According to Diana Baumrind's research on parenting styles, which of the following behaviors did she argue parents should avoid?

• A. Providing consistent discipline combined with emotional support
• B. Encouraging open communication and reasoning with their children
• C. Exerting strict control without warmth or responsiveness
• D. Being overly permissive and failing to set boundaries for their children

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand Diana Baumrind's four main parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. Each style varies in terms of control and responsiveness.
2. Recognize that Baumrind advocated for the authoritative style, which combines consistent discipline (control) with emotional support (responsiveness). This style is linked to positive child outcomes.
3. Identify that exerting strict control without warmth or responsiveness corresponds to the authoritarian style, which Baumrind argued parents should avoid because it can lead to negative effects on children.
4. Note that being overly permissive and failing to set boundaries corresponds to the permissive style, which also has drawbacks but is distinct from the authoritarian style Baumrind specifically warned against.
5. Conclude that the behavior Baumrind advised parents to avoid is exerting strict control without warmth or responsiveness, as it lacks the balance necessary for healthy child development.