They end up erring on the side of permissiveness. In authoritative parenting you explain what you're going to do and why you're going to do it. You make it clear that there are certain behaviors that you expect, certain ways that you want your child to fill his time because you think they're better than some of the alternatives, and you just have to be firm. Again, the earlier you start, the easier it is. It's not easy at any point because every child is going to be rebellious and test you.
Many parents are almost afraid to exercise authority for fear of alienating their children.
And so they keep ceding ground. Every study that I've looked at makes it as clear as it can be that being willing to set limits and enforce those limits, being willing to say no and take the feedback you will inevitably get, will make your life easier, not harder, over the long run. Join the conversation on Better Schools. All rights reserved.