Depending on our parenting style, we tend to respond in different ways. We discussed the great need to little by little allow our children the freedom to discover the natural limits. The age of the child has a lot to do with the limits we set: Younger children need patters (schedules, language to communicate, consistency) to feel secure, as they grow the prepared adult ( Montessori Guides and Parents) must observe carefully, analyze, set clear limits and follow through on the outcomes of the childrens decision. We must remember that limits are boundaries that give children security.
Define them in your home! Here is a short summary of the Parenting Styles we covered last night:
- Authoritarian - Demanding but not responsive. ( My way or the highway)
- Authoritative - Places high demands but also highly responsive ( This is the limit, lets talk about it)
- Permissive - Highly responsive but not demanding. ( Whatever you want!)
- Uninvolved - Not demanding, not responsive. ( Unaware! )
There are also many perspectives to the same situation, child, activity, view: Lets remember that parenting is a complex. Be involved and open. Just like the Geoda it is one object with many faces.
If parents are not specific in their limits, children tend to find what buttons to push.
Hope to see all of you during our next parent meeting.
Happy Parenting!