parenting<\/a>, Simons, R. L., Whitbeck, L. B., Conger, R. D., &amp; Wu, C-I., <em>American Psychological Association<\/em>, 1991<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0190740909000401\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Type-specific intergenerational transmission of neglectful and physically abusive parenting behaviors among young parents<\/a>, Pears, K. C., &amp; Capaldi, D. M., <em>ScienceDirect<\/em>, 2001<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/psychologicabelgica.com\/articles\/4\/files\/submission\/proof\/4-1-5-2-10-20131210.pdf\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">The Transmission of Parenting Behaviour Within the Family: An Empirical Study Across Three Generations<\/a>, Putallaz, M., et al., <em>Psychologica Belgica<\/em>, 1998<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7479325\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">The association between parenting and the error-related negativity across childhood and adolescence<\/a>, Bress, J., Hajcak, G.; Proudfit, G. H.; Meyer, A. et al., <em>NCBI<\/em>, 2013; 2015<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ovid.com\/journals\/cdev\/abstract\/10.1111\/j.1467-8624.1994.tb00806.x~beyond-parental-control-and-authoritarian-parenting-style\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Beyond parental control and authoritarian parenting style: Understanding Chinese parenting through the cultural notion of training<\/a>,Chao, R. K., <em>Ovid<\/em>, 1994<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10826-018-1242-x\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept<\/a>, Sofie Kuppens &amp; Eva Ceulemans, <em>Journal of Child and Family Studies<\/em>, 2019<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-1-4612-5112-5_2\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Peer rejection and hostile attributional bias in childhood<\/a>, Dodge, K. A., &amp; Hoza, B. <em>The Development of Social Cognition,<\/em> 1997<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/1467-8624.00124?sid=nlm:pubmed\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">An integrated model of emotion processes and cognition in social information processing<\/a>, Lemerise, E. A., &amp; Arsenio, W. F. <em>Child Development<\/em>, 2003<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0145213415003592?via=ihub\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Authoritarian parenting attitudes and social origin: The multigenerational relationship of socioeconomic position to childrearing values<\/a>, Michael Friedson.<em> Child Abuse &amp; Neglect<\/em> 2016<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8612122\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Physical punishment and child outcomes: a narrative review of prospective studies<\/a>, Anja Heilmann,\u00a0Anita Mehay,\u00a0Richard G Watt,\u00a0Yvonne Kelly,\u00a0Joan E Durrant\u00a0,\u00a0Jillian van Turnhout,\u00a0Elizabeth T Gershoff. <em>Lancet, <\/em>2022<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0165025409345073\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Authoritarian Parenting and Asian Adolescent School Performance: Insights from the US and Taiwan<\/a>, Suet-ling Pong, Jamie Johnston, and Vivien Chen. <em>International Journal of Behavioral Development<\/em>, 2009<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/scan\/article\/12\/3\/363\/2587143\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Authoritarian parenting predicts reduced electrocortical response to observed adolescent offspring rewards<\/a>, Amanda R. Levinson\u00a0,\u00a0Brittany C. Speed\u00a0,\u00a0Brady Nelson\u00a0,\u00a0Jennifer N. Bress\u00a0,\u00a0Greg Hajcak. <em>Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience<\/em>, 2017<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.taylorfrancis.com\/books\/edit\/10.4324\/9780203581957\/handbook-moral-development-melanie-killen-judith-smetana\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Handbook of Moral Development,<\/a> Melanie Killen, Judieth G. Smetana, 2013<\/li>\n<li><a  rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/wwnorton.com\/books\/Identity-and-the-Life-Cycle\/\"\" rel=\"nofollow\">Identity and the life cycle<\/a>, Erik H Erikson, 1959<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\">Cover image: Yeexin Richelle \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-default \" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_not_liked\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"55467\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"c7e6e7cf58\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"likeThis\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-default\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-disable-pophover=\"0\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp_ulike_btn wp_ulike_put_image wp_likethis_55467\"><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spoiler alert\u2014if you were raised by authoritarian parents, 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