Growing up, my parents were anything but strict. I was raised well, and obviously disciplined when I was younger, but as I grew up, my parents were very laid back with the way they parented me. This affected me in only positive ways.

1. I learned to be responsible with school on my own.

Since I didn’t have parents constantly on my case about grades, I was the one keeping up with my schoolwork. I knew my passwords to check my grades online and never had my parents nagging me to study or do my homework. Their laid back ways allowed me to learn that only I could make myself succeed, and I was never scared to go to my parents when I got a bad grade because I knew they’d understand. They encouraged me to try my best, and that was all that mattered. Sure, if I started to do significantly awful in school, I know they would’ve been harder on me, but they always trusted that I’d do well on my own, and I did.

2. I created my own views on almost everything.

Having laid back parents meant that I wasn’t having certain views or opinions shoved down my throat. My family allowed me to believe what I wanted about different humanitarian rights, politics, religion and more. They raised me in a household where I was free to form my own beliefs and talk about it with them, rather than having parents who tried to get me to echo their inner thoughts.

3. I didn’t have to lie about what I was doing.

My parents understood that when I reached an appropriate age, I was going to date boys, stay out a little late and go to parties. I never had to lie about anything I was doing, unlike many of my friends who had to hide their lives entirely from their parents. My mom and dad always knew where I was and what I was doing, and they were able to be there if anything were to potentially go wrong.

4. I was given freedom to make mistakes and learn for myself.

Instead of being told what was right and wrong as a teenager, I was able to learn on my own. I consistently went to my parents for advice on different situations and was always given guidance, but I wasn’t forced into making certain decisions. When I messed up, I was never judged, but listened to, helping me learn my own character and create self-expectations.

5. I was never sheltered.

At a young age, I knew a lot about the world and got answers when I asked questioned. My parents didn’t hide the harsh realities of life from me and act like we lived in a pretend world, and this better prepared me for challenges later on.

For these reasons and more, I am forever grateful for my laid-back parents and the way they raised me.