Child rearing refers to the processes, strategies, and approaches used to raise a child from birth through adulthood. The methods parents use in child-rearing varies significantly across the United States and around the world. Parenting is influenced by cultural differences and differing viewpoints on issues like discipline, establishing rules, and expectations of obedience to authority. There is no one "right way" to raise a child. Parents successfully raise independent and confident children using many approaches. However, in study after study, one common theme emerges: parental care and involvement, more than any specific child-rearing strategy, is essential to successful child-rearing. The best outcomes are associated with setting clear rules and working with children to resolve challenges.