Final answer:
The statement is true; authoritative parents set loving limits, while authoritarian parents can be harsh and rigid. Authoritative parenting is encouraged in modern American society and is associated with positive outcomes, but parenting effectiveness can vary culturally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that authoritative parents set loving limits for their children is true, while authoritarian parents can be harsh and rigid is also true. Authoritative parents offer reasonable demands and consistent limits, express warmth and affection, and are attentive to the child's perspective, sometimes relaxing rules like bedtime during a family vacation. In contrast, authoritarian parents place high value on obedience and conformity, are strict, monitor their children closely, and express little warmth. Such strict parenting may lead to anxious or withdrawn children. It's important to note that parenting styles can be influenced by cultural backgrounds; some styles may work differently across different societies. For example, authoritarian parenting might be equally beneficial as authoritative parenting in some ethnic groups. Even though authoritative parenting is often encouraged in modern American society and is associated with high self-esteem and social skills in American children, it is not universally optimal across all cultures.