Children of more caring, less controlling parents live happier lives, a study shows.

Experts found those who perceived their mum and dad as more caring and less psychologically controlling during childhood were likely to be happier and more satisfied throughout their lives.

Care from parents were found to be an equally important predictor of people’s mental wellbeing through to middle age, although paternal care had a greater link with wellbeing in later life.

People whose parents exerted greater psychological control during childhood had significantly lower mental wellbeing during adulthood than those with less controlling parents.

The research involved 5,000 people who have been tracked since their birth in 1946.

The study, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, highlights for the first time how parenting can have a long-term impact on wellbeing that continues through to older age.

Lead author Dr Mai Stafford, of the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health Ageing at University College London, said: “We found that people whose parents showed warmth and responsiveness had higher life satisfaction and better mental wellbeing throughout early, middle and late adulthood.

“By contrast, psychological control was significantly associated with lower life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Examples of psychological control include not allowing children to make their own decisions, invading their privacy and fostering dependence.”

Dr Stafford added that parents have the ability to give their children “a stable base from which to explore the world, while warmth and responsiveness has been shown to promote social and emotional development.

“By contrast, psychological control can limit a child’s independence and leave them less able to regulate their own behaviour.

“Parents are vitally important to the mental wellbeing of future generations.

“Policies to reduce economic and other pressures on parents could help them to foster better relationships with their children. Promoting a healthy work-life balance is important as parents need time to nurture relationships with their children.”