Why the Best Parenting Style Isn’t One Style at All, But Many
Parenting is an art, not a science, and it's far from one-size-fits-all. Explore the concept of a multi-faceted approach to child-rearing, where adaptability and understanding reign supreme over rigid, singular parenting styles.
Different parenting styles are compatible instead of exclusive
Helicopters hover, helicopters fly, and snowplows demolish obstacles
- We as parents employ every tool that we have at our disposal to get through. It’s the only way to survive it.
- When it comes to different parenting styles, think of them as pieces of a well-rounded repertoire of tactics
The Lighthouse Philosophy
Lighthouse parenting is focused on providing stability
- They allow life to be experienced, but the parent is always visible and available to guide
- How to use it
- With bedtime routines, talk about whatever worries hit you during the day and come up with a plan to deal with them
The Free-Range Philosophy
Free-range parenting is all about raising kids to be more independent by letting them practice skills
- An antidote to the over-protection characteristic of helicopter parenting
- Helps children build independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency
- Emily Edlynn, a clinical psychologist in Illinois, describes it as an antidote to helicopter parenting
The Permissive Philosophy
Permissive parenting is where there aren’t a lot of rules placed on the children.
- The parents tend to be highly responsive to the needs of the child. One potential problem with this philosophy is that they don’t require anything from the child, which can create an unrealistic expectation of how the world around the child will be.
The Helicopter Philosophy
Helicopter parenting is when a parent is very involved
- Sometimes used to refer to the parenting employed when interacting or interfering with teachers or extracurricular activities
- Overzealous helicopter parenting can have an effect on self-esteem
- The key to judging your helicopter parenting status is to check in with friends
The Snowplow Philosophy
When obstacles are cleared from the path of the child by the parent.
- Example: If there is a problem at school, reach out to the teacher and set up a plan to attack math or handle a student they don’t get along with.
The Authoritarian Philosophy
Authoritarian parenting involves high standards for the child, but low responsiveness
- Tiger parenting can often be lumped in with this parenting style
- Last resort: do not respond until they pull themselves out of a bad mood
- Apology: show that you understand the problem with an act
The Attachment Philosophy
Attachment parenting is closeness and responsiveness
Comments ()