A Narrative Review of Parenting Styles and Early Childhood Cognitive Development

Abstract

Cognitive development is a key domain of early childhood development, encompassing abilities related to problem-solving, reasoning, learning, and decision-making. As early childhood is a critical period of development, parenting practices and the home environment may play an important role in shaping children's cognitive experiences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between parenting styles and cognitive development in early childhood through a narrative literature review. Relevant empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025 were identified through searches of Google Scholar, Garuda, and other accessible academic sources using predefined keywords and eligibility criteria. Following the screening and eligibility process, 15 empirical studies were included and synthesized using a descriptive thematic approach. The findings showed a recurring pattern in which authoritative or democratic parenting was generally associated with more favorable cognitive outcomes, including problem-solving, reasoning, planning, and independent learning. In contrast, authoritarian and permissive parenting were more frequently associated with less favorable or inconsistent cognitive outcomes. The review also indicated that parental involvement, parental education, socioeconomic conditions, and the home learning environment may influence the relationship between parenting practices and children's cognitive development. These findings suggest that parenting characterized by responsiveness, emotional support, constructive guidance, appropriate boundaries, and opportunities for autonomy may be beneficial for children's cognitive development. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because the included studies varied in research design, population, cultural context, and measures of parenting and cognitive outcomes, and no formal meta-analysis or methodological quality assessment was conducted. Overall, this review provides evidence-informed insights for parents, educators, and policymakers in developing parenting and early childhood support programs that promote cognitively supportive home environments.