Question: Do you think parents should be strict or lenient with their children?

Sample Answer (The AREA technique):

Answer: Parents should strive to strike a balance between being strict and lenient, depending on the child's age, personality, and needs.

Reason: Parenting involves setting boundaries and rules to promote safety, responsibility, and healthy development, while also respecting children's autonomy and individuality. Being too strict or too lenient can have negative effects on children's self-esteem, behavior, and relationships, and may not be effective in achieving long-term goals.

Example: For instance, a parent may be strict about safety rules such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike, but lenient about minor issues such as choosing their own clothes or hobbies. They may also use positive reinforcement and praise to encourage good behavior, rather than punishment or criticism.

Alternative: Other parenting styles that may be effective include authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved, which involve different levels of control, warmth, and responsiveness. The most effective parenting style may depend on the child's temperament, the family's values and goals, and the cultural context.