Every so often, a new parenting style makes the headlines: attachment parenting, helicopter parenting, free-range parenting. But in child psychology, based on the work of Diana Baumrind, a developmental psychologist, experts point to four main parenting styles neglectful, authoritarian, authoritative and permissive that influence how children grow and interact.

Without a lot of intentional thought, parenting styles are often a combination of learned instincts gained from a parents own experience, temperament and role models, said Rachel Robertson, vice president of education at Bright Horizons . It doesnt mean a parent is stuck with whatever style comes most naturally to them, if it isnt ideal.

She emphasized parents can fluctuate between styles depending on the situation and by having awareness and intention can make thoughtful choices and create habits that will help them raise their kids the way they want.

Simply being aware of effective parenting strategies can help a parent pause and act purposefully in a moment they may have otherwise acted instinctually or emotionally, Robertson explained. Parenting is an in-the-moment kind of activity but it also is really about the long game parents are raising human beings who we all hope grow to be contributing citizens, future leaders, lifelong learners and stewards of the future they will inherit.

HuffPost spoke with Robertson and family therapist Kelly Oriard to break down the four parenting styles and how each approach affects children.

Neglectful

[Neglectful] style is hands-off and uninvolved, Robertson said. This style may be intentional or unintentional, depending on the parent. Communication, interaction and involvement in activities is limited.

To better understand neglectful parenting and the other three styles, its important to consider emotional climate, which is basically the overall mood and perception of a family and the relationship dynamics within it.

For children, emotional climate, especially a warm emotional climate, is your caregiver wanting to be involved with your interests, supporting you, cheering you on and being responsive to your needs, said Oriard, who is a co-founder of Slumberkins , an educational brand focused on emotional learning. It can look like snuggling up to read their favorite story or supporting them after something didnt quite go their way.

In the neglectful parenting style, theres low emotional warmth, as this type of caregiver tends to have low levels of interaction with their child.

When disciplining, these parents tend to choose harsher techniques and offer little to no explanation, Oriard said. This parent is like the boss who you barely see at work. You end up learning on the fly and figuring it out because direction and interaction is minimal. Then if you do make a mistake because of the low level of direction, your boss becomes enraged and takes it out on you in front of your peers and higher-ups.

She noted that this type of boss would not circle back or touch base with you, might dismiss you on the spot and may leave you feeling anxious about making future mistakes. A neglectful parent can leave similar negative feelings.

Unfortunately, children who have neglectful-uninvolved parents tend to have numerous problems as they grow up, Oriard said. These children may have mental health struggles related to depression and anxiety, they may have poor social skills and can even be prone to future substance abuse.