Permissive Parenting Style: Pros And Cons

All parents have different style of raising the child, and it is not possible to say that a particular style is better as compared to the other. It depends upon the circumstances in which the child and parents are placed. The two basic styles of training a child are authoritarian style and permissive style. However a mean path can also be devised and called balanced style.

In the first mentioned style i.e. authoritarian style, the parents set a high standard for the child. They believe in ordered style of discipline. The child has to come up in a particular manner as directed by parents. The children have several responsibilities and have to follow them. Deviation is likely to result in punishment. Though this style may be appropriate for naughty or uncontrollable children or where due to habits child is defiant, but may not be good for ordinary children who are generally well behaved and are of obedient type.

Permissive style of parenting involves compromise. The parents trust the children and expect them to be well behaved as a result of training, and do not need to be punished. Exponents of this style believe that the children should have their own choice. The object is to achieve the result without the authoritarian attitude of the parents. This style is often very successful, the children develop a better sense of responsibility and are well behaved and balanced.

The critics of this theory are of the view that the children get to control the parents rather than the other way round. The children of adolescent age are more likely to misuse the permissive style of the parents and may sometimes go astray. Knowing that the child is experimenting with alcohol or drugs, the permissive parents may conclude that this is age of experiment and ignore. The child may develop the habit of regular consumption of these things and may become an addict. It can be concluded that this style can be suitable for shy or children of docile nature but not for aggressive children.

The balanced style of parenting which maintains the balance between the two is another choice. A balance is sought to be maintained between the two. The child gets liberty associated with responsibilities. The child is made to understand that there is liberty for him only to a certain extent. If he performs in education and is otherwise well behaved in society, and does not develop evil habits, he will have freedom, otherwise things will be difficult for him and he is bound to be punished. This way it will be possible for the parents to raise a well balanced child.