Everyone has a different parenting style, and if you’re lucky you and your partner will have the same or complementary approaches. In case you’re not sure how to define your parenting style, here are some examples to go on.
Appeaser
If you are a natural peacemaker, you might find yourself not wanting to upset your child. If you are an appeaser, you will probably go to extreme lengths to avoid the temper tantrums which are a natural part of a child’s development. Watch out, though, your child may expect everyone to give in the way you do – and that’s not a lesson to teach them.
Dictator
This is the extreme opposite of the appeaser, where your word is law and your child must fall into line. Sorry, but most kids just aren’t doing that any more. Gone are the days of children should be seen and not heard. Most children are very vocal and have strong personal opinions from the time they can string a sentence together.
Firm But Fair
In my view, this is one of the best ways to play it. You have a few rules that are sacrosanct, and allow some leeway on others. Once you’re consistent, your child will soon learn where to draw the line. Sure, children always try to test the boundaries, but keep on marking them and they will soon get the picture.
Good Cop, Bad Cop
This is a two person approach to handling your child and will often evolve naturally. One of you is the sympathetic ear, while the other lays down the law. Watch out that you are not always playing the same role – you both want your child to be able to confide in you.
Do any of these sound familiar, or do you have some more to add? I tend to fall into the firm but fair area, with a bit of good cop, bad cop thrown in. What’s your parenting style?
About the author
Sharon Hurley Hall is a born again blogger who has been writing for more than 20 years. Sharon runs the freelance mentoring blog, Get Paid To Write Online.
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