ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What is a common characteristic of permissive parenting?

1. Frequent discipline enforcement

2. Very few demands placed on children

3. High expectations for achievement

4. Strict adherence to rules

The correct answer is: Very few demands placed on children

Permissive parenting is characterized by a low level of demands placed on children and a high level of responsiveness. Parents who adopt this style tend to be very nurturing and accepting, leading to few rules or expectations regarding behavior. They often allow children significant freedom in making their own choices, which means that discipline and control are often minimal or inconsistent. This can provide children with a sense of independence and self-expression, but it may also lead to challenges in boundaries and self-regulation. In contrast, frequent discipline enforcement represents an authoritative or authoritarian style rather than permissive. High expectations for achievement typically align with authoritative parenting as well, where parents strive to balance expectations and warmth. Strict adherence to rules is indicative of authoritarian parenting, which is focused on control and obedience. The absence of demands and structure is what fundamentally distinguishes permissive parenting, making the identification of this characteristic essential in understanding different parenting styles.