As parents, we all share the same goal: raising happy, confident, and capable children. Today, let’s explore two distinct parenting approaches—permissive and gentle parenting—and understand how they shape our little ones’ development. We’ll also discuss how choosing the right nursery school in Bangkok can reinforce your family’s values and parenting philosophy.
What is Permissive Parenting?
Permissive or indulgent parenting is characterised by warmth and responsiveness with fewer boundaries and expectations. Parents who follow this approach shower their children with love and affection while maintaining a more friendship-like relationship. They’re incredibly attuned to their children’s wishes and often prioritise their happiness above all else.
Permissive parents are typically very responsive to the child’s needs and wishes; however, they use less discipline and are generally reluctant to enforce rules. Examples of permissive parenting include allowing children to make their own choices about bedtimes, having minimal household responsibilities, or enjoying unrestricted screen time.
The Effects of Permissive Parenting on a Child
While this approach stems from a place of love and desire to make children happy, it can present some challenges for their long-term developmental issues. Children raised in permissive households might find it harder to develop crucial life skills such as emotional regulation and self-discipline. They may also experience difficulties building lasting relationships or maintaining focus in structured environments like school.
What is Gentle Parenting?
Gentle parenting offers a beautiful balance of empathy and structure. It is a kind of authoritative parenting that focuses on guiding rather than controlling. At its heart, this approach recognises that children are individuals with valid feelings and perspectives, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries. Gentle that are consistently enforced with kindness and understanding. It’s about understanding our children’s emotions while guiding them towards positive behaviour. Parents strive to empathise and understand their child’s perspective, which encourages emotional intelligence.
Impact of Gentle Parenting Style
Building Emotional Intelligence
Gentle parenting focuses on trying to understand and validate children’s feelings, which teaches children how to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way. As this emotional awareness develops, children become more attuned to the feelings of others.
Strengthening Parent-Child Relationship
This parenting style is big on mutual respect and communication, which strengthens trust and fosters a strong bond between parents and children. By feeling secure in the relationship, children feel supported and encouraged as they explore their independence.
Improving Social Skills
Children raised with gentle parenting often develop better social skills. The approach teaches them how to interact respectfully and considerately, which is highly valued in school settings and peer relationships. They learn early on how to negotiate, share, and collaborate effectively.
Encouraging Independent Thought
Gentle parenting encourages children to think independently and make choices within the boundaries set by their parents. This helps children develop decision-making skills and critical thinking, important traits that contribute to academic and personal success.
The Differences Between Permissive and Gentle Parenting
While the permissive and gentle parenting styles are often confused with each other, their differences lie in the structure and expectations. While gentle parenting is empathetic and maintains consistent boundaries, this is different from the laissez-faire attitude often seen in permissive parenting.
Another main difference is their disciplinary approach. Gentle parenting uses positive discipline strategies, whereas the permissive parenting style may lack discipline altogether. Compared to permissive parents, gentle parents have expectations and consequences designed to teach rather than punish.
Selecting a Preschool That Reflects Your Parenting Style

As parents, we know that our children thrive when they experience consistency in their lives. That’s why choosing a nursery school that mirrors your parenting values is crucial. At Noddy by Elizabeth, we understand this deeply. Our approach embraces the principles of gentle parenting, creating an environment where children feel secure, respected, and encouraged to grow.
Our experienced educators work alongside parents to:
- Nurture each child’s emotional intelligence
- Foster independence within safe boundaries
- Encourage positive social interactions
- Build confidence through age-appropriate challenges
- Celebrate individual progress and achievements
We believe that when home and school work in harmony, children flourish. Our curriculum supports not just academic growth but also emotional and social development, helping to raise well-rounded, confident learners.
If you’re seeking an educational partner who understands and supports your parenting journey, we invite you to visit Noddy by Elizabeth. Experience firsthand how our nurturing environment and dedicated team can complement your family’s values and help your child thrive.
Contact us today to arrange a school tour and discover why families choose Noddy by Elizabeth as their trusted partner in early childhood education.
Sources:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/on-babies/202405/gentle-parenting-doesnt-mean-permissive-parenting
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2791524/
- https://thenaturalparentmagazine.com/permissive-parenting-not-gentle-parenting/2/

Elizabeth Prinyarnussorn founded Noddy by Elizabeth Playgroup in 1978, driven by a passion for creating a nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 6 years. With her UK nursing background, she introduced the British “learn through play” approach to Bangkok, setting a high standard for early education. Over 40 years of dedication, she continues to inspire the school’s mission.