Which term describes the parenting style characterized by a lack of involvement and support in a child's life?

• A. Neglectful
• B. Authoritarian
• C. Indulgent
• D. Permissive

Answer: (A)

Neglectful parenting describes a style with little involvement or support in a child's life. Parents who are neglectful are emotionally distant, provide infrequent supervision, and often fail to meet basic physical and emotional needs. The result can be a child who feels unseen or unsafe, with potential impacts on self-esteem, behavior, and development. This contrasts with authoritarian parenting, which is highly demanding and controlling but actively involved, and with indulgent or permissive parenting, which is warm and accepting but provides few boundaries. Because neglectful parenting centers on minimal involvement, it best fits the description of a lack of involvement and support.