Psychologist Diana Baumrind has studied the effects of three major styles of parenting. See if you can recognize the styles she describes. Authoritarian parents enforce rigid rules and demand strict obedience to authority. Typically they view children as having few rights but adult-like responsibilities. The child is expected to stay out of trouble and to accept, without question, what parents

Question

regard as right or wrong. ("Do it because I say so.") The children of authoritarian parents are usually obedient and self-controlled. But they also tend to be emotionally stiff, withdrawn, apprehensive, and lacking in curiosity. Children whose parents are critical, harsh, and authoritarian often become self-absorbed adults. They also have higher rates of violence and drug abuse. Overly permissive parents give little guidance, allow too much freedom, or don't hold children accountable for their actions. Typically, the child has rights similar to an adult's but few responsibilities. Rules are not enforced, and the child usually gets his or her way. ("Do whatever you want.") Permissive parents tend to produce dependent, immature children who misbehave frequently. Such children are aimless and like to "run amok." Baumrind describes authoritative parents as those who supply firm and consistent guidance, combined with love and affection. Such parents balance their own rights with those of their children. They control their children's behavior in a caring, responsive, nonauthoritarian way. ("Do it for this reason.") Effective parents are firm and consistent, not harsh or rigid. In general, they encourage the child to act responsibly, to think, and to make good decisions. This style produces children who are competent, self-controlled, independent, assertive, and inquiring. The main idea of this passage is

a. there are three major styles of parenting.
b. all types of parents can produce well-balanced children.
c. effective parents are rigid but consistent.
d. permissive parents produce dependent children.

Answer 1

A