|
Parenting is a topic much discussed. There are books and films, lectures and web sites and much more all talking about the how to of parenting. Of course many parents ignore the resources and do it the way they choose. They may copy their parents or perform completely the opposite to the way they were brought up. Parenting basically can be divided into two camps. The first is where the child rules and gets to do what they want, when they want. The parents give in completely, or almost so, to the child. The other camp is the exact opposite. The parent is boss and sets the rules. The child has no say in the matter. They eat, sleep, play and do everything according to the regime put in place by the parent. Now there is a third type or style of parenting and it is known as child-led parenting. In a nutshell it is a bit of both of these two completely different approaches above. Let's take the various issues of food, sleep, play and toileting. Then let's see how child-led parenting would apply to each of those issues. Basically child-led parenting means the parent is in charge and makes the decisions but does so in response to the needs and wishes of the child. So, let's consider food. If a child point blank refuses to eat, the parent in child-led parenting would take any one of a number of actions. They might put the food away and bring it out later when the child is hungry. They might replace it with another type of food which is just as healthy and nutritious. Or they might mix the food with something else and try and trick their child into eating the food. They are not giving in to the child or forcing the child, they are in a compromise position which can be described as child-led parenting. Then there is sleep. A routine is good for a child. They get used to going to bed at a certain time, having a story read to them and the lights going out in order to sleep. But children are not machines. And in a child-led parenting situation, a parent would note that sometimes a child is super tired and needs to go to bed early. Or the opposite might apply. The child is full of beans and wants to stay up and do something. It's called having rules but bending them if and when the situation demands. It's also called child-led parenting. Likewise with toilet training. The experts say the potty days are over at a certain year level but a child-led parent will make that decision according to the abilities of the child. They are being led by the child. And finally with play. A child may have favorite books and toys and enjoy playing with them. A strict parent will only allow certain things at certain times. A child-led parent will have a plan to boost the child's imagination and motor skills. They will be guided by the needs and desires of the child. This is what child-led parenting is all about. To get free parenting tips and some Christian advice on parenting visit Christian Parenting. If wish to seek professional advice for your teen you may contact us.
Related Articles -
parenting, child parenting, parenting styles, parenting children, single parenting, parenting teens, parenting tips, christian parenting,
| 
