The next style of parent is the permissive parent. Permissive parents are warm and responsive, but like the uninvolved parent, they have no rules or very few rules. They are very indulgent with their child. Giving them whatever they want. Some permissive parents may try to enforce a rule or say no, but when the child reacts to this enforcement they give in. Maybe to avoid a scene. That may help for the moment but that technique will usually backfire because the child is learning that they can get what they want simply by throwing a tantrum. Eventually, this can contribute to what psychologists call Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Not somewhere any parent wants to be.
Permissive parents may often say things like “Kids will be kids”. They think of their relationship more of a peer-to-peer relationship rather than a parent-to-child relationship. They are reluctant to impose limits or keep their children under control. Their children are not required to have good manners. And they are allowed to regulate their own behavior and choices. One big example is screen time. Screen time and snacks are not monitored well. Leading to screen addictions and obesity. That being said, the right amount of screen time is a tricky thing. That’s why we did a complete video series on it. If you are interested in maximizing your child's benefits from screen time while reducing the risks watch our children and electronics playlist.
The lack of boundaries from permissive parenting can lead to anxiety and depression. And permissive parenting also often leads to poor school performance. Also not an ideal parenting style.