What Is Permissive Parenting
What Is Permissive Parenting
What Is Permissive Parenting
Table of Contents
Research
Characteristics
E ects
Strategies
Permissive parenting is a type of parenting style characterized by low
demands with high responsiveness. Permissive parents tend to be very
loving, yet provide few guidelines and rules. These parents do not expect
mature behavior from their children and often seem more like a friend than
a parental gure.
Because there are few rules, expectations, and demands, children raised
by permissive parents tend to struggle with self-regulation and self-
control.
Display low achievement in many areas: Because their parents have little to
no expectations of them, these kids have nothing to strive toward. Studies
have linked permissive parenting to lower academic achievement. [4]
Make poor decisions: Since their parents to not set or enforce any type of
rules or guidelines, these kids struggle to learn good problem-solving and
decision-making skills.
May be more prone to delinquency and substance use: Some studies suggest
that children raised by permissive parents are more likely to engage in
misconduct and alcohol or substance use. [5]
Show more aggression and less emotional understanding: Because they do
not learn to deal with their emotions e ectively, particularly in situations
where they do not get what they want, children with permissive parents
may struggle when faced with stressful or emotionally di cult
situations. [6]
Unable to manage their time or habits: Because of the lack of structure and
rules in the home, these kids never learn limits. This might lead to watching
[7]
too much television playing too many computer games and eating too
7
too much television, playing too many computer games, and eating too
much. These children never learn to limit their screen time or eating habits,
which can lead to unhealthy habits and obesity.
Since these parents have few requirements for mature behavior, children
may lack skills in social settings. While they may be good at interpersonal
communication, they lack other important skills such as sharing.
Develop a list of basic household rules. In order for your kids to know how
they are supposed to behave, they need to clearly understand what your
expectations are.
Follow through. This can be the greatest struggle for parents who tend to be
permissive, but it is important. Try to be rm and consistent, but still
loving. Help your kids understand why such rules are important by
providing adequate feedback and explanations, but still make sure that
consequences are in place.
consequences are in place.
Make sure your kids understand the penalty of breaking the rules.
Guidelines are useless unless there is some sort of consequence for failing
to follow them. Time-outs and losing privileges are logical consequences for
breaking the household rules.
Reward good behavior. Try to catch your children being good and allow
special privileges when they display these actions.
If you tend to be more of a permissive parent, think of ways that you can
help your children understand your expectations and guidelines and be
consistent about your enforcement of these rules. By providing your kids
with the right balance of structure and support, you can ensure that they
grow up with the skills they need to succeed in life.
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