Authoritarian vs. Authoritative Parenting

Authoritarian parenting is a strict style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, where rules are enforced with little room for discussion. Parents expect obedience and impose consequences for failure to comply. In contrast, authoritative parenting balances high expectations with support and open communication. Authoritative parents set clear rules but also encourage independence, reasoning, and emotional expression. This nurturing approach fosters a positive parent-child relationship, promoting better social skills and self-esteem in children. Essentially, while authoritarian parents emphasize control, authoritative parents blend structure with warmth and respect for their children's opinions.