PERMISSIVE
Permissive parents take a hands-off approach. • They do not set expectations. Instead, they feel teens should be independent. • They permit their teen to explore the world without “interfering.” • They feel kids should be free to make mistakes and learn from them accordingly. Permissive parents may not face as much rebellion as authoritarian or overprotective parents do, but permissive parents deprive their children of wise guidance in developing effective problem-solving skills.
In most instances, permissive parents do so to help their teens. They think that by setting permissive rules their teens will be more honest with them and will tell the truth about their alcohol or cannabis use. Studies show that teens rarely tell their parents exactly how often and how much they use alcohol. Teens often will grossly under-report risky behaviors to their parents (including alcohol and cannabis use).
Breaking News: Dr. Turrisi and his team have interviewed and surveyed thousands of parents over the past 20 years, and while the majority do not allow their teens to drink alcohol, some parents still let their teens drink alcohol on special occasions, at family gatherings or during holidays, where they can be supervised. Their reasons are they think it teaches teens responsible drinking and/or it takes the mystery away and reduces the likelihood they will try it when parents are not around. There are numerous studies in recent years showing that when parents allow their teens to drink, even small amounts under their supervision, these teens, DO NOT drink responsibly when they are not with their parents. The opposite occurs. They drink more often, in larger amounts, and experience many more consequences than teens whose parents do not allow them to drink. Reviews of the scientific medical, health, and adolescent literatures in the U.S., Europe and Australia fails to find a single well-designed published study showing any health or safety benefits when parents allow their teens to drink or use cannabis regardless of whether in small amounts, on special occasions, or when done under the supervision of an adult.
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