We each have our own parenting styles, because well...we are all different. Each child is different; unique. Personally, I believe there is no right or wrong when it comes to parenting styles, given that physical and emotional abuse is NEVER present and that children feel loved and safe. It doesn't matter if you are passionate about homemade food, passionate about baby wearing, passionate about breastfeeding or not breastfeeding or passionate about co-sleeping, as long as you are passionate. That's the uttermost important thing. As long as you parent with your beliefs in your hand and your children in your heart, what else matters?
But, are there core values that we should be adhering to? As parents, should we be abiding by some simple guidelines, even going as far as taking a mandatory class?
A liberal think tank in the UK; CentreForum, have claimed that parents should adopt a '5 a day' pledge, combating 'poor parenting' and even offering an additional government supplement for parents taking the '5 a day' class. Sound ridiculous? Or valid?
These are the 5 a day pledges, what do you think? Are these things you do already with your child daily? Are they things that you think should be mandatorily taught to all parents before having children?
1. Read to your child for at least 15 minutes a day
2. Play with your child on the floor for 10 minutes
3. Talk with your child for 20 minutes with the TV off
4. Adopt positive attitudes towards your child and praise them frequently
5. Ensure your child has a nutritious daily diet to aid their development
(Read the full article here)
When I first read this article I was almost shocked that the pledges are things that parents don't do, for me these things seem natural as a parent. Although, if I hadn't grown up with 3 younger siblings and studied childrens services in college would I be none the wiser? Would I still be doing these things daily purely by instinct? Either way, reading these pledges has reinforced to me as a mother that my parenting style, whatever that may be, should include these daily pledges.
Tell me your thoughts! Did you find this article offensive? Or insightful? I always love to hear from my readers.
Plenty of love...
It just seems like common sense really doesn't it? You shouldn't have to be told to talk to you children, play with you children or read to your children.
ReplyDeleteRiley loves a good book. Granted he likes to eat them as well but he still loves to listen to you reading them.
Just found your blog from TBB and I'm a new follower :) Excited to come back and read more!!
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