Authoritative parenting is an example of how the appropriate use of operant procedures can lead to beneficial outcomes.
Operant principles in authoritative parenting involves the balanced use of power, reason, shaping, and reinforcement (Baumrind, 1966). The parent is viewed by the child as an effective reinforcing agent upon which behaviours are modified. The parent uses a “shaping” procedure—the child is “corrected” for misconduct by parental feedback and is reinforced to behave in a more acceptable manner. Behaviours are easily modified because the child views the parent as a nurturing and fair.
Typical outcomes for children raised in an authoritative manner include a good sense of social, emotional, and cognitive maturity (Grobman, 2008).
Parenting Strategies and Learning 