Permissive parenting is a style of parenting that involves setting few limits for children, according to the textbook "Child Psychology." Although these parents typically are warm and loving, they exert little control over their children's behavior. Permissive parenting might contribute to the cycle of bullying. Children of permissive parents are more likely to be bullied and also more likely to become targets for bullies.
Parenting Styles
Developmental psychologists recognize two components of parenting: limit-setting and affection. "Child Psychology" explains that authoritarian parents are unaffectionate and very strict. Authoritative parents are affectionate and fairly strict, but allow their children to make age-appropriate decisions. Permissive parents are very affectionate and set few or no limits on their children. This parenting style frequently is associated with wanting to be a child's friend rather than her parent.
Becoming a Bully
Education website ptanda.org points out that strong-willed children are affected in very specific ways by parenting style. These children might become controlling, easily frustrated and struggle with intimate relationships. They also tend to push boundaries and struggle with respect for rules. Each of these behaviors is associated with bullying. When children of permissive parents become bullies, there parents are less likely to institute consequences or to attempt to stop the cycle of bullying.
Being Bullied
Calm, laid-back children are adversely affected by permissive parenting in a way that renders them easy targets. These children tend to become fearful, uncertain and feel unsafe. Like children who bully, they also struggle with building relationships. Fearful children who have no friends are especially susceptible to being bullied, according to "Child Psychology." The book also explains that children who are bullied are more likely to become bullied themselves, so permissive parenting can contribute to all phases of the cycle of bullying.
Parental Involvement
Although permissive parents are very loving and affectionate with their children, they tend to be less involved with their children's daily activities. They might not enforce rules about homework or communicate frequently with children's teachers, according to child psychologist Richard Weissbourd. Once a child either becomes a bully or is bullied, permissive parents are less effective at ending the cycle. They might be unable to stand up for their bullied child and might refuse to set boundaries for a child who is a bully.
References
- "The Parents We Mean to Be"; Richard Weissbourd; 2010
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, et al.; 2008
- Ptanda.org: Parenting and Bullying
