Are You a 'Yes Parent' or 'No Parent?'
Finding the perfect blend!
I’ve always been a girl who grabs life's opportunities when they swing by, saying "YES" to last-minute life-changing road trips (leaving in about a month 😬), spontaneous all-nighters (pre-kids!), and taking up job offers in different countries. Well, life's short, right?!
And naturally, I thought this would carry across to my 'parenting-style', in fact until I held up that Parenting Mirror I would've said I was a 'YES Parent', making sure the kids experienced opportunities as they arose and giving them the freedom to explore their own worlds.
But I had a rude awakening! Turns out, when it comes to parenting, my inner structure-loving control freak takes the steering wheel. It seems I am a 'No Parent' in the wild world of parenting.
Routines, schedules, and detailed meal plans? Yes please! But a kid's creative whim at bedtime? No thank you!
And this was highlighted to me even more when I went to stay with my sister - the ultimate 'Yes Parent'. Her place is a haven of fun, a magical portal where nothing is a problem, and the atmosphere is chilled and relaxed - I loved it! Spilled juice? Who cares! Toys everywhere? No biggie! My inner 'No Parent' watched in both awe and mild terror.
And while I'm not quite ready to give up my schedules and meal plans, I realised there must be a way to combine the opposing strengths.
'Yes Parent' Pro's:
Chill Vibes Only: The 'Yes Parents' are the masters of zen. No stressing over spilled milk (literally), because they've got an army of paper towels and a sense of humour ready to go.
Adventures Ahoy: You want to paint the house with neon polka dots? Heck, let's make it a Picasso-style masterpiece! Yes Parents thrive on embracing the wild and wacky.
'No Parent' Pro's:
Masters of Routine: If the world was run by 'No Parents' it would be the most organised place ever. These are the folks with colour-coded calendars and pre-planned backup plans for their backup plans.
Responsibility Rockstars: 'No Parents' are the unsung heroes of teaching life skills. Want to know how to fold a fitted sheet or create a budget? Just call a 'No Parent'.
Blending these two styles can create an opportunity where your kids experience the thrill of spontaneity while appreciating the order in the chaos.
So, how do you find this harmonious blend?
Set Boundaries with a Side of Fun: While 'No Parents' excel at setting clear boundaries, throwing in a dash of "YES" can make all the difference. Surprise them with an impromptu movie night on a school night, followed by an early bedtime the next day.
Say Yes to Structure: 'Yes Parents' try this on for size: a little structure won't cramp your style. Bedtimes might be a fluid concept, but a loose routine can make the bedtime battle less of a royal rumble.
No to Chaos, Yes to Creativity: 'No Parents' embrace the chaos a tad. Let your kitchen be the canvas for a weekend pancake art extravaganza. It won't kill you, promise!
It may seem like the ”Yes" and "No" parenting approaches are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but they both hold valuable lessons and the beauty lies in finding the delicate balance that suits your family's dynamics.
By setting boundaries with a sprinkle of spontaneity, saying yes to a touch of structure, and inviting chaos in the name of creativity, we create an environment where our children can flourish. As parents, we have the power to blend the best of both worlds.
So, whether it's a meticulously planned pancake art extravaganza or an impromptu movie night on a school night, let's embrace the adventure of finding that perfect blend.
