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At this time of year, many of us decide to improve our lives and those of those around us. For some of us, making “physical” promises can make us decide to be more active, learn a new skill, or acquire a new hobby. For others, it may be about making “mental commitments” such as having more patience, being more empathetic, or expressing more love.
But who among us wouldn’t want to commit to learning more about parenting and communicating with our children as they continue their journey into adulthood? There is a seemingly endless supply of headlines that promote the latest parenting styles of popular culture.
And there is no shortage of celebrities and parenting enthusiasts advocating for the latest and greatest approach. You may have heard terms such as free parents, helicopter, drone, tiger, or even unicorn. While each parenting style has its own pros and cons, one in particular stands the test of time: balanced parenting.
How to Be a Balanced Parent A balanced father offers a lot of love and support to his children. They achieve a balance between warmth and rules. They give young people the freedom to make their own decisions, but they do not hesitate to intervene when the situation requires it. They prioritize open and honest communication, set reasonable boundaries, and encourage respectful behavior.
I refer to this style as parenting. Parents serve as a stable force on the coast, guiding their children to safety and preparing them to sail alone in the waves and choppy waters. Now, you may be wondering, “How do I apply this approach to my own child?” As an example, let’s look at how this style supports school success.
While parents at the lighthouse can sometimes celebrate their young person’s academic achievements, they also offer support and comfort when they fail. They help their children learn from mistakes and recover, correct problematic behaviors when needed, and set clear expectations for their effort.
This balance of love and care with rules and boundaries helps young people learn responsibility and consequences and increases their motivation and confidence. It also makes them more open to parental guidance and more likely to make responsible decisions on their own. Balanced parenting and brain development Parents play a vital role in young people’s lives.
A balanced approach is one of the best ways to support teen brain development. Teenagers have very active reward centers looking for new sensations. They need to test boundaries to maximize learning and development. Parents can provide boundaries to allow for safe exploration.
Rules are most effective when young people understand that they exist to protect them and not control them. Enforcing rules while keeping communication open and showing love is the best recipe for a well-adapted and resilient young adult. Balanced parenting works It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the parenting tips out there today. Rest assured that decades of research demonstrate balanced work for parents.
Studies show that parents who use a balanced approach with their teens saw better school performance, higher self-esteem, better mental health, less drug use, safer driving behavior, later and safer initiation. of sex and less violence. Young people with balanced parents tend to be healthier and better prepared for adulthood.
Other parenting styles tend to fall at opposite ends of the spectrum. Some focus on loving affection and others are more concerned with fostering independence. Some prioritize rules and obedience, while others take a freer approach.
It is also important to recognize that there are parenting styles across the spectrum that are deeply rooted in the cultural values and experiences of the community. Each young person will have specific needs, and each family will have different circumstances. A balanced approach allows parents to build on their own strengths and incorporate new skills to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.
This New Year’s Eve – Decide to Find Your Balance As you enter the new year, think of ways to integrate a balanced parenting approach into your own family. Think about how you handle essential conversations with your teens and how you communicate expectations and enforce rules.
Remember that the best way to help your child navigate the choppy waters on their own is to prepare them at home. There will be times when parenting is easy and other times when it feels like a challenge. But deciding to be a more balanced parent is a resolution that can benefit the whole family for years to come.