What it is: Authoritative parenting is described as a more balanced approach to parenting in which parents "are nurturing, responsive, and supportive, yet set firm limits for their children," per the American Psychological Association.
Why parents do it: It's seen as the happy middle ground of parenting. As an authoritative parent, you're a parent first and friend second. Authoritative parents are usually firm but warm, and although they hold high expectations, they are also quick to praise.
What research says: Over the years, authoritative parenting has been consistently associated with positive developmental outcomes, including psychosocial competence and academic achievement, according to research in the Journal of Child and Family Studies.
