Parents who fall into the permissive parents style are affectionate and warm toward their children, but rarely impose restrictions or enforce consequences. They allow their kids to make many choices for themselves and may even sacrifice their own needs in order to accommodate their children’s requests. They are often reluctant to use discipline, believing it is not effective and may feel more like friends than parents.

This non-authoritarian parenting approach can have a positive effect, especially if it helps a parent develop a close and loving bond with their child. However, it can also lead to problems if children don’t learn to accept limits and responsibilities. Without clear guidelines, kids may struggle with self-control and emotional regulation. They are also more likely to develop unhealthy habits in relation to sleeping, eating, and screen time because they lack parental supervision.

Navigating Discipline with Permissive Parenting

A permissive parent may also neglect their child’s academic performance, leading to poor grades and a lack of motivation to work hard. Their children might not be as socially connected and may struggle with empathy because they think the world revolves around them.

If you find yourself falling into this parenting style, try to be more assertive and set rules that your kids will understand. Make sure to follow through with consequences when they break the rules, such as time-outs and loss of privileges. Moreover, it is important to be consistent and help them see the benefits of following household rules so they will have more respect for your authority. You can also start by giving them ownership of certain tasks, which will make them more accountable and help them develop a sense of responsibility.