Parenting styles refer to the various approaches that parents use to raise their children. The four main styles identified by psychologists are authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. Each style reflects different levels of responsiveness and demandingness, influencing a child's development and behavior. Authoritative parents are supportive yet set clear boundaries, while authoritarian parents enforce strict rules with little warmth. Permissive parents are nurturing but lack control, and neglectful parents are uninvolved. Understanding these styles can help parents make informed choices about their parenting approach and its impact on their children.