What is a characteristic of permissive parenting?

Permissive parenting is characterized by a low demand from parents, where they tend to be very lenient and allow a great deal of freedom to their children. Characteristic of this style, there are few limits placed on the child's behavior, which can result in a lack of boundaries and expectations. Parents adopting this style often prioritize their child's emotional needs and tend to avoid imposing strict guidelines or discipline, leading to a more laid-back approach where children may feel free to express themselves without the constraint of rigid rules or expectations.

In the context of other parenting styles, you see that strict limits on behavior would align more with authoritarian parenting, while a focus on high levels of warmth might be more indicative of authoritative parenting. Conversely, support alongside firm expectations also reflects authoritative parenting, where there is both warmth and structure. In contrast, permissive parenting lacks that firm structure, emphasizing freedom over discipline, which is why the characteristic of having few limits on a child’s behavior is a defining trait of permissive parenting.