What is permissive parenting, and how does it help with better development of a child's behaviour

In a world where parenting styles are debated, permissive parenting is one that quietly stands out. It’s not strict, not overly controlling, and definitely not harsh. Instead, it flows with warmth, leniency, and emotional connection. Many believe this approach leads to spoiled, unruly children. But is that really true?


Contrary to popular belief, permissive parenting—when practised mindfully—may actually support better emotional growth, healthier behaviour, and a more positive attitude in children. What truly matters is how this parenting style is applied and whether boundaries exist alongside love and freedom.


Here are all the layers of this often-misunderstood approach, and discover how it might just nurture some of the most emotionally intelligent individuals of tomorrow.


“Permissive parenting means no rules”

One of the biggest misconceptions around permissive parenting is that it’s all about saying “yes” all the time. The common narrative suggests that children raised this way run wild without understanding limits. But that’s far from the truth.



In reality, permissive parents do set expectations, but they do it with soft edges. Rather than laying down strict rules, they guide children through choices. When children are offered freedom with gentle boundaries, they develop a natural understanding of responsibility rather than acting out from fear or rebellion.


This freedom helps shape independent thinkers who grow to respect boundaries, not because they were forced to, but because they were guided towards it with trust.


“Being too soft creates emotional dependency”

Another myth that floats around is that children raised by permissive parents become too emotionally dependent or fragile. However, research on child psychology shows that emotional validation—often a core part of permissive parenting—lays the foundation for emotional intelligence .


By acknowledging feelings instead of shutting them down, children learn to name their emotions, process them better, and understand others too. Over time, this nurtures better self-regulation and empathy—traits that are critical for good behaviour and meaningful social connections.


Rather than being emotionally needy, these children often grow up more in touch with themselves and less likely to bottle up frustrations.


“Lack of discipline creates disrespect”

One common criticism is that permissive parenting doesn’t enforce enough discipline, leading to disrespectful behaviour. But here’s a surprising truth; Permissive parenting doesn’t reject discipline. It just replaces punishment with communication.



Instead of scolding or isolating, these parents talk. They explain, reason, and listen—especially when conflicts arise. Over time, this approach teaches children that actions have consequences, but also that mistakes are part of growth.


This back-and-forth dialogue helps children feel heard and respected. And when respect is mutual, discipline feels less like control and more like cooperation.


“Too much freedom leads to chaos”

Some say too much freedom causes chaos and confusion in a child’s mind. But look closely, and a different picture appears.


Children raised in permissive environments often feel safe to explore—whether it’s ideas, emotions, or creative pursuits. There’s no fear of being wrong or being shamed, which gives them the courage to try, fail, and try again.


This kind of atmosphere can help children build strong decision-making skills, self-confidence, and an ability to problem-solve—key qualities that form the backbone of good behavioural development.



“It’s either permissive or strict”

Labelling parenting styles in black and white often leads to confusion. It’s not always a choice between being permissive or being authoritarian. The most effective permissive parents often blend softness with structure.


There’s affection, but also accountability. There’s freedom, but also feedback. And most importantly, there’s trust—not just in the child, but in the relationship built over time.


Children raised this way may take a little longer to learn rules, but they do so deeply, carrying those lessons into adulthood as part of their emotional framework.