Families For Life | Should you follow parenting "trends"?
From parenting guides to tips and tricks, the internet has made it easier for new parents to find resources. This is great news for parents who might be feeling lost or unsure on their parenting journey! However, a new confusion might set in when terms like “helicopter parents”, “tiger parents”, and “lighthouse parents” start trending. What do all these terms mean, and more importantly, which one should you follow?
We know how stressful it can be to navigate this information when you want only the best for your child. Here’s a guide on finding a parenting style that suits you and your child’s needs.
So, which parenting style is the “right” one?
The parenting landscape today is different from what it was a decade ago. More parents are openly sharing their parenting journey, and tips and guides for new parents are just a few taps away! However, the influx of information can be overwhelming especially when you see contradictory information or come across new parenting terms that you’ve never heard of.
With so many different styles available, it’s important to remember that these are simply some of many approaches to nurturing your child. The way you interact with your child and how you discipline them affects your child’s development, from self-esteem to their academic performance.
Comparing your approach to others can do more harm than good. Take some time to do some research and find a balance between approaches to do what’s best for your little one.
Helicopters, lighthouses, and tigers?
Simply looking up “parenting” will yield plenty of confusing terms. Here are a few of the more widely known parenting styles to get you started!
There are four main parenting styles defined by researchers:
Authoritarian – Lots of structure, boundaries and discipline. However, the lack of warmth affects children’s self-worth and hinders their ability to make decisions independently.
Authoritative – The most recommended style that provides the warmth, structure, and boundaries necessary to nurture self-confident and emotionally mature children.
Permissive – Plenty of warmth and love but the lack of structure prevents children from developing self-discipline and social skills.
Uninvolved – These parents meet the basic needs of their children but do not provide the warmth or structure for growth. Uninvolved parents may not be intentionally neglectful, and this approach is often the result of overestimating a child’s independence or a lack of knowledge about child development.
There are also other parenting subtypes. You may have heard of some of these:
Helicopter parenting – An approach involving constant intervention in a child’s life, often driven by anxiety over the child’s well-being.
Tiger parenting – Emphasising obedience and success, this rigid style of parenting leans towards an authoritarian approach.
Lighthouse parenting – A more balanced approach to parenting that focuses on guidance and providing support.
Finding your parenting style
While some approaches might work for other children, they might not work for yours. Your little one is a unique individual and it’s okay to apply more (or less) discipline and guidance to bring out the best in your child.
Don’t forget that children with different needs will also require varying levels of guidance. For example, a child with ADHD can benefit from structure but the same rules can be restrictive for other children.
There might not be a “right” approach to parenting, but you can aim for a good balance between structure and warmth. Give your child the freedom to discover themselves but provide structure where necessary. Joining parenting programmes is also a great way to help you find the best way to nurture your child!