The aim of the thesis is to investigate the role of parenting styles in the development of emotional intelligence in children and young adults by reviewing domestic and foreign scientific and professional literature. Emotional intelligence, as the ability to recognize and understand one's own and others' emotions and to regulate them, is a very important skill. It can be developed in children from early childhood and plays a significant role in the optimal level of individual's functioning. The paper will include an overview of the basic components and constructs that make up emotional intelligence in order to better understand the factors that influence its development. Also, an overview of emotional intelligence research will be presented in order to emphasize its role as a protective factor in the prevention of behavioral disorders in children and young adults. The second part of the paper will be devoted to the review of current professional knowledge about parenting styles and their characteristics. After explaining the basic elements, research results that provide insight into how the application of different parenting styles can stimulate the development of certain emotional intelligence components will be presented. In conclusion, the paper offers examples of existing parenting programs aimed at encouraging the development of the child's emotional intelligence, as well as a critical review of their availability in the Republic of Croatia. Arguments that prove the important role of emotional intelligence in dealing with everyday challenges and environmental pressures will be highlighted.