One of the parenting approaches that could map out for you how to be a good parent is lighthouse parenting. The first figures that the child is exposed to in their life are their parents. Everything they learn comes from the way their parents treat and behave around each other, and also with them. It is not an easy feat to be a parent, but there is a responsibility to keep on trying and learning how to be a decent one.
What Is Lighthouse Parenting?
When applying lighthouse parenting, you are a curious parent. You have to be willing to see your child as a separate entity from you and respect their way of seeing things. Their world’s colors might be completely different from the ones you have in your palette.
Once you allow your curiosity to grow, you will be more interested in knowing what is inside your child’s mind. The lighthouse parenting website even offers a list of mentalizing words which could help you approach your child with an open mind in an attempt to understand them better.
Signs Of Lighthouse Parenting
Being present but not invasive: Your child does need your support and presence in their life. However, it is also important to differentiate between being present and being invasive. You have to respect your kid’s choices and privacy, and simultaneously let them know that you are there to help or direct them when needed. For example: In a painting session with your kid, do not try to dictate to them what colors things should be. It is their creative outlet, and they can be as imaginative as they wish. However, if they ask you to help them choose a color, you can chime in, and offer insights. They will appreciate it more.
Pushing your child to be the best version of themselves, but doing it endearingly: In lighthouse parenting, you have to be constantly cheering on your kid’s development, and encourage them to be the best version of themselves. However, you have to be careful and do it tenderly, so it does not make them feel incompetent or not enough, for not meeting your expectations. You want them to be the best version of themselves, and not the version you want them to be.
Loving but not spoiling: Your love toward your child must be unconditional and embrace them at every step of their life. That being said, you should also establish boundaries that make them more perceptive and considerate of other people around them. They have to understand that their actions have consequences, while perfectly trusting and feeling that your disapproval of their behavior comes from a place of love.
Help express, not suppress: The whole purpose of lighthouse parenting is to help parents be more in tune with their child’s emotions. Through challenging times, parents should not try to find a solution to the issue and call it a day. They should encourage their kids to express their emotions and thoughts. This can help them understand where these big feelings are coming from. Eventually, it will increase their emotional intelligence and contribute positively to their mental health as they grow up.
Communicate: Parents in general are the main role models for their kids. They imitate all they see from their parents. Lighthouse parents are always open to communication. When they practice with their kids, they will set an example. The kids will realize that they can talk their emotions out instead of burying their feelings and building unnecessary resentment toward their parents or anyone. This way, the kids will learn how to express themselves and also listen to the other party.
Lighthouse Parenting has one motto; In parenting, curiosity counts! Parents at the end of the day are still flawed human beings, and they are not required to be constantly perfect. However, it is the effort they put into being better for their kids that distinguishes a good parent from a bad one. Be your child’s lighthouse, so they know there is always a loving heart watching over them, even from afar.
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