The whole topic of parenting was pretty interesting to me. It's something that we can all relate to. I mean, no one raised themselves (and if you did, I tip my hat to you). Studies showed that an authoritative approach at parenting was the best way to do things, and I agree 100%. All my friends who like their parents have parents who took this approach with them (I'd know because I'd see how they were disciplined as a result of being in their homes so much).
Parents who never or rarely discipline their children usually end up with kids that behave similarly to those seen on the tv show "Super Nanny." If you are unfamiliar with this series, it is about a woman who goes into households with unruly children and, by using her child behavior expertise, teaches them how to behave properly. These children pretty much set their own rules because without that punishment factor, they don't deem bad behavior as "bad."
Parents who are too over-the-top in their strict ways can raise a child who later on in life becomes rebellious, mostly because they haven't experienced "the world" due to the many restrictions set on them early in life. I have a few of these friends, and the "rebel" isn't fun to watch. Often times they go too far, and do things that, at least I feel, they wouldn't have done had they not been so restricted.
I think my parents definitely used the authoritative approach with me. I'm not unruly, and I wasn't deprived of any experiences as a child. I'd say I turned out quite well, something not everyone can say, and I'm thankful for that.
I agree with you! I was also raised in an authoritative approach and really appreciate it. I have friends who were raised in all parenting styles, and see that the ones who were raised in extreme strict ways were much more likely to rebel and get into bad situations and have a bad relationship with their parents. I personally have a great relationship with my parents and felt they raised in a good matter and I have become a better person due to it! So when the time comes in the future when I am a parent I hope to also use the authoritative approach with my kids.