Latest news with #parentingcoach
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
I'm a step-parenting coach and I see families make the same 5 mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.
I've been a stepmom for 16 years and now coach families on how build healthy relationships. Blended families often face challenges due to grief and complex emotions, which can be overlooked. It's important for stepparents to focus on support, not control, to foster healthy relationships. Before I became a certified step-parenting coach, I myself was a stepmom drowning in a role I didn't know how to play. As a new stepmom, I was incredibly optimistic about our future as a blended family. But within the first year, I found myself feeling anxious, insecure, and attempting to micromanage everyone and everything around me. No one had prepared me for the emotional landmines that come with blending a family. I have been a stepmom now for 16 years and have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of stepparents through my coaching business. Through the years, I've often seen the same mistakes repeated by many families. These mistakes do not make you a bad stepparent. They make you human. With time, support, and realistic expectations, it is possible to build blended family relationships that are deeply are the five top things every stepparent should avoid, and what to do instead. Having expectations of an "instant family" It is easy to get caught up in the societal pressure to create a real family before the relationships are fully ready and able to support that. Many stepparents come in "love blind" and assume the rest of the family will meet them with the same energy. The hard truth is blended families are formed from some form of loss. Whether it's a divorce, death of a parent, or the lack of a family unit from the start, there is grief involved. When you expect instant connection without allowing space for those complex emotions to exist, you set yourself up for disappointment. Relationships in blended families are slow to develop. They are often one step forward, two steps back. The goal should be allowing them to evolve naturally and on their own unique timeline. Being overly involved in your partner's coparenting relationship It's easy to think you're just being helpful when you offer suggestions, share insights, or ask for things to be done differently, especially when those decisions directly affect your home, your routines, and your peace. But getting too involved too soon in how your partner interacts with their ex or other coparent can lead to more tension, not less. Your role is not to fix or manage their coparenting relationship. It's to support your partner from within your own relationship. That often means protecting your peace by setting clear boundaries, not by trying to control how they communicate, make decisions, or handle parenting with their ex. You can honor your own values without micromanaging every part of a dynamic you did not create. Comparing yourself to the ex Comparison is the fastest way to lose your sense of identity in this role. Whether it's how your partner's ex parents, the bond they have with their children, or the history they share with your partner, it is easy to measure yourself against them and come up short every time. You are not here to compete with anyone's past. You are here to build something new. Needing validation from your stepkids We all want to be liked, especially by our stepkids. As a stepparent, it is easy to read into every interaction, scanning for signs of approval or acceptance. But expecting your stepchildren to consistently reassure you puts pressure on an already fragile relationship. It is not your stepkids' job to make you feel secure in this role. Their only job is to be a deserve the freedom to be kids, not peacekeepers or emotional caretakers in a complex adult world. That validation and support should come from your partner and when needed, a trusted professional. Taking things personally When a stepchild pulls away or refuses to engage, it can feel deeply personal. The same is true when a coparent refuses to acknowledge you, communicate directly, or include you in important decisions. But it is often not about who you are. It is about what you represent. You may be a reminder of the family they lost, the control they did not have, or the changes they never wanted. Recognizing that their behavior stems from their own narrative can shift your entire perspective. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Times
24-07-2025
- General
- Times
The happy family formula — how a parenting coach could help you
Parenting is one of the most important and consequential tasks a person can do, and yet none of us is given parenting lessons. This might be why the whole thing, from changing nappies to wrangling recalcitrant teenagers, can feel so terrifying and lonely, and that's where a parenting coach comes in. These highly trained professionals don't just offer advice, they also help to build confidence — because, as one of the most famous parenting coaches, Connie Simpson, explains: 'The biggest mistake parents make is not believing in themselves.' 'Parenting is an act of relationship building,' says the award-winning parenting coach Anita Cleare (MA AdvDip). 'I try to break it down to the really simple things that make a difference to both parents and children — things like, 'How do I connect with my child when I'm tired at the end of the day?'' With nearly two decades of experience working with parents, Cleare knows a thing or two about parenting. Her speciality is supporting working parents. After working in a local authority children's services for nine years — while also being a single parent to her own two children — Cleare saw first-hand the difficulty parents face when they attempt to juggle a career with being the world's best parent. So, 13 years ago, she set out to become a solution — it was then that the Positive Parenting Project, her parent coaching business, was born. The luxury of a parenting coach is not only reassurance that you are probably not doing as badly as you think you are, but also a second opinion (and a qualified one at that). A degree in developmental psychology (child development) and a Triple P parenting accreditation means Cleare is well qualified to help. Based in Windsor, the parenting coach (who has shared her wisdom on the comedian Katherine Ryan's reality show, At Home with Katherine Ryan) offers one-to-ones — whether they be home visits, Zoom calls or within the workplace. It could be a one-session fix or a regular occurrence. There is no ideal number of sessions — she works case by case. She is also often employed by companies to do webinars or parenting sessions that allow employees to book time with her to discuss any parenting concerns they are having. 'There's a lot of working parent guilt,' Cleare explains, but 'being a parent is hard and there's no ideal way to do this'. What Cleare does is to 'try and translate what we know from evidence about children to help parents understand their children, so that they can focus on what matters — and what matters is relationship'. Parenting tip When returning from a long, gruelling day in the office, an easy hack to put away the work worries and reconnect with your child 'is before you even either pick your child up or come home to stop for a minute and just think about your child and imagine their face', or think of a memory with them, or even what they smell like. This flicks the switch — turning off work mode and turning on parent mode. Anita Cleare's prices vary. For parents, an initial 60-minute Zoom session costs £175. A home visit starts at £350 plus travel fees. Fees for corporate clients are available on request. She has published two books: How to Get Your Teenager out of Their Bedroom and The Working Parent's Survival Guide Having started her career in journalism — spending over a decade as the editor-in-chief and contributing editor of Parents magazine — Ann Pleshette Murphy changed direction. She has subsequently written parenting books, been the parenting correspondent for Good Morning America and chaired the board of the Greyston Foundation (which at that time provided housing, social services and childcare for formerly homeless families). She also completed a master's degree in psychology/child development, which ultimately led to her becoming a therapist — specialising in parents. Murphy has a private practice in London where she works with couples, individuals and families. 'I don't have a rigid method,' she says. 'I would say I have an eclectic toolbox.' This can include an increasingly popular practice — co-therapy — which involves working with two therapists of differing specialities to blend their individual strengths into a personalised solution for the parents. Murphy's style often focuses on the parents' relationship, as she says the most common issues she deals with occur when '[as parents] we don't feel aligned — and that can be over any number of things. It can be about discipline. It can be about how much time we spend with our respective families or in-laws. It can be about our sex life … What your kids need more than anything is for you to nurture your relationship.' While Murphy works with a lot of high-powered parents, she also works with stay-at-home parents, soon-to-be parents and everything in between. Whether her clients need a one-off session or a twice-a-week crisis prevention system, Murphy adapts her methods to the specific problem at hand. 'My job is to help [parents] try to figure out what has caused them to get stuck in a pattern and to see how they can change their own behaviour' — to improve both their life and their child's. Parenting tip What we all know but refuse to accept is the need to reduce screen time — for life in general and specifically around the kids. But the reason why might make your ears prick up. 'We know from research … that children learn much better and read much faster by being put in your lap and read to that way' rather than with a screen, she says. 'The feeling of comfort and love affects your wiring — it's a completely different emotional experience and let's just say it produces a different set of hormones, if you're being held by somebody who's reading.' She adds: 'That kind of serve and return that we do with babies when we're looking at them and the baby is gurgling at Mummy … is unbelievably important for brain development.' Funnily enough, that happens far less when the parent or child's eyes are glued to the screen. Ann Pleshette Murphy's fees vary, and her sessions (for individuals or couples) range from 1 hour to 90 minutes and can be in-person or over video call. Her private practice is in St John's Wood, London. She has published two books, The Seven Stages of Motherhood and The Secret of Play What does 25 years as a deputy head teacher make you? Brave, yes. Stressed, perhaps. But also, an excellent parenting coach. Atkins, who is now the parenting expert for ITV's This Morning, always loved teaching children but when she pondered her future, she thought, 'Do I want to teach the Vikings for another 20 years?' So when it came to deciding on her next career — shaped by her experiences dealing with the pastoral care of the kids in her school — she decided she wanted to help build children's self-esteem. And the best way to do that? Help the parents. '[Parents are] the first people to give their children that confidence, that resilience, that ability to bounce back, that ability to think they're good enough. And that means that as adults they won't settle for a bad relationship, a bad job, or they'll aspire to greater things because they believe they can,' she says. • Read more parenting advice, interviews, real-life stories and opinion here Atkins set up her parents coaching business 17 years ago. Based in Surrey, she offers one-to-one virtual sessions with parents. She also holds business 'power hour' sessions in-office, allowing employees access to her parental advice within their working day. Atkins is happy to be flexible, doing what it takes until the issue is resolved. 'I'm a bit like the stabilisers on the bike,' she says. After working together to sort the problem, 'you ride off without me'. In terms of qualifications, Atkins is an NLP Master Practitioner, with specific training in psychology. 'I'm all about empowerment, not rescue,' she says. Parenting tip Learn the magic of limited choices. It is human nature to struggle with choice — decisions are as tricky for a child as they are for a grown-up. If we have no choice, we rebel. If we have too many choices, we get flustered, throw a strop and opt for none of them. But if we are given a limited number of choices, we love the control. The same applies to children. If you need your child to put on a jumper, instead of simply ordering them to do it and face their inevitable rebellion, give them a choice: 'Do you want to wear your blue jumper or your red jumper?' Atkins says. 'What's implied is that you are wearing your jumper because it's the middle of winter' — but you are giving the kids the choice. Sue Atkins offers pay-as-you-go sessions for £147 an hour and package deals that start at £400 for 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions or 6 x 60-minute coaching sessions for £750. She has published multiple books, including Parenting Made Easy, The Can-Do Kid's Journal and The Divorce Journal for Kids, and has a new podcast, Navigating the Digital Jungle For many parents, it isn't the daytime care of the baby that gets to them, it's the sleep (or lack of). Heidi Skudder started her career as a sleep coach, on duty from 9pm to 7am. She would care for her clients' children, lulling them into sleep and training them to be better sleepers so that the parents could sleep better themselves. Skudder decided to set up her own parent coaching business, Positively Parenthood, 15 years ago — which covers a wide range of parenting issues but with a speciality in sleep coaching. Skudder has a background in nannying and a mother who was a child minder. Now with 20 years of childcare experience, a master's in psychology, qualifications in coaching and three young children of her own, her business just keeps growing. Offering one-to-one sessions, either over zoom or at clients' homes, she primarily focuses on parents of young children. Although she is based in London, her clients are worldwide. 'I have lots of clients around the country, but also in countries like America, Canada, Dubai, wherever there are parents, which is obviously everywhere,' she says. Companies (often in the finance or legal spheres) also employ Skudder for clinic days. These involve going into corporations where parents can volunteer to come to her with any questions, queries or concerns. They also offer 'lunch and learns' where Skudder will hop online for an hour at lunch and speak to people from the business about their parental concerns. These corporate parent coaching sessions are becoming increasingly popular as studies have shown that sleep deprivation is estimated to cost the UK economy £40 billion annually — whether it be reduced productivity or increased absenteeism. Not only do parents benefit from parent coaches — so does the economy. Parenting tip 'Screens play the part of TV nanny, as we call it,' Skudder says. But it is having a negative impact on children's behaviour. Screens give you a dopamine high — which means what quickly follows is the dopamine crash. 'So then you get the tantrums, then you become the shouty mum and then you wonder what's going on with your child … but actually you just need to cut back on screen time.' Both the child's and parent's screen-time play a part in this. 'A lot of behaviour comes from just wanting to be with you a bit more, to have a bit more of your time and a bit more of your energy' — time and energy that parents aren't giving when they are on their phones. Private sessions with Heidi Skudder at Positively Parenthood cost £395 for a sleep-clinic session, which includes an hour clinic in person or on Zoom, weekly check-ins for the following month and access to sleep courses that help to train your baby to sleep well. Prices for other services available on her website or on request. She has recently published her first book, Your Positive Baby Sleep Book Connie Simpson, fondly known as Nanny Connie, was born and bred to nanny and nurture. She grew up jumping at any chance to babysit her younger cousins, and naturally slipped into the nannying world. Given her mother was a nurse and her grandmother was a midwife, she believes the nurturing quality runs deep in her family. For Simpson, it is hugely gratifying when her advice 'starts to change [parents] or empower them in their parenting'. Mainly through word of mouth, her name started to spread across the US — so much so that celebrities (such as Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt) began coming to her for parental help. But fret not, her clientele is not exclusively star-studded — she works with us mere mortals all over the globe too. According to Simpson 'the most common mistake parents make is not believing in themselves and not having that belief in themselves means they'll try something for a minute and if they're getting too much pushback … they don't stay consistent'. She likens it to growing a plant, if you are consistent the roots will grow strong — parents may not see the benefits of their consistency all the time as the roots are under the surface. But she encourages parents to 'just keep watering, just keep fertilising, just keep making sure that it is protected and cared for and the beauty will be seen in that tree when it grows'. What sets Connie apart from other parenting coaches? As well as offering private coaching consultations for parents to discuss any issues they have and nanny mentoring sessions to aid new nannies in their own careers, Simpson does home visits where she watches the parents interact with their child and can then help them at a more hands-on level. Most of her consultations are held online and clients can choose however many sessions they require as Connie says 'parenting is not something I can give you a box of five sessions'. Parenting tip Keeping the conversation open between parents and children is essential when it comes to social media. Remind them that what you see online is often not what you see in real life. 'We aren't putting the disclaimer on social media the same way we are putting a disclaimer on other things in our kids' lives,' Simpson says. 'When they watch Star Wars the first thing you do is remind them that's not real — so why can't we put the same disclaimer on [social media]?' Based in the US, Nanny Connie offers parenting consultations starting at $125 for a 45-minute video session. Other services available on request. She has also published a book, The Nanny Connie Way
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The 1 calming phrase I use to get my kids to listen
Being a parent often means feeling like a broken record. Whether it's reminding your kid to brush their teeth, put their dirty socks in the hamper or do their math homework for the third time, it can be frustrating to have to repeat yourself again and again. When kids don't listen, yelling can feel like your only option to get their attention. But there are other, more effective ways to handle things when your kids don't seem to hear you. In the eighth episode of their podcast, After Bedtime With Big Little Feelings, Big Little Feelings founders Deena Margolin, a child therapist specializing in interpersonal neurobiology, and Kristin Gallant, a parenting coach with a background in maternal and child education, shed some light on what parents often get wrong about kids' ability to listen and why it can be triggering when it seems like your child is ignoring you. In this edition of Yahoo's "" column, Margolin shares the key phrase she uses to get her kids to listen. Listening is not the same as hearing. Just because your child heard you say, 'Put on your shoes,' doesn't mean their brain has the skills to stop what they're doing, shift gears, hold the request in their working memory and actually follow through. Those are executive functioning skills — and they're housed in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is only 25% developed by age 3 and still under construction into the mid-20s. So when we expect a 4-year-old to 'listen the first time,' we're essentially expecting a flip phone to operate like an iPhone 15. Also, not listening does not equal disrespect. Most of the time, it's dysregulation (they're overwhelmed), distraction (they're in the zone) or developmental immaturity (their brain literally isn't there yet). The takeaway? Listening is a skill, not a character trait. It's built over time through modeling, connection, co-regulation and repetition — not through punishment or yelling. Why is it so triggering when our kids don't listen, and how can parents stay calm instead of being reactive? When your child ignores you for the third time, it's not just about the moment. It taps into something deeper. It can feel like, 'They're not respecting me,' 'I must be failing as a parent' or 'No one listens to me.' These thoughts activate our own nervous system, especially if we weren't listened to or respected as kids or if we were punished harshly for 'not listening.' That's why the first step isn't even about your child — it's about you. Try this when you feel that surge of anger rise up: Put your hand on your chest. Take a breath and say, 'I'm safe. I'm a good parent. My child's brain is still developing.' It sounds simple, but that pause interrupts your stress response and brings your thinking brain back online so you can respond instead of react. What's one surprisingly effective phrase that builds real cooperation with your kids? One phrase that's been gold in my house: 'Let's do it together.' When I see one of my kids spinning out, ignoring me or avoiding the task, instead of demanding compliance, I lean into connection: 'Need help starting?' 'Let's race to the shoes!' 'Should we do the first step together and then you finish?' The reason this works is simple neuroscience: Connection regulates the brain. Regulation opens the mind. An open mind is capable of cooperation. The goal is never perfect obedience. It's building real skills — focus, flexibility, follow-through — through a foundation of safety. Other tools I love and use: Get into their world. Before you ask them to enter your world (put shoes on, clean up, come to dinner), enter theirs — even just for 10 seconds. This might look like narrating what they're doing: 'Whoa, you're building a giant spaceship!' Or offering playful connection: 'Can your astronaut help me blast off to the bathroom for teeth brushing?' Here's why it works: It helps their brain shift gears with less resistance. You're not dragging them out of a flow state — you're inviting them into connection first. This signals safety, which opens the door to cooperation. Keep it short and positive. Skip the lecture. Give the instruction in five words or fewer, and tell them what to do instead of what not to do. 'Walking feet.' 'Hands stay to yourself.' 'Shoes on, please.' Why it works: Their developing brain can only process so much at once. Short, clear cues reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and keep their nervous system calm enough to follow through. Make it concrete and visual. If you find yourself repeating the same instructions over and over, make it visual. Create a morning routine chart with pictures, a simple checklist with drawings or photos, or a timer or hourglass to show how long until you leave the house. Why it works: Visuals reduce verbal overload, increase independence and help kids see what's expected, which is especially helpful for neurodivergent kids or during transitions. Final thought If your child listens 25% of the time and their brain is only 25% developed, that math actually checks out. It doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. It means you're parenting a human, not a robot. And the more you understand the brain behind the behavior, the less you take it personally and the more powerful you become.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Parenting expert reveals important reason why you SHOULD teach your child to answer back
A parenting coach and father of four has shared the three strategies he believes are essential for protecting children from sexual abuse - and they may not be what you expect. Jon Fogel, a parenting educator who shares advice under the name Whole Parent, has sparked conversation with a powerful video revealing that the best defence against abuse isn't necessarily about limiting contact with other adults or avoiding sleepovers. 'The greatest shield against abuse is the way that you parent them every day,' Jon says in the video, which has resonated with thousands of parents online. 'And I just wish more parents knew that.' Jon, who has taught these principles to his own eight-year-old, outlines three key strategies - each of which is grounded in mutual respect, emotional safety and trust. 'Number one, and I cannot stress how important this one is,' he says, 'I have raised him to not be blindly obedient to me.' Instead, Jon encourages healthy communication. If he does something his son doesn't like, he's taught to speak up - even if that means going to the other parent. If boundaries are put in place, they are explained. 'I do not say "because I said so, because I'm the adult" – none of that. Kids who are trained to not question authority are easy targets.' The second point is equally thought-provoking. 'We do not punish and we do not shame for misbehaviour or mistakes,' Jon continues. Drawing on psychological research, he explains that punishment not only fails to teach long-term discipline, but it also fosters fear - something predators often exploit. 'The threat of your parents being mad at you and getting you in trouble is one of the tools that abusers use to keep kids quiet.' His own son isn't fazed when a teacher threatens to call home - 'please do,' he says, 'they'll help us navigate this situation.' Because he isn't afraid of his parents' reaction, he knows they are a safe place. The third strategy may seem simple but is often overlooked: talking openly about bodies. 'Bodies are not taboo,' Jon says. 'You want to tell us something about your body? We are not going to make you feel weird about that.' It's a direct approach to destigmatising conversations that many children are raised to feel embarrassed about. Though some viewers may have expected more traditional safety tips - such as never leaving children alone with adults - Jon insists that the most effective protection lies in nurturing confidence and self-worth. 'Yes, this is just general parenting advice,' he acknowledges. 'But that's the point.' The video has struck a chord with many parents. One mother wrote: 'My kids know if someone says "don't tell your mom" you tell mom even faster.' Another added: 'A child having active, involved parents alone is a huge barrier to sexual abuse. Love these tips! 'Protecting your kids is more of a long term big picture thing than people realise.' And one parent said: 'Great post. 100 per cent on this train. I tell my daughter I can only keep her safe if she feels safe enough to talk to me.' Jon's advice reflects a broader shift toward gentle parenting - an approach that prioritises empathy, emotional intelligence and open dialogue over authority and punishment. It signals a cultural change in how parents view protection: less about shielding children from the world and more about empowering them to navigate it. And where children's voices are too often ignored, perhaps it's this quiet, everyday parenting that truly keeps them safest. Parenting influencers are abundant and their views are far ranging, often sparking debate with controversial or unusual views. Mother Emily Oster has previously come under fire revealing she often doesn't allow her children to go to birthday parties. The 45-year-old, who write books on parenting, appeared on the We Met At Acme podcast last month to discuss motherhood, and said she didn't allow her children, aged 10 and 14, to attend parties. The economist and author, from the US, is known for voicing her sometimes controversial opinions on motherhood said she'd rather prioritise 'family time'. Emily, who is also CEO for the ParentData blog, told the podcast, hosted by Lindsey Metselaar, that she wasn't 'categorically opposed' to parties, but that she would turn down invitations if they clashed with family plans. A video recording of the conversation shared to the podcast's social media channels racked up more than 234,000 views, with thousands of parents left seething by Emily's divisive remarks. Viewers accused her of being 'controlling' and making a 'bad parenting choice'. Explaining her view, she said: 'For our family, this idea of prioritising some time that the four of us can spend together that is family time, that's very central, and that's not everybody's thing, but that's our thing. And once we have that, it sort of rules out many other things.' 'It's not that I'm categorically opposed to the concept of a birthday party,' she clarified, adding that she would rather take the opportunity to spend time together as a family unit.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Five phrases parents should NEVER say if they don't want naughty kids, according to kids psychologist
DO you ever wish your kids weren't as naughty as they are? A child psychologist has revealed there are five phrases parents should avoid saying if they want well-behaved kids. 3 Parenting coach Reem Raouda discovered that interacting with angry toddlers by using threats or telling them consequences isn't helpful. She found five phrases which 'instantly make kids not want to listen' and trigger a fight-or-flight response from them… 1. 'BECAUSE I SAID SO' The first thing you should never say is 'because I said so' as Reem advised it shuts down communication and teaches your kids 'blind obedience.' Instead, you should say 'I know you don't like this decision. I'll explain, and then we're moving forward.' She explained that by using this different approach and explaining your reasoning, your child feels more respected and you are acknowledging their feelings. You are also avoiding debating and negotiating, but reinforcing you are in charge in a 'calm and grounded way.' 2. 'IF YOU DON'T LISTEN, YOU'LL LOSE X' The next thing you should avoid saying is 'If you don't listen, you'll lose [X privilege].' Instead, Reem suggested that you tell them: 'When you're ready to do [X specific behavior], we can do [X desired activity].' She explained that threats can force kids into a defensive state. Reem said that her alternative phrase removes the struggle but still keeps your boundaries firm, and gives kids agency over when they do it. I've tried for ages to potty train my 3-year-old, then he watched ONE Ms Rachel's video and started doing it immediately 3. 'STOP CRYING, YOU'RE FINE.' The child psychologist also suggested you stop saying to your kids: 'Stop crying. You're fine.' She said you should instead say: 'I see you're really upset. Tell me what's happening.' Reem said that you shouldn't dismiss their emotions as it can teach them that their feelings are 'wrong' or 'too much' for some people to handle. She said that 'emotional invalidation leads to disconnection' and when kids feel disconnected they are not likely to behave. The psychologist advised helping your child to feel heard, as they will calm down more quickly and it'll lead to trust being built. 3 4. 'HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?' Instead of telling kids that they've been told multiple times to do something, she advised that you instead reframe it as 'I've asked about this a few times, help me understand what's making this hard for you.' Reem said that when you are frustrated this can lead to kids being 'intentionally difficult.' However, her suggested response invites 'problem-solving instead of blame' and helps to get to the 'root of the issue' more quickly. 3 5. 'YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT' Finally, you should avoid saying 'you know better than that' if you can, and should ask them 'Something's getting in the way of your best self right now. Let's talk about it.' She said 'you know better' can lead to a child feeling shamed. However, the second phrase shifts the tone from punishment to partnership. Overall, Reem advised kids are much more likely to want to behave if they feel emotionally safe and respected. She added that any defiance can be seen as a 'call for connection' or emotional support, and parents should respond with empathy and leadership, instead of control. Different parenting techniques Here are some widely recognised methods: Authoritative Parenting This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children. It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations - enforcing rules - whilst also showing warmth and support. Authoritarian Parenting This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness. It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children. Permissive Parenting Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority. Uninvolved Parenting Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development. Helicopter Parenting Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children's lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child's ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills. Free-Range Parenting Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful. Attachment Parenting According to Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents. Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family's values and meets the child's needs for a healthy, happy upbringing.
