Here are several characteristics of a pushover parent:

• Fails to set limits even if the child’s attitude and behavior are already harmful to themselves, to others, or to property
• Submits to their children’s decisions relinquishing much of their parental authority
• Indulges the children with what they want by giving them even more than what they ask for
• Feels helpless, overwhelmed, manipulated, or intimidated in the face of a child’s behavior. They may be too tired or stressed by personal circumstances that it is easier to surrender than to assert authority.
• Has guilty feelings about not being able to attend to the child, and compensates by giving in to material demands.
• Maybe unprepared for parenting Parents just give in or give up to have peace and quiet, as they are not ready for the consistency, predictability, and routine required in parenting.
• Disagrees with spouse as to how to bring up or discipline their child.
• Competes with the spouse to get the child’s attention
• Troubled with own issues during childhood, such as being raised by very strict parents. They may have parents who were very strict, over controlling, uncaring and unreachable. Thus, early in life, they decided to be totally unlike their parents and became the opposite, which is permissive. They have a strong need to be liked by their children and to be treated as a peer. They want to hear their children say that their mother is my “best friend” or “is so cool”. On the other hand, some also had pushover parents whose style they are simply copying.

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