I also had a very open and rather permissive childhood. Of course my parents set limits, but they seemed logical most of the time. They encouraged me to engage in various activities and were supportive of my choice of activity, even if it was just trying out football (soccer) a single time, simply to see whether I'd like it. When I told them afterwards that it wasn't for me anyway, they supported my decision.

I feel that because I struck out on my own somewhat later than a lot of my peers, it took somewhat longer for me to be actually independent and my own person, realizing that what my parents or other people in a position of authority says, is not always correct.

I don't think everyone should actively distrust your parents, but I do feel that it's important to be independent and your own person, instead of relying on your parents' values and judgments.