Types of Parenting Styles Explained by an Expert

An expert breakdown of the main parenting styles, what defines each approach, and how they can shape a child’s well-being and development.

Updated January 9, 2026

by Rachel Tomlinson

Registered Psychologist

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A woman and a man are standing in front of a lush green wall, each carrying a child on their shoulders. The woman is smiling widely with a toddler on her shoulders, and the man is laughing, holding a young child on his shoulders. Their joyful expressions reflect the warmth found in Baumrind's parenting styles.

In This Article

Baumrind's Types of Parenting Styles
Other Parenting Styles
Which Parenting Style is Most Encouraged in Modern America?

Your parenting style can influence your child’s long-term health, well-being, self-esteem, and relationships.¹ The way parents provide love, structure, boundaries, and discipline plays an important role in how children grow and develop.² While there are many ways to raise children, research has shown that certain patterns of parenting tend to share common characteristics, benefits, and challenges.

Psychologists have identified several core parenting styles that describe how parents balance expectations, discipline, and emotional responsiveness. Understanding these styles can help parents reflect on their own approach and make informed choices that support their child’s development.

Baumrind’s Types of Parenting Styles

In her research, psychologist Diana Baumrind identified two elements of a parenting style: authority and affection.³ Authority is how much demand a parent has or how much they try to control their child and their behavior by setting rules, expectations, and standards. Affection refers to a parent’s responsiveness toward their child, the way love is expressed, and their acceptance of their child’s perspectives and opinions.

Baumrind’s original research identified three main types of parenting styles, and later, research by Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin expanded on this, adding one more. The four types of parenting styles are authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful.⁴

Authoritative Parenting

Rearview shot of a young woman and her daughter having a conversation on the porch

This type of parenting style is characterized as both demanding and responsive. The authoritative parent has high expectations of their child (demanding) but is also understanding and responsive to their child’s feelings and needs.⁴ Some key actions and attitudes that authoritative parents display include:^5,6,7

These parents support their children in regulating and managing their emotions.
Despite having high expectations, authoritative parents are realistic (in terms of age and developmentally appropriate) and usually forgiving of mistakes. They also help their children learn how to problem-solve and resolve issues rather than resorting to strict punishments or consequences.
Their attitude is warm, nurturing, and loving toward their child.
They set clear expectations, monitor their child, and ensure limits are followed.
This parenting style focuses on natural consequences, which helps children learn to match their actions with the consequences.
Children of authoritative parents tend to have higher well-being, improved self-esteem, greater self-determination, and more fulfilling relationships.

Learn more about Authoritative Parenting.

Authoritarian Parenting

Father scolding his daughter in front of the school

People are often confused about the difference between the authoritative vs. authoritarian types of parenting styles. This is partly due to the similarity of the names; however, they are quite different. Both have a high level of demand, but the difference lies in the amount of affection or nurturing the parent provides. Authoritarian parents are demanding and unresponsive.⁴ Some key ways they parent include:^8,9,10

Being quite restrictive and controlling
They focus heavily on punishment and consequences, which can include corporal punishment, such as spanking and yelling.
Limits, boundaries, rules, and expectations are typically communicated without explanation, support, or feedback.
They are less likely to consider the child’s opinions, views, and other factors when making decisions.
Children of authoritarian parents may not be as socially competent or independent (compared to those whose parents follow other styles) because they are told what to do rather than supported to understand why or learn how to problem solve or make choices for themselves. They also tend to have lower self-esteem, poor mood, and well-being.

Permissive Parenting

Cheerful mother and her daughter having fun with whipped cream while eating mousse together at a restaurant.

What is permissive parenting all about? Other names for it include indulgent, lenient, and non-directive parenting. This style is undemanding and responsive.⁴ Key behaviors or attitudes displayed by permissive parents include:^11,12

Having a high level of affection but few, if any, expectations, rules, demands, or control. (These parents can be described as “lax.”)
Permissive parents are very aware of their child’s needs.
They tend to be accepting of their child’s choices.
They often prefer being their child’s friend or confidante over playing a parental role. Because of the lack of limits or boundaries, children of permissive parents may not have the skills to regulate their emotions or behavior (due to a lack of experience with limits or rules).
Research indicates that children of permissive parents tend to have trouble with impulse control and are more immature and irresponsible. As teens, they are more likely to engage in drug and alcohol use.

Learn more about Permissive Parenting.

Neglectful Parenting

Full length portrait of small sad kid left alone on sofa with teddy bear in hand at home. Her mom on the background ignoring her while browsing the internet

Neglectful parents can also be referred to as “uninvolved” or “indifferent.” They are unaware of their child, what their child is doing, or what their child needs. This type of parenting style is undemanding and unresponsive.⁴ It is typified by the following behaviors or actions when parenting:^12,13

They are unable to or cannot provide nurturing, affection, or warmth.
In many circumstances, a parent engaged in a neglectful style has or is currently experiencing stress or significantly challenging circumstances themselves. It does not change the impact of this parenting style on a child, nor does it change its acceptability; however, it’s essential to understand the context in which this kind of parenting style could potentially arise.
Research indicates that children whose parents have a neglectful style are typically lonelier and immature, have lower self-esteem, have trouble in social situations, end up in abusive adult relationships, and engage in risk-taking behaviors as well as drug and alcohol use.

Other Parenting Styles

Beyond these four critical types of parenting styles, there are many other subgroups or styles of parenting. They generally fall under or align with one of the four categories (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful) because they share similar characteristics. An overview of other parenting styles you might have heard of is summarized under two main groupings: intentional and harmful.

Intentional Parenting Styles

African-american mother and small little young preteen daughter hugging embracing with eyes closed sharing love and care.

An intentional parenting style is all about being deliberate; you have a unique approach to parenting or particular values that drive your parenting. It’s important to note that while a parenting style may be purposeful and the underlying intent is good, it does not mean the outcomes are equal (or positive) in terms of long-term effects on a child’s well-being.

Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting is based on the psychological attachment theory, which refers to the emotional bond between people. There are four types of attachment: secure, insecure, resistant, and disorganized. When people refer to attachment-style parenting, they typically identify with a secure attachment style. This is described as a child being close enough to their primary caregiver to feel safe and secure but also being provided opportunities to explore the world and return when they feel unsafe, scared, or confused. In a secure attachment, the primary caregiver serves as a secure base.^14,15

Learn more about Attachment Parenting.

Gentle Parenting

This parenting style is characterized by recognizing children as individuals and being accepting and responsive to their unique needs and concerns. It can sometimes be confused with permissive parenting, but they are not interchangeable. Permissive parenting has few limits or boundaries, whereas the gentle parenting style has limitations and expectations that are developed sensibly and respectfully and are consistently kept.¹⁶ Punishments are not an element of gentle parenting. Instead, the focus is on developing the child’s awareness of their behavior, where it comes from, and how to manage their emotions and responses.¹⁶

Learn more about Gentle Parenting.

Slow Parenting

The slow parenting movement is about intentionally stepping back from over-commitment and overstimulation in our children’s lives (including removing and reducing technology and media use). The goal of slow parenting is to reduce the number of organized activities for our children, allowing them to engage in free play and providing them with opportunities to explore their interests at their own pace. This style encourages kids to be self-sufficient and confident because they can be authentic in the interests they pursue.¹⁷

Free-Range Parenting

Free-range parenting was coined by a New York Columnist (Lenore Skenazy) who wrote the article “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” in 2008.¹⁸ She introduced the concept to oppose the helicopter parent and highlighted her thoughts about not sheltering children too much and, within reason, encouraging them to be independent, roam around, and be confident in their skills and abilities. Although the intentions are positive — unstructured play, a focus on nature play, increasing independence, self-belief, and problem-solving — this style has criticisms that too little control over children could harm their safety (potentially bordering on more harmful types of parenting).^18,19

Elephant Parenting

The term “elephant parent” originated in the article “Being an ‘Elephant Mom’ in the Time of the Tiger Mother” by Priyanka Sharma.²⁰ She described the elephant parenting style as being similar to how elephant mothers raise their babies, including replicating strong bonds and being nurturing, supportive, flexible, and protective. It also involves parents being actively involved and interested in their child’s life.

Learn more about Elephant Parenting.

Dolphin Parenting

Dolphin parenting is a style that’s similar to the nature of dolphins (playful, intelligent, and highly social). It is seen as being in contrast with the style of tiger moms and jellyfish moms.²¹ According to the psychiatrist who developed this term (Dr. Shimi Kang), a dolphin parent is a balanced style of parenting that focuses on providing clear and appropriate boundaries without being overprotective. Dolphin parents are equally accepting of a child’s desires and needs while giving opportunities for children to be independent, but ultimately avoiding being completely permissive.^21,22

Learn more about Dolphin Parenting.

Jellyfish Parenting

Similar to the permissive parent (coined by the same psychiatrist who identified the dolphin parenting style), jellyfish parents are relaxed when it comes to rules, possibly to a fault. They provide numerous opportunities for children to lead, but most aspects are driven by what their child needs, and parents typically have limited control or influence over decision-making. Jellyfish parents also typically have few (if any) rules or boundaries.^21,22

Tiger Parenting

The tiger parent (or “tiger mom”) is a strict parent who focuses on ensuring their child is high-achieving. In particular, in education or high-status extracurricular activities. They prefer achievement over their child’s participation in unstructured play or other social events. The tiger parent has incredibly high expectations of their child; they are very controlling and provide limited opportunities for independence.^23,24 They are more likely to engage in punishment and do not accept or take the child’s emotions, needs, or preferences into account when making decisions. In the extreme, failure to succeed or meet the incredibly high expectations of a tiger parent may result in punishment or an increased risk of abuse.^23,24

Learn more about Tiger Parenting.

Mindful Parenting

The mindful parenting style focuses on teaching parents to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The intention behind this is to help them focus on their child in an intentional, non-judgmental way. This style encourages learning the art of mindfulness to become more present in the moment, thereby enhancing parent-child relationships and a parent’s resilience and ability to cope, which, in turn, supports a child’s well-being.²⁵

Learn more about Mindful Parenting.

Helicopter Parenting

What is a helicopter parent? The aim of helicopter parents is (mostly) positive, but could easily slip into a more harmful parenting style. Helicopter parenting is also referred to as “overparenting.” It involves parents trying to insert themselves in or be involved in all areas of their child’s life. This includes solving all their problems, and while the intention is to be helpful or protect their children from harm, it can stifle a child’s independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence. The term” helicopter” was chosen because parents “hover,” although it’s often by accident, they can deprive their child of learning opportunities.²⁶

Learn more about Helicopter Parenting.

Harmful Parenting Styles

domestic violence. angry mother scolds frightened daughter sitting on floor

These parenting styles are included for awareness and education, not judgment. If you identify with any of these patterns, support and help are available. It’s also important to speak up or seek guidance if you observe these behaviors in parenting relationships around you. If you suspect child abuse is occurring, it’s never too late to act. Always seek additional support, guidance, or report concerns about the abuse of children.

Toxic Parenting

The toxic parenting style is harmful and abusive. It involves abuse, neglect, and a child’s basic needs going unmet. Or the failure of a parent to intervene when there are concerns relating to the harm or safety of their child. It also involves a childhood being entirely disrupted and reducing the child’s self-esteem and well-being. This can lead to lifelong psychological trauma.²⁷

Narcissistic Parenting

A narcissistic parent typically stems from parents impacted by narcissistic personality disorder (or even just narcissistic traits). Narcissistic parents can be possessive over their children and threatened when they try to be independent. This can involve a lack of respect for boundaries. The parents’ needs trump the child’s needs with threats, intimidation, gaslighting, and, ultimately, abuse and neglect.²⁸

Which Parenting Style is Most Encouraged in Modern America?

Many parents wonder whether there is a “best” or most encouraged parenting style. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, research consistently supports authoritative parenting and related styles as especially beneficial for child development.⁹

Research indicates that authoritative parents use rules and consequences that are tailored to each child’s age and developmental needs, while also taking the child’s opinions and emotional needs into account. These elements are associated with children becoming responsible adults who can express themselves comfortably, meet their needs, and maintain positive self-esteem and well-being.⁷

Understanding the main types of parenting styles can help parents reflect on their own approach and make informed choices. Parenting often involves using different strategies depending on a child’s age, needs, and circumstances. Recognizing which elements support healthy development and which may create challenges can empower parents to build stronger, more supportive relationships with their children.

View Sources +

We thoroughly research our content using peer-reviewed journals, government and advocacy organizations, and academic institutions. Our strict editorial standards ensure accuracy and reliability. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.

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American Academy of Pediatrics. Parenting and boundary setting.

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Author

A woman with long blonde hair is smiling and standing outdoors. She is wearing a black dress with white polka dots. The background is softly blurred, showing some trees and sunlight filtering through.

Rachel Tomlinson Registered Psychologist

Rachel Tomlinson is a registered psychologist and internationally published author of Teaching Kids to Be Kind who has worked with adults, families, and children (birth through eighteen years old) in a variety of settings. She has presented at national conferences on mental health topics (including trauma and play therapy) as well as guest lectured about domestic violence and relationships at colleges and universities. She also serves as a subject matter expert for journalists on topics such as parenting, child development, and relationships. She resides in Perth, Australia.

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