The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys in life. It is important to understand that the different types of parenting and the way you raise your teen shape their confidence, emotional well-being, and ability to navigate the world. At Nexus Teen Academy, we know that no single parenting style fits all. Therefore, we emphasize experimenting with different styles to create a healthy and supportive environment. In this, we will discuss the four main types of parenting styles. We will also discuss their benefits and risks and how to choose the best style for your teen.
If you are dealing with a teen struggling with mental health disorders and are seeking professional assistance, contact our team today. We can get a better understanding of your situation and help determine the best course of action.
The Four Main Types of Parenting Styles
Parenting styles refer to how parents raise their kids. The patterns of parents, behaviors, attitudes, and disciplinary approaches determine these styles. According to researchers, there are four main types of parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Depending on your parenting style, your teenager can either grow up in a healthy home or an environment that triggers mental health issues like low self-worth and emotional dysregulation.
Authoritative Parenting
Parents with an authoritative parenting style are nurturing, loving, and involved in their teenagers’ love. They offer their teenagers the support they need but still lay expectations and rules to be followed. This parenting style promotes structure in the family, encouraging children to be more disciplined. Additionally, it can help foster independence and strong emotional regulation.
Despite its effectiveness, authoritarian parenting can be time-consuming and emotionally overwhelming. Parents must strike a balance between supporting their teens and disciplining them. This can be extremely challenging for busy or stressed parents.
Authoritarian Parenting
Unlike authoritative parenting, where parents set rules but are still supportive of their teenagers, authoritarian parents offer the opposite. Parents with this style are highly strict and are less supportive of their teenagers. Teenagers are expected to follow the set rules without complaining. While this type of parenting emphasizes discipline and responsibility, it is not always the best. Teens who grow up in this environment are likely to be in a constant state of fear and anxiety. This can influence several mental health issues like low self-worth, teen anxiety, and panic disorders.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parenting is a type of parenting where parents are warm and supportive of their teenagers’ needs. They create rules and boundaries but are not strict when the boundaries are crossed. Teenagers raised by permissive parents tend to have a good relationship with them. Since their parents are affectionate and supportive, most of them grow up creative and expressive and have a strong sense of individuality.
As supportive as a permissive parenting environment is, the lack of structure and strict discipline can result in poor self-control and impulsive behavior among teenagers; if teenagers are used to not being disciplined for their actions, they may have trouble handling responsibilities. This can negatively influence their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Uninvolved Parenting
This parenting is marked by low warmth and low expectations. Parents in this category are often detached from their children’s lives, providing little guidance and emotional support. Most teens raised by uninvolved parents may experience emotional detachment, academic struggles, and behavioral issues. They may often feel neglected, which can impact their ability to form healthy relationships.
Other Parenting Styles and Approaches
The main four parenting styles are not the only ones available. Others include helicopters, free range, gentle parenting, and attachment.
Helicopter Parenting
Parents with helicopter parenting styles are highly involved in their teenagers’ lives. Since most desire their children’s safety and well-being, they may come off as overbearing and overprotective. Such parents are overly conscious and may deter their teenagers from making decisions, in fear they may not make the best ones. Teenagers raised by such parents are likely to struggle with anxiety, low self-worth, and an overreliance on parental guidance. This excessive interference can affect their ability to adapt to the real world as they grow older.
Free-Range Parenting
This type of parenting encourages teenagers to grow independently with little to minimum supervision. Parents with such a style believe that their teenagers are independent human beings and are able to make decisions for themselves. The room to be self-sufficient can boost confidence and decision-making abilities. Eventually, teenagers may develop a strong sense of responsibility. However, this style can also put teenagers at risk as they may grow up not following societal norms.
Gentle Parenting
This type of parenting aims to raise happy and confident children. Parents with this type of parenting believe that their children should not be disciplined using strict measures. Instead, they should be handled with love, patience, and care. Unlike permissive parenting, which often lacks boundaries, gentle parenting maintains clear expectations. Teenagers raised in this kind of environment are likely to develop trust and a strong parent-child relationship. However, it requires significant time and emotional investment from parents. Since this type of parenting doesn’t believe in harsh disciplinary measures, it may not adequately prepare children for authority structures outside the home.
Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting emphasizes a strong connection between parents and their children. Immediately after the child is born, strategies such as co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, and baby-weaning are embraced to create a healthy parent-child bond. Due to the emotional connection, most teenagers raised with this parenting may become very attached to their parents. This can influence attachment and dependency issues.
Choosing the Right Parenting Approach
Since parenting styles greatly determine your teenager’s overall well-being, it is important to choose the right one. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages; hence, further research is encouraged. Before settling on one, you need to select the parenting style that benefits both you and the future of your teen.
Assessing Your Parenting Style
Before having kids, it is important to do self-introspection. Consider how you respond to challenges, discipline, and emotional situations. Do you tend to be more authoritative, permissive, or nurturing? After self-introspection, look into the parenting styles and which one you will likely be. Observe their behaviors as your child grows up and experiment with different parenting styles. Stick to the one that offers a healthy environment that supports your teenager’s needs and emotions.
Finding a Balanced Parenting Approach
Blend different elements of multiple styles rather than strictly adhering to one parenting philosophy. This allows you to be flexible, ensuring your child grows up in a supportive environment. For example, combining clear boundaries of authoritative parenting with the independence of free-range parenting can foster both emotional intelligence and self-sufficiency. It is okay to change your parenting style as your teenagers grow. This can help you create a nurturing environment that best supports your child’s well-being.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Parenting is an evolving journey; no single approach works for every child. Each different type of parenting style, whether authoritarian or attachment, has strengths and challenges. To create a healthy and supportive environment for your teenager’s well-being, it is best to remain adaptable. Keep assessing each style to choose which one works best for you and your teen.
If you are seeking guidance on teen mental health, contact us today at Nexus Teen Academy. We offer resources for parents and teenagers to navigate the complexities of adolescence. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can help your teen.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the best parenting style?
There isn't a single "best" parenting style, but authoritative parenting is often considered the most balanced. It encourages discipline while also fostering warmth, communication, and independence.
How does parenting style affect a child's personality?
Parenting shapes a child's confidence, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills. Supportive parenting fosters independence, while strict or neglectful parenting can lead to insecurity or rebellion.
Can a parent have a mix of different parenting styles?
Yes, many parents naturally blend different styles based on situations. A flexible approach allows you to meet your child's changing needs while maintaining structure.
Are cultural differences a factor in parenting styles?
Yes, culture heavily influences parenting approaches, discipline, and family dynamics. What is considered strict or nurturing in one culture may be seen differently in another.
How do I know if my parenting style is working for my child?
If your child feels safe, respected, and confident while maintaining healthy boundaries, your approach is likely working. Pay attention to their emotional well-being and adjust as needed.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Understanding Different Types of Parenting
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On April 30, 2025
Table of Contents
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys in life. It is important to understand that the different types of parenting and the way you raise your teen shape their confidence, emotional well-being, and ability to navigate the world. At Nexus Teen Academy, we know that no single parenting style fits all. Therefore, we emphasize experimenting with different styles to create a healthy and supportive environment. In this, we will discuss the four main types of parenting styles. We will also discuss their benefits and risks and how to choose the best style for your teen.
If you’re feeling uncertain about how to connect with your teen emotionally, especially when they withdraw, consider what to do when your teen doesn’t want to talk.
If you are dealing with a teen struggling with mental health disorders and are seeking professional assistance, contact our team today. We can get a better understanding of your situation and help determine the best course of action.
The Four Main Types of Parenting Styles
Parenting styles refer to how parents raise their kids. The patterns of parents, behaviors, attitudes, and disciplinary approaches determine these styles. According to researchers, there are four main types of parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Depending on your parenting style, your teenager can either grow up in a healthy home or an environment that triggers mental health issues like low self-worth and emotional dysregulation.
Authoritative Parenting
Parents with an authoritative parenting style are nurturing, loving, and involved in their teenagers’ love. They offer their teenagers the support they need but still lay expectations and rules to be followed. This parenting style promotes structure in the family, encouraging children to be more disciplined. Additionally, it can help foster independence and strong emotional regulation.
Despite its effectiveness, authoritarian parenting can be time-consuming and emotionally overwhelming. Parents must strike a balance between supporting their teens and disciplining them. This can be extremely challenging for busy or stressed parents.
Authoritarian Parenting
Unlike authoritative parenting, where parents set rules but are still supportive of their teenagers, authoritarian parents offer the opposite. Parents with this style are highly strict and are less supportive of their teenagers. Teenagers are expected to follow the set rules without complaining. While this type of parenting emphasizes discipline and responsibility, it is not always the best. Teens who grow up in this environment are likely to be in a constant state of fear and anxiety. This can influence several mental health issues like low self-worth, teen anxiety, and panic disorders.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parenting is a type of parenting where parents are warm and supportive of their teenagers’ needs. They create rules and boundaries but are not strict when the boundaries are crossed. Teenagers raised by permissive parents tend to have a good relationship with them. Since their parents are affectionate and supportive, most of them grow up creative and expressive and have a strong sense of individuality.
As supportive as a permissive parenting environment is, the lack of structure and strict discipline can result in poor self-control and impulsive behavior among teenagers; if teenagers are used to not being disciplined for their actions, they may have trouble handling responsibilities. This can negatively influence their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Uninvolved Parenting
This parenting is marked by low warmth and low expectations. Parents in this category are often detached from their children’s lives, providing little guidance and emotional support. Most teens raised by uninvolved parents may experience emotional detachment, academic struggles, and behavioral issues. They may often feel neglected, which can impact their ability to form healthy relationships.
Other Parenting Styles and Approaches
The main four parenting styles are not the only ones available. Others include helicopters, free range, gentle parenting, and attachment.
Helicopter Parenting
Parents with helicopter parenting styles are highly involved in their teenagers’ lives. Since most desire their children’s safety and well-being, they may come off as overbearing and overprotective. Such parents are overly conscious and may deter their teenagers from making decisions, in fear they may not make the best ones. Teenagers raised by such parents are likely to struggle with anxiety, low self-worth, and an overreliance on parental guidance. This excessive interference can affect their ability to adapt to the real world as they grow older.
Free-Range Parenting
This type of parenting encourages teenagers to grow independently with little to minimum supervision. Parents with such a style believe that their teenagers are independent human beings and are able to make decisions for themselves. The room to be self-sufficient can boost confidence and decision-making abilities. Eventually, teenagers may develop a strong sense of responsibility. However, this style can also put teenagers at risk as they may grow up not following societal norms.
Gentle Parenting
This type of parenting aims to raise happy and confident children. Parents with this type of parenting believe that their children should not be disciplined using strict measures. Instead, they should be handled with love, patience, and care. Unlike permissive parenting, which often lacks boundaries, gentle parenting maintains clear expectations. Teenagers raised in this kind of environment are likely to develop trust and a strong parent-child relationship. However, it requires significant time and emotional investment from parents. Since this type of parenting doesn’t believe in harsh disciplinary measures, it may not adequately prepare children for authority structures outside the home.
Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting emphasizes a strong connection between parents and their children. Immediately after the child is born, strategies such as co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, and baby-weaning are embraced to create a healthy parent-child bond. Due to the emotional connection, most teenagers raised with this parenting may become very attached to their parents. This can influence attachment and dependency issues.
Choosing the Right Parenting Approach
Since parenting styles greatly determine your teenager’s overall well-being, it is important to choose the right one. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages; hence, further research is encouraged. Before settling on one, you need to select the parenting style that benefits both you and the future of your teen.
Assessing Your Parenting Style
Before having kids, it is important to do self-introspection. Consider how you respond to challenges, discipline, and emotional situations. Do you tend to be more authoritative, permissive, or nurturing? After self-introspection, look into the parenting styles and which one you will likely be. Observe their behaviors as your child grows up and experiment with different parenting styles. Stick to the one that offers a healthy environment that supports your teenager’s needs and emotions.
Finding a Balanced Parenting Approach
Blend different elements of multiple styles rather than strictly adhering to one parenting philosophy. This allows you to be flexible, ensuring your child grows up in a supportive environment. For example, combining clear boundaries of authoritative parenting with the independence of free-range parenting can foster both emotional intelligence and self-sufficiency. It is okay to change your parenting style as your teenagers grow. This can help you create a nurturing environment that best supports your child’s well-being.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Parenting is an evolving journey; no single approach works for every child. Each different type of parenting style, whether authoritarian or attachment, has strengths and challenges. To create a healthy and supportive environment for your teenager’s well-being, it is best to remain adaptable. Keep assessing each style to choose which one works best for you and your teen.
If you are seeking guidance on teen mental health, contact us today at Nexus Teen Academy. We offer resources for parents and teenagers to navigate the complexities of adolescence. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can help your teen.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
There isn't a single "best" parenting style, but authoritative parenting is often considered the most balanced. It encourages discipline while also fostering warmth, communication, and independence.
Parenting shapes a child's confidence, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills. Supportive parenting fosters independence, while strict or neglectful parenting can lead to insecurity or rebellion.
Yes, many parents naturally blend different styles based on situations. A flexible approach allows you to meet your child's changing needs while maintaining structure.
Yes, culture heavily influences parenting approaches, discipline, and family dynamics. What is considered strict or nurturing in one culture may be seen differently in another.
If your child feels safe, respected, and confident while maintaining healthy boundaries, your approach is likely working. Pay attention to their emotional well-being and adjust as needed.