Parenting styles: 'We need to strive to become our child's chief influencer'
"I want parents to claim their rightful role because we are raising children today in an era of unbelievable options in terms of influencers and influences on our children," says parenting expert, Nikki Bush.
Picture: © seventyfour74/123rf
Gugs Mhlungu spoke to resident parenting expert, Nikki Bush.
Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.
From authoritarian to the laissez-faire approach and gentle parenting - how do you know which parenting style is right for you and your child?
Bush believes there are pros and cons to all these different parenting styles.
She says there are some dangers to these labels as labels are limiting because parenting is a very expansive and evolving process.
"There are some fundamental basics that really do apply to all parenting that will make all parenting easier and all childhoods a whole lot easier than if you pick a lane that then defines you for the next like 18 to 25 years."
- Nikki Bush, parenting expert
Bush says it's important for parents to strive to become their child's chief influencer.
"I want parents to claim their rightful role because we are raising children today in an era of unbelievable options in terms of influencers and influences on our children."
- Nikki Bush, parenting expert
Bush shares three key things that need to exist for children to thrive, no matter what parenting style you're using:
1. Structure and routine
"It's not so much about being strict but practical, organised, efficient and keeping sane. Routine is about family sanity."
- Nikki Bush, parenting expert
2. Boundaries and expectations
"Children feel more safe and secure when they know what the boundaries and expectations are. These days it's not about your expectations of them but also what can they expect of you, how are you going to show up. We need to live up to these commitments to keep trust between us."
- Nikki Bush, parenting expert
3. Limited choices
"We live in a world where there is so much choice and it's so easy when we want to empower our children 'let's give them choices'...we need to help them to practice making good choices often but don't overwhelm them with too many options."
- Nikki Bush, parenting expert
For more parenting tips visit Bush's website nikkibush.com
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.