Children raised by permissive parents often lack self-discipline. This parenting style is negatively associated with academic grades and may contribute to risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior (especially among female children), and increased disruptive behaviors (especially among male children).

Negative Outcomes of Permissive Parenting

Children raised by permissive parents tend to experience some positive outcomes, including higher self-esteem, better social skills, and lower reported levels of depression.

Positive Outcomes of Permissive Parenting

The permissive parenting style is characterized by parents who make few demands and rarely use punishment. They tend to be very nurturing and loving, allowing children to make their own choices (e.g., choosing their own bedtime) and often playing the role of a friend rather than a traditional parent.

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Two dimensions within parenting style can can hinder or develop a child's sense of control: responsiveness and autonomy. Parents who are more consistently responsive provide their children with more opportunity to be in control, fostering an internal locus of control. Parents that also offer more autonomy, independence, and exploration help develop a sense of control. On the contrary, overprotective and intrusive parents are linked to children with a higher external locus of control. 

Parenting Style

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

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