The psychological community categorizes parenting styles into four different categories: authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful and indulgent. What is your parenting style? and what is the best style for raising confident, successful, happy kids? Authoritarian parenting is similar to a dictatorship. The parent sets strict rules and guidelines which their child must adhere to. They are not flexible in their rules and do not establish rules based on their child's individual personality. While these parents provide a well-structured and secure environment they are not usually available for their child's emotional needs. Authoritative parenting is similar to authoritative parenting in that there is structure and rules which must be followed. Except authoritative parents are also receptive to their child's emotional needs and particular personality. Authoritative parents are flexible, they are harsh when they need to be but are also a shoulder to lean on. Neglectful parents have no established rules for their children, and they do not offer any support emotionally for their children. Instead its more of an anything goes style, these parents do not seem to be particularly interested in their children or their future. Indulgent parents are similar to neglectful parents in that there is little structure but they are emotionally available for their children. They are seen as a friend instead of a parent, an authority figure. Indulgent parents let their children do what they want, when they want. And although they do this out of love, it is not what is best for the developing child.

Overall, it has been proven time and again through psychological studies and observations that the best parenting style is the authoritative parent. These parents have structure and emotional support for their children, both of which are essential to a good nurturing environment. And studies have shown they are more likely to raise confident, happy, and successful children.