“With all the violence and natural disasters and other trauma in the media today, my children are constantly afraid. How can I talk to them about these things and help to ease some of their anxieties?”
The Growing Parent: Sharing Attention Between Your Kids & Your Work
“Much of my job requires me to work out of my home, but unfortunately I can’t get anything done because my kids are always trying to get my attention. How can I get my work done without offending my children?”
The Growing Parent: Finding Time as a Couple
“My wife and I have been married for 5 years and we have 2 young children together. I work 2 jobs and she works from home while taking care of our children. We never get any time as a couple anymore, and I’m afraid that once our children grow up we’ll be left wondering who each other is and why we are married…”
The Growing Parent: Daily Report
“I work long hours everyday, and even though my children are homeschooled, I feel like I have no clue how they are doing. I just always assumed that by making the choice for our family to homeschool I would be much more involved in their lives…”
The Growing Parent: Connecting with Your Children
“I’m always so busy with work that I never seem to have time to spend with my children. What is something simple and tangible I can do to connect with them?”
The Growing Parent: The Authoritative Parent
Not to be confused with the Authoritarian approach, the Authoritative Parent can best be described as a happy medium between the Permissive Parent and the Authoritarian Parent. The Authoritative Parent has developed the ability to set firm, consistent boundaries with their children while in the process being able to communicate a warm and loving atmosphere.
The Growing Parent: The Authoritarian Parent
“My husband and I are constantly arguing about which of our parenting philosophies is the best. He is more rigid and expects the kids to do whatever he says because he says so, and I am way more laid back and want to let them just be kids. Is he right, or am I?”
The Growing Parent: The Permissive Parent
The basic characteristic of the Permissive Parent is someone who doesn’t put much stock in setting and enforcing boundaries. This philosophy rejects the whole notion of keeping one’s children under control. A stark contrast to the parent who lacks the necessary tools to maintain control, the Permissive Parent believes the child is better off “just being a kid” rather than having to follow so many rules.
Which Parenting Style is the Best?
“My husband and I are constantly arguing about which of our parenting styles is the best. He is more rigid and expects the kids to do whatever he says because he says so, and I am way more laid back and want to let them just be kids. Is he right, or am I?”
The Growing Parent: Anger & Finding a Solution
The sixth and final device I suggested was to take the time to talk through the situation and find a solution that is agreeable to both of you. As your children age, this concept will become more and more important. Having a history of open communication with your child will help to lay the groundwork for a positive experience throughout adolescence.
