Balanced Parenting

As the name suggests, balanced parenting involves a blend of parental control along with respect, love, and a nurturing environment. Parents set clear limits, and make way for stronger relationships that are based on mutual trust and affection. It is a perfect mix of giving children all the freedom that they deserve in terms of expression. But at the same time, parents keep an eye on their actions to help them in making mindful choices.

In the present times, there is a lot of criticism about helicopter parenting. Because when parents overindulge in their kids, they deprive them of the chance to learn things through direct experience. An overprotective helicopter parent hinders the growth and development process of the child. On the other hand, balanced parenting is considered one of the most trusted and beneficial ways of bringing up children.

Generally speaking, this style helps children to grow as responsible individuals. Because they understand the importance of making the right choices in life. And when this kind of parenting is mixed with the right selection of a school, it shapes the child’s personality as a confident and resilient individual.

But before discussing the advantages of this parenting style, let’s quickly recap of the major parenting styles:

Authoritarian- This one has more to do with parental authority, as parents act as sole decision-makers. They do not allow many interactions on the laid rules within the family. In addition, such parents also do not believe in being more flexible with children. In short, they usually make use of authority to manage their child’s behavior.

Permissive- Parents who take up permissive parenting do not expect much from their children. They also refrain from interfering or guiding the child. So children enjoy more freedom but often lack self-regulation skills.

Uninvolved- The name itself says it all. This style has little or no concern about the child. And again such parents also do not expect much from their children. Parents who take up this parenting style often avoid taking responsibility for their kids. Eventually, the kids grow up as more independent and self-reliant individuals. But they lack social skills because of this faulty style of parenting.

Authoritative – This one is almost similar to balanced parenting. It has a mix of parental authority and the warmth of nurturing relationships. It is believed to be the ideal parenting style that supports a child’s holistic development in the best possible manner. Children who grow up under authoritative parents tend to be more well-rounded individuals. And they also have better academic achievements along with improved social skills.

Let’s now get back to balanced parenting and see why it has numerous advantages for the kids:

1.Improves chances of success

Parents who take up the right ways to bring up their kids help them to be more successful in life. This success is not confined to academics alone. Instead, it has bigger dimensions that include more fulfillment and enjoyment in life. There is no set formula to ensure success while raising kids. But a balanced approach can certainly guarantee more emotional stability and the power to self-regulate oneself.

Do you know that most prodigious children eventually land up being average adults later in life?

So this defines the idea of balanced parenting to raise well-rounded individuals instead of blindly chasing success through the academic rat race.

2.Less conflicts within the family

A healthy child-parent relationship has an impeccable advantage of mutual trust and respect. When a child is in the habit of following the set guidelines/rules within the family, there are lesser chances of conflicts due to non-adherence. Children from such families are more comfortable following rules. And they understand the importance of these rules along with the family dynamics. This kind of parenting also promotes positive discipline in children. And they show fewer signs of rebellion and are comfortable in complying to pre-decided guidelines.

3.Reduces chances of disorders

As per UNICEF, good relationships and a positive environment enhance developmental outcomes. Studies have also proved that a good balance of discipline and love reduces symptoms of disturbing behavior (such as disorders etc.). This in turn minimizes the family distress. And children (especially adolescents) are less at risk of problems like violent behavior etc. Positive parenting through a balanced approach makes children more capable of making good decisions in life. They develop as thinking individuals who are fully capable of expressing themselves.

Parents who are loving but still firm about setting the right limits for children lay a solid foundation to achieve the desired goals. They have more clarity of thought. And allow kids to flourish as divergent thinkers.

4.Improves Academic Achievements

There is a strong correlation between parenting and academic achievements. And it is not just about choosing the right academic institution. Balanced parenting improves the joy of learning. And it makes children more passionate about their choices, thereby affecting their performance positively.

The idea is never to control the child’s behavior. Instead, it is more about rendering support in times of need. When children learn to take responsibility for their own learning, they get more intrinsically motivated to perform better. This sense of ownership also triggers a zeal for learning. And later results in improved achievements.

Final Thoughts:

It is true that all children are unique personalities. Hence, there are no fixed parenting styles that can work equally for all kids. Striking the right balance is the only best way to craft a perfect approach to inculcate good values and positive discipline in kids. In other words, balanced parenting is the only way that can work wonders for all types of kids. Because it helps in creating the right family environment for all the members of all age groups.

Modern-day parenting is quite different from the yesteryears. It is more about skill expansion. And empowering the child to thrive in the ever-changing dynamic world. By taking up a balanced parenting style we can protect our kids from various disorders and behavior issues.

So when there is no perfect handbook to raise children successfully, balanced parenting is the best tool we have in our hands. Let’s unlock the true potential of our loved ones. And give them the right nurturing environment to blossom as wonderful individuals.

Thanks for Reading!