However, research studies on discipline consistently show that strict, or authoritarian, child-raising actually produces kids with lower self esteem who behave worse than other kids -- and therefore get punished more! Strict parenting actually creates behavior problems in children.

Should parents be strict?

It is critical that as a strict parent you allow your children to experience the consequences of their choices. If your son comes home late, if your daughter is late for school, if they use inappropriate language — they should experience manageable and relatable consequences for their choices.

How do you know if your parents are too strict?

They may find fault with everything you do. They are overly dramatic when you do not do as they wanted. Controlling parents may get infuriated, behave irrationally, and even pretend that you not doing what they told you to has harmed them mentally. They tend to exaggerate your mistakes.