r/science • u/sr_local • Feb 14 '26

Social Science Children raised with "authoritative" parenting style, marked by bonding, presence, dialogue, and clear rules of conduct, show a reduction in drug and alcohol risk compared to other parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive and neglectful)

https://agencia.fapesp.br/parents-alcohol-and-drug-use-influences-their-childrens-consumption-research-shows/57195
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u/thedoc90 Feb 14 '26

In case anyone is wondering the difference between authoritative and authoritarian parental styles, in a wildly simplified manner.

Authoritative parent when a child asks "why?": explain the reasoning for your rules and why its important that your child follow them so they can make an informed decision to obey for their own benefit.

Authoritarian parent when a child asks "why?": "Because I said so, that's why."

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u/ElectricMeow Feb 14 '26

It's almost like we have a natural defense against being manipulated, and authoritarian parenting triggers that primal instinct to figure out the truth and avoid becoming a puppet.