Permissive parenting is a parenting style characterized by low levels of control and structure, and high levels of warmth and nurturing. Permissive parents often allow their children to make their own decisions, without setting clear rules or boundaries and may be reluctant to enforce consequences for negative behavior.
They may also be overindulgent and make decisions for their children without giving them the opportunity to learn from their own mistakes.
Examples of permissive parenting include:
- Allowing children to make their own decisions without setting clear rules or boundaries
- Being overindulgent and giving in to children’s demands
- Not enforcing consequences for negative behavior
- Being reluctant to set limits or say “no” to children
- Being overinvolved in children’s lives and making decisions for them
- Not providing structure or discipline
- Being overly permissive and not setting clear expectations for their child’s behavior
- Being more focused on being a friend to their child rather than a parent
Permissive parenting can have a negative impact on child development. Children raised by permissive parents may struggle with self-discipline, have difficulty with problem-solving, have poor social skills, and have a lack of respect for authority.
They may also have a higher risk of developing behavioral problems, may have difficulty with decision-making, and may not learn how to be responsible for their own actions.
Moreover, children raised by permissive parents may have difficulty with self-regulation, they may have a harder time dealing with frustration, disappointment, and other negative emotions.
They may also have a harder time in school and have difficulty forming relationships with peers and adults.
