Final answer:
The parents who are responsive and communicative while maintaining authority are a) authoritative parents. This parenting style is preferred because it fosters high self-esteem and social skills in children.
Step-by-step explanation:
The parents described as warmer and more communicative than authoritarian parents, yet still retaining authority and control are authoritative parents.
Authoritative parents strive for a balance between respecting the adolescent's desire for independence and ensuring that they are still listened to and guided.
They set reasonable demands and limits, while also being warm, affectionate, and receptive to their children's viewpoints. Such parents provide consistent rules and explain their reasons, but are also flexible enough to adapt to different circumstances, like relaxing bedtime rules during a family vacation.
This parenting style is associated with positive child outcomes, including high self-esteem and good social skills, making it the most encouraged parenting style in modern American society.