I found this article on permissive parenting. Thanks to crayon, I started looking around differently on the internet for articles that deal with what I am seeing with my BF. It seems to be an epidemic similar to guilt parenting. It even mentions how the parent loves the child, there is no doubt, and that there is a strong bond. The flip side is that they can get that type of bond from school mates or friends, but that children need a PARENT!

What a concept. I know my BF means well by loving his children, but he does not have the respect of a parent. Sure, his daughter loves him, but she will resent him for not giving her what she needs later in life.

http://parenting.families.com/blog/permissive-parenting-an-overview

Give it a look... I was floored by the similarities.