A family seeks treatment with a social worker. During the assessment process, the social worker learns that the parents expect their children to follow strict rules and the children are severely punished if they do not. When the social worker asks the children why they have to follow several of the rules, the children are not sure why and respond “just because we do.” The parents in this family are most likely using which of the following parenting styles?

In authoritarian parenting, children are expected to follow the strict rules established by the parents. Failure to follow such rules usually results in punishment. Authoritarian parents fail to explain the reasoning behind these rules. Like authoritarian parents, those with an authoritative parenting style establish rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow. However, this parenting style is much more democratic. Authoritative parents are responsive to their children and willing to listen to questions. When children fail to meet the expectations, these parents are more nurturing and forgiving rather than punishing.