Parenting Styles II: Democratic and Negligent (Uninvolved)

The balance between warmth and rules (Authoritative/Democratic Style).

The Authoritative (or democratic) style is considered the "gold standard" in developmental psychology, as it combines high levels of emotional warmth with firm and reasonable control.

Unlike the authoritarian model, here the rules are not inexplicable dogmas; they are reasoned out with the child.

If a restriction on screen use is established, the reason (health, sleep) is explained and the child's opinions are listened to, although the final decision rests with the adult.

This approach encourages the child's participation in goal setting, validating his or her feelings even when high performance is demanded.

The result is an individual who feels respected and understood, which enhances his or her self-confidence and social competence.

Studies suggest that this combination of unconditional affection and clear boundaries is the best vaccine against the development of pathological narcissistic traits, as the child learns his or her intrinsic value without needing to feel superior to others.

Emotional Neglect and Forced Self-Sufficiency (Neglectful Style)

The Neglectful or uninvolved style represents an absence of effective parenting. Often the product of adverse circumstances (parental mental illness, work crises, or large families overwhelmed), it is characterized by a lack of demands and unresponsiveness.

Parents hardly know where their children are or what they are doing; rules are nonexistent not because of permissive philosophy, but because of lack of energy or interest.

Children growing up in this vacuum are forced to mature prematurely, taking on adult responsibilities, such as managing the household finances or taking care of themselves physically and emotionally.

Although they may develop apparent self-sufficiency, the cost is devastating: they often have very poor self-esteem, severe difficulties regulating their impulses, and a greater predisposition to substance abuse and mental health problems, as they gr