Abstract
This study examined authoritative parenting and cultural values styles in raising morally balanced children in Imo State. The purpose of this research is to ascertain how parental authoritative practices and cultural values orientations influence children moral identity, self-esteem, and social competence. Three research questions guided the study, to investigate the relationship between authoritative parenting style and moral development in children in Imo State. The area of the study was two public higher institutions in Imo State mainly Imo State University, Owerri and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri. The population of the study comprised of all the parents from the three agricultural zones in Imo State. The researchers selected two hundred and sixty-one parents (respondents) using random sampling technique. A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Data were collected using researchers developed questionnaire ‘Questionnaire on Authoritative Parenting, Cultural Values Styles and Raising Morally Balanced Children’ (QAPCVSaRMBC). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (weighted mean). Results shown that authoritative parenting characterized by warmth, responsiveness and high expectations, interacts with cultural values styles to promote morally balanced children. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended amongst others, that parents should adhere to communalism, spirituality and aspect for tradition that would help to promote children’s moral identity. Also educational implications for the study included that it is important for curriculum design and moral education, teacher training and professional development and provision of guidance counselling in schools.

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