Free On Earth

Category: Raising a family

  • Parenting During a Pandemic

    Parenting During a Pandemic

    While parenting can be challenging enough, during a pandemic it definitely has its more complicated sides to it. It used to be all about kids playing outside and trying to keep them away from technology so they could appreciate the same things we did as kids.

    But as lockdown became an endless staycation for most of us, it began to have an effect on kids that needed that mental stimulation to keep them entertained and blissfully unaware of the times they’re living in.
    Explaining the meaning of a life threatening virus breaking loose on the world and forcing us to isolate ourselves in our homes to a child can be difficult enough as it is, but keeping that child entertained and safe is going to be your main concern.

    Unless you work from home, focus all your energy on your child’s education. Even though your child will still be expected to continue with their studies and learning habits, you and your child could benefit from this time as a bonding experience and as a learning experience. Put your child’s mind into perspective and make them appreciate what they have.

    Not only that, the pandemic has changed the process of carrying the baby and visiting the necessary medical services. While before you could be accompanied by family and friends even at the actual birth, it is now down to one person who gets to witness the process of your baby evolving.

    The pandemic could have had an effect on young children who got used to being with their parents and at home and now lack the necessary social skills to cultivate friendships on their own terms.

    Parenting was hard before the pandemic, this is simply our ‘new normal’.

  • What type of parent are you?

    What type of parent are you?

    Parenting can be an interesting topic to talk about, as there isn’t one handbook on how children should be raised. However, there are many similarities between most parents and that seems to have cultivated these common parenting styles:

    • Authoritarian or Disciplinarian.
    • Permissive or Indulgent.
    • Uninvolved.
    • Authoritative.

    It is unclear how well parents from different cultures can be fitted into the same categories, as parenting can vary in these aspects: discipline style, communication, nurturance, and expectations.

    Authoritarian Parenting.

    They are often seen as disciplinarians too. It is common for them to apply a strict discipline style that leaves little to no room for negotiation, and punishment is also common among this parenting style.
    The communication is usually a one way system: from the parent to the child. The parent will regularly establish rules without giving the child any explanation.
    Parents who use this parenting style are usually less nurturing towards their children and their expectations run high with little room for flexibility.

    Permissive Parenting.

    Also known as Indulgent parents, they often allow their children to come and go as they please, offer little to no guidance, and they can be seen more like friend than a parental figure.
    The type of discipline that they live by is the opposite of strict, they establish very few to no rules. Communication is usually open but the parents step aside when it is time to make a decision and allow the child to make up their own mind. Parents with this parenting style are usually warm and nurturing and their expectations are typically low or non existent.

    Uninvolved Parenting.

    Similar to Permissive Parenting, Uninvolved parents will grant their children freedom and mostly stay out of their way. In some cases the parents make the decision to use this parenting style and in other cases the parent has less interest in parenting or is unsure of how to do so. The child is allowed to do as it wants due to the parent’s lack of information or care. Communication is short lived, the child receives little to no nurturing and the expectations the parents have run very low.

    Authoritative Parenting.

    This type of parenting style is seen as the most beneficial to children. Authoritative parents are clear about their expectations and are usually down to earth and nurturing. This usually leads the child to become more self-disciplined and more able to think for themselves.
    The rules that are in place are clear and have been explained to the child. The communication goes two ways and is set at an appropriate level for both the parent and the child. Although Authoritative parents set clear, high expectations for their children, the children also have some input as to what those goals are.

    Parenting doesn’t just depend on what type of person the parent is, it should also cater to the needs of the child and be taken into consideration what would be the most beneficial to them. Whichever parenting style you feel suits you best is acceptable, just make sure that you communicate with your child so their needs are also met.