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Psychologist on different parenting styles mothers and fathers adopt
Top UK psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani deciphers the main different parenting styles, helping mothers and fathers better understand their own approac…
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Parenting Expert Urges Balance: Avoid 'Bully' and 'Jellyfish' Approaches for Healthier Child Development
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, a renowned parenting educator and author, recently addressed parents on the crucial balance between firmness and kindness in child-rearing. In a concise yet impactful presentation, Dr. Lapointe critiqued two common parenting styles: the 'bully parent' and the 'jellyfish parent'. According to Dr. Lapointe, parents who resort to barking orders at their children, while intending to be firm, are often perceived by their children as bullies. "You are not actually being experienced by your children as firm. Your children are experiencing you as a bully," she stated. This approach, she suggests, undermines the child's sense of security and does not foster genuine respect. On the other end of the spectrum, Dr. Lapointe described the 'jellyfish parent' as someone who is "easily overwhelmed, spineless, and passive." She added that such parents are often "guilt-ridden and worried," leading to a dynamic where "your children will be in the lead of you. You're not growing them up." This permissive style, she argues, leaves parents constantly trying to catch up with their children's demands. Dr. Lapointe emphasized the necessity of a balanced approach, concluding with a powerful call to action: "Be firm AND kind!" Her advice highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries with empathy, fostering an environment where children can thrive under consistent yet compassionate guidance.
