Permissive parents are characterized by which behavior?

• A. Strictly impose their own standards and control activities
• B. Avoid imposing their own standards and allow children to regulate their own activities
• C. Set clear rules and consistently enforce them
• D. Withdraw affection to enforce discipline

Answer: (B)

Permissive parenting centers on warmth and acceptance with minimal guidance or enforcement of rules. The behavior described—avoiding imposing standards and letting children regulate their own activities—shows a parent who yields control and allows the child to determine what happens. Because boundaries are soft or absent, children may grow up feeling loved but may struggle with self-discipline and following expectations, since they haven’t learned to routinely govern their impulses or meet limits.

This differs from a strict, rule-heavy approach that imposes high control and obedience, and from an authoritative style that combines clear expectations with consistent rules and supportive guidance. Withdrawing affection to discipline describes an emotionally distant or punitive approach, not permissive.