. The Authoritative Parent. Those who land in the upper right quadrant provide the best combination of love and discipline. This kind of parent is authoritative - not an overbearing authoritarian, but a compassionate yet firm authority. They have clear boundaries but are also very loving. Everyone knows who the boss is, but there's also a connection between parents and child, a consideration that respects and honors who the child is while not compromising his or her disciplinary needs. The result is a child high in self-esteem and equipped with good coping skills.

Why It's Important to Discipline Children What many parents who are reluctant to discipline children may not understand is how damaging it can be for a child to lack boundaries. Without discipline, children will be deficient in the following important life skills: They will lack self control. They will not respect their parents or other authority figures. They will not know what is appropriate behavior. They will be willful, selfish, and generally unpleasant company. They will not have social skills that are important for making friends such as empathy, patience, and knowing how to share. They will be more likely to engage in negative behaviors that are harmful and even potentially dangerous for themselves as well as others. They will be unhappy.