What defines authoritarian parenting?

Authoritarian parenting is characterized by strict discipline combined with a lack of warmth and emotional support. This style is marked by high expectations for obedience and a strong emphasis on rules and authority. Parents who adopt this approach typically enforce rules rigidly and expect their children to follow them without question. The focus is on control and discipline rather than nurturing the emotional needs of the children.

In contrast, options that suggest flexibility and warmth or the encouragement of independence align more closely with authoritative or permissive parenting styles, which prioritize the emotional connection and support for the child’s growth. The notion of no involvement in a child's life might describe an uninvolved parenting style, which is different from authoritarian parenting that is very much focused on control and direction, albeit without warmth.