What’s Your Parenting Role?
By Emily Mall —
Mar 15, 2024
One of the ways to do a Great Job! at raising amazing kids is knowing what role(s) you currently have in your kids lives, and what role(s) you want to have in your kids lives.
With so many styles and ways to parent out there, it helps to be aware of what is important to you in how you show up. Knowing what your Family Values are is a great way to look at and determine your own, personal style of parenting.
Here are a few examples of parenting roles:
Leader. You are the head of the house. You are respected, and listened to, and most importantly, followed. You set clear goals and expectations, and you lead by example.
Collaborator. You are an active participant in your kid’s life. You walk beside them as they develop, allowing them to make their own choices. You weigh in on their decisions, but don’t force them to accept yours. You provide options, and give them space to create and choose their own.
Best Friend. You kid is your whole world. You share everything with them and value close bonding and friendship. They parent you sometimes as much as you parent them. You let your kid grow up at the rate that works best for both of you.
Guide. You’ve been there and done it all, and feel it’s your duty to pass on your knowledge to your kid. You don’t force them to take your chosen paths, but you let them know what to expect, whichever roads they choose. You provide them with all the information/education, tools, and extra necessities so that they will be prepared no matter what they face.
Provider. It is your job to provide for your kids, and nothing will stop you from doing it. It is the most important thing, regardless of how much they think they need. You not only provide the basics like food, shelter, clothes, you also provide love, safety, advice, opinions, and anything else you can think of that they might need.
Knowing your role or job title in a company makes it clear to others what you do, what you are responsible for, and the credibility and authority you wield. Clarity on your role in your family can help make it obvious to them what you are trying to achieve. It can create understanding and manage expectations in your relationships.
Let your kids know you are the leader of the family and what your expectations are when it comes to listening and following instructions. Tell your family how important providing for them is to you, so there will be times you will prioritize work. Talk to your kids about how you are always there to help them collaborate on problems and come up with solutions together.
No matter the role(s) you choose and parenting personality you have, make time to notice and be aware of how it affects you, your kids, and their future.
Try this week: What role do you have and/or want to have in your family? Are there any from this list you’d like to add? Once you know for sure, try to communicate your role to your family at least twice this week in conversations. Drop us an email to share your roles with us and/or let us know how it went!
You’re doing a Great Job!
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