A Cheat Sheet of Parenting Philosophies and Trends

A Cheat Sheet of Parenting Philosophies and Trends

A Cheat Sheet of Parenting Philosophies and Trends

Have you heard of or seen these parenting philosophies recently, but don’t know what they mean? Authors Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss compiled a list of the trends in their book “Stuff Every Mom Should Know.”

The terms below are defined for the purposes of helping you keep up with conversation or parenting news stories. For the most part, these labels serve to make mothers judge one another and, worse, judge themselves. So whether you’re a gung-ho practitioner of a particular parenting philosophy or a make-it-up-as-you-go-along-er, rest assured that no one will be testing you on this knowledge. Especially not your kids. (And we promise—we won’t judge.)

Psst…Parents Guide to Safe Piercings

Authoritarian parenting: The parent is the leader, makes decisions, and does not need to rationalize to the child. This style of parenting earned media attention under the name “Tiger Mom.” (Even if you feel you fall far outside this realm, know that at some point we are all driven to say, “Because I said so!”)

Authoritative parenting: The parent provides structure and sets limits, but explains reasons for punishments in an effort to encourage independence. (“We don’t throw things because they might hurt someone or something, so I’m going to have you take a break from this toy.”)

Attachment parenting: This term is associated with three activities: baby-wearing, co-sleeping, and breastfeeding on demand rather than on a schedule. The philosophy is that children will grow up to be emotionally secure and enjoy higher self-esteem when they learn to separate from their parents at their own pace. Critics point out that this practice is extremely demanding on mothers. (“We don’t own a crib. Our baby sleeps with us at night and in a sling during the day.”)

Free-range parenting: This movement seeks to preserve the notion that children grow into independence by practicing it. (“Go ride your bike and come home before dinner.”)

Helicopter parenting: The underlying assumption of this parent is that the child is fragile and must be protected from the dangers of the world. This habit is so named for the physical resemblance that a parent who hovers over their child has to a helicopter. (“Be careful!”)

Permissive parenting: This style of child rearing assumes that loving and bonding with the child is the goal of parenting. This parent doesn’t want her child to be mad at her. The parent-child relationship here might be described as a democracy. (“My daughter and I are best friends!”)

Slow parenting: Similar to the slow-food movement, the idea behind this philosophy is to stop and smell the roses, to let children set the pace of their day. Playing is their work, and the natural world is the best place for their discoveries and learning to occur. Electronic toys are discouraged, as they do not promote exploration. Slow parenting might be interpreted as a backlash to overscheduling children with activities and events. (“We didn’t make it to preschool today because we found an interesting pattern of rocks in the garden and spent time studying them.”)

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Extreme STEAM Science Kids at Park Shore

<p>If your child has a passion for science and technology, our unique educational summer program is tailor-made for them! Immerse your young scientist in a world of robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering, coding, science, art, and mathematics, all while ensuring a fun and engaging learning experience. Housed in our state-of-the-art three-story STEAM Science Center and Hydroponics Grow Lab on our expansive 15-acre campus, the program goes beyond the ordinary.</p> <p>Our thematic 2-week sessions, designed for grades 1-5, are carefully crafted to stimulate curiosity in science and foster the development of essential 21st Century Skills. From hands-on experiments to exciting projects, your child will explore the wonders of STEAM subjects in a dynamic and supportive environment.</p> <p>The learning experience extends beyond the classroom with scientific field trips that enhance the understanding of real-world applications. These excursions provide a valuable opportunity for students to witness the practical implications of the concepts they learn in the program.</p> <p>The morning program is just the beginning; we offer the flexibility to extend the day, allowing your child to delve into all the amazing activities Park Shore has to offer. From engaging in outdoor adventures to participating in creative arts and athletic activities, the options are vast, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching summer experience.</p> <p>Enrolling now for the Summer of 2024 comes with the added benefit of Early Rates, making this educational journey not only enriching but also affordable. Don't miss out on the opportunity to spark your child's love for learning and exploration. Join us for a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities!</p>

The Coding Space

<p>The Coding Space is on a mission to help kids develop computational thinking skills, intellectual confidence, self-expression, and independence through learning to code. Our virtual Spring 2021 group classes balance screen time with opportunities to create and explore at home. Students make new friends while experiencing our signature 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, playing games, and tackling self-paced coding projects. With full- and half-semester registration options as well as after-school, evening, and weekend classes, The Coding Space offers convenient engagement and education for kids.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Just for New York Family subscribers: get 10% off* any class registration with promo code: NYF10.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><em>*Terms and conditions apply.</em></p>

New Country Day Camp

<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff;">Transportation is provided from Manhattan and Brooklyn to Staten Island’s 75-acre Henry Kaufmann Campground, where swimming pools, hiking trails, and open meadows set the scene for a summer of adventure and enrichment. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff;">New Country Day Camp, a program of the 14th Street Y and Educational Alliance, is a joyful and inclusive community where campers, families and staff build meaningful connections with each other and the natural world around them, and experience personal growth through high-quality programs that are rooted in the outdoors and guided by Jewish values.</span></p>