The counselor/consultant style of the authoritative parent implies attentively and open-mindedly listening to the child's desires without passing judgment initially. For example, if the child wants a pair of designer jeans, the parent can hold off from saying "No" based on initial feelings of exasperation. Instead, the parent might find out if the child is experiencing peer pressure at school with regards to trendy clothing. Knowing that fitting in is a nearly universal need, the authoritative parent would suggest, "You can have those jeans but it would mean that we're not going to Disney World next month/not going out to your favorite restaurant tomorrow / not going to get that video game system you wanted." Framing the child's desire as a choice offers the child a sense of control and responsibility and fosters mature psychological development. The authoritative drill sergeant parent, on the other hand, would say "No!" To the...
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