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Permissive parenting is a unique style of raising children that some parents might adopt without fully realizing the impact it has on their family. This method has both pros and cons that you should carefully study before deciding if permissive parenting is right for you.
In our guide, we will explain the definition of permissive parenting, compare it to other styles, list the advantages and disadvantages of permissive parenting, and help you figure out if this is the right strategy for your family.
What Is Permissive Parenting
Permissive parental style is a way of raising children characterized by low demands and high responsiveness. Parents who follow this style are often described as lenient—they prefer to avoid conflicts with their children, allow them to make their own decisions, and do not have strict rules or guidelines for the kids to follow.
This parental style was first introduced in the 1960s by a developmental psychologist, Diane Baumrind. While it does have several benefits for the child and the parent, some of which are outlined below, permissive parenting may lead to adverse consequences, especially if it does not suit the personality of the child.
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Characteristics of Permissive Parenting
Here are the main features that will help you recognize a permissive parenting style:
Parents with a permissive style do not set rigid rules—the kids have a lot of freedom, and rarely are there guidelines they must follow. There are no or few consequences for breaking the rules when they exist.
Instead of deciding what is best for the child, the parent allows the child to make their own choices even when it comes to important matters. A parent’s input may be limited to friendly advice now and then.
It may be difficult to distinguish a permissive parent from a friend of the child—often, these parents focus on building a friendly relationship with the kid, prioritizing this goal over authority.
Advantages of Permissive Parenting
Why would a parent choose to be permissive? Here are a few reasons to adopt this parenting style:
When a child is allowed to make their own decisions from a young age, it builds their confidence and makes them feel more independent – they will be better equipped to deal with challenges in the future.
Lack of strict rules and regulations in the household means the relationship between the parent and the child is built on mutual trust and understanding—the kid will not be afraid to open up to their parent even when they make a mistake.
Children who grow up in a permissive household are often considered creative—they are not limited by the rules their parent imposes on them, and they have a chance to come up with original solutions to various issues.
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Disadvantages of Permissive Parenting
There are downsides to permissive parenting you should be aware of—find out the potential drawbacks of this style below:
Without rules to follow at home, the child may struggle to adhere to the schedule when they start going to school—it will be difficult for them to respect the authority of the teachers and meet the academic demands.
In case there are no guidelines for the child’s behavior, you may deal with aggressive outbursts and poor social skills – the kid will not know how to behave around their peers and elders.
A permissive parent may focus so much on being friends with the child that they will neglect their own needs as well as the needs of the family. In the long run, an amicable relationship with the kid may mean a lot of stress for the parent.
How to Respond to Permissive Parenting
Whether you have discovered you have a permissive style or you have noticed these traits in your partner’s behavior, you may want to adjust this approach. Here is what you can do to deal with permissive parenting:
While it may be tempting to let the child do whatever they want, it is crucial to set certain boundaries for their behavior. Talk to the kid, explain to them why some practices are not acceptable, and let them know about the consequences of their actions.
Work on your communication skills—instead of imposing or abandoning the rules, talk to the child and find out what bothers them. If certain guidelines make them feel uncomfortable or restricted, maybe it is better to let go of those rules.
You do not have to deal with this issue on your own—reach out to a mental health professional to get a qualified opinion. A therapist will listen to your concerns and give you personalized advice based on the unique circumstances of your family.
FAQs
What does permissive parenting mean?
Permissive parenting is a style of raising children that is notable for its low demands and high responsiveness. It is often called lenient parenting – parents do not have high expectations for their kids, and there are few rules in the household.
What are the characteristics of permissive parenting?
Some of the main features of permissive parenting are the lack of rules, the absence of consequences for the child’s actions, the focus on supporting the child’s decisions, and the friendly relationship between the parent and the child.
What are the 4 types of parenting?
As a rule, parents may choose one of the four styles of behavior when raising their kids: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. The first style is often considered the best one since it finds a balance between high expectations and emotional support.
What are the negatives of permissive parenting?
There are several drawbacks to permissive parenting—the lack of discipline may lead to poor academic performance of the child, their behavioral problems when they do not know how to act around their peers and elders, and the increased level of stress for the parents.
Is permissive or strict parenting better?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to parenting—both permissive and strict (or authoritarian) styles have their advantages and flaws. You should choose the parenting style based on the unique personality of your child and adjust it when necessary.
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Embrace Informed Parenting Choices
We hope that our guidelines will help you understand whether permissive parenting is suitable for your child—this unique style comes with benefits and shortcomings. If you require any assistance with permissive parenting or you need to consult a mental health professional for this or any other issue, do not hesitate to get in touch with Dallas Mental Health. Their experts will be able to advise you and come up with a personalized solution for your family.
