Authoritative parents build positive, nurturing relationships with their children while also maintaining clear and reasonably high expectations. The authoritative parent monitors their children closely and have clear expectations and high standards for their behaviors. Authoritative parents establish clear communication between the parent and the child. The communcation between the parent and child is based on listening carefully and understanding.

Being a parent also comes with disciplining your children. The authoritative parent practices child-centered discipline. They mainly use disciplinary methods that are supportive rather than punitive. As the child grows older, the authoritative parent expects their child to regulate their own behavior.

Children raised by authoritative parents:

• perform better in school
• are less hostile
• create strong friendships
• have greater self-esteem
• show more independence in their activities
  

Cook & Cook (2007). The world of children.

• Parenting Styles Home Page
• Neglectful and Permissive Parenting
• Authoritarian Parenting Style

More information on Parenting Styles:

• Parenting Style Quiz: What Kind of Parent Are You?
• Principles of the Authoritative Parenting Style