Parents who explain rules, believe in minimal discipline, and lack structure have a permissive parenting style.
Parents who are prone to explain the rules to their children, and who believe the best way for children to develop self-regulation is not to discipline them too much, have a permissive parenting style.
Permissive parents make few demands and rarely use punishment. They tend to be very nurturing and loving, and may play the role of friend rather than parent. Children raised by permissive parents tend to lack self-discipline.