The Mayo Clinic identifies four primary parenting styles: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. While the labels may evoke strong emotions, it’s important to approach them with honesty and self-reflection. Instead of becoming defensive, consider the techniques you experienced as a child and those you may currently be applying with your own children. Each style warrants a thorough exploration, but this article aims to initiate your journey of introspection rather than provide a comprehensive analysis. Embracing this process will help you better understand your own methods and their impact on your child’s development.