Final answer:
Parents are advised in Ephesians 6 to nourish and instruct their children in the Lord, which corresponds to an authoritative parenting style that promotes healthy development.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Ephesians 6, parents should not exasperate their children, which can lead to discouragement and resentment. Instead, parents are encouraged to nourish and instruct them in the Lord. This biblical guideline aligns with the principles described in various parenting styles, particularly the authoritative style outlined by Diana Baumrind, where parents are advised to set reasonable expectations and limits while providing warmth and support. This approach balances discipline with love, fostering a child's socioemotional growth and contributing to the development of a healthy self-concept. It is important for parents to educate their children not only in intellectual pursuits but also in moral and spiritual matters, as emphasized by leading Puritan ministers such as Cotton Mather and Richard Mather, who highlighted the consequences of parental neglect in a child's education.