Nurturant parent model

Thenurturant parent modelis aparenting style,built upon an underlying value system,^{[citation needed]}that goes in contrast with thestrict father model.Each system reflects a contrasting value system in parenthood, i.e. conservative parenting and liberal parenting.

The "nurturant parent" is one of the various parenting styles in practice in the world. A nurturing parent gives their children both "roots in the ground" and "wings to fly". The parent accomplishes this by conveying, role-modeling and enforcing boundaries which encourage the child to explore their personal freedom (trying their new wings) while practicing self-discipline as well. The nurturant parent model has a healthy respect for children's inherent intelligence. Thus children are allowed to explore their environment under a careful watch by their parents, who are responsible for protecting the child from serious mistakes, by offering guidance. A child will be picked up if the child cries because the parent wants the child to feel safe and supported. If a child grows up believing their needs are likely to be met, (s)he will grow out confident, ready to face challenges.^{[citation needed]}Meanwhile the nurturant parent also encourages their children to have their roots deeply implanted in stable grounds. This is done by making the child practice appropriate amount of self-discipline and self-connection. They may be asked to do age-appropriate house chores, limit money they spend, take part in discussions of "feelings" and "thoughts" and practice setting healthy boundaries with strangers, friends and adults in general.

Other ideas:^{[citation needed]}

Discipline is much more than strict, unquestioning obedience
Mutualrespectandcompassionare also rights
Mutual respect and compassion are best taught by example
The outside world is no more inherently hostile than it is inherently friendly
The world commands respect

Research

This model is based on a study conducted by the Boston College Graduate Program inHuman Development^{[citation needed]}where researchers were investigating theparenting stylepreferred by parents of extraordinarily creative children. Most parenting books recommend theauthoritative style.^{[citation needed]}The researchers discovered another parenting style which they called "the nurturing parent" that focuses on responsibility,empathy,andcreativity.The basic approach these parents used was to:

Trust in their children's fairness and good judgment
Respect their children'sautonomy,thoughts and feelings
Support their children's interests and goals
Enjoy their children's company
Protect their children from doing injury to self or others, not by establishing rules but by communicating values and discussing their children's behavior back with them
Modeling theself-control,sensitivityandvaluesthey believe their children will need^[1]

Further mentions

In his unfinished book,Caring Parents: a Guide to Successful Parenting,clinical social worker Herbert Jay Rosenfieldencourages use of the acronym "RECEPEE", for "ReasonableExpectations,ClearlyExpressed,PerformedEveryday and byExample ".^{[citation needed]}"The factors that children need to develop good self-esteem… are primarily 'gifts' from us parents!" writes Rosenfield, who offers another acronym "UCARE":^{[citation needed]}

Uniqueness that is positive, achieved through praise, encouragement, and positive feedback
Connectiveness to family, to extended family, and to a neighborhood that is safe, healthy and moderate
Age-appropriate autonomy: responsibilities and privileges that parallel their age and capabilities
RoleExamples: parent models with good self-esteem and behavior, whom they can emulate

ReverendGeorge Englehardtstated succinctly, in 1991, that "parental responsibility is to provide their children with a safe, loving, nurturing environment".^{[citation needed]}

The nurturant parent model is also discussed byGeorge Lakoffin his books, includingMoral PoliticsandWhose Freedom?^{[citation needed]}In these books, the nurturant parent model is contrasted with thestrict father model.Lakoff argues that if the metaphor of nation as family and government as parent is used, thenprogressivepolitics correspond to the nurturant parent model. For example, progressives want the government to make sure that the citizens are protected and assisted to achieve their potential.^{[clarification needed]}This might take the form of tough environmental regulations or healthcare assistance.

The model is also consistent withslow parentingin that children are encouraged to explore the world for themselves. They have to learn to face the risks that nature presents. Although slow parenting might go further and reduce the level of protection offered by parents, it would not advocate withholding it entirely.

References

^Dacey, J. S.; Packer, A. J. (1992).The Nurturing Parent: How to Raise Creative, Loving, Responsible Children.New York: Fireside, Simon & Schuster.ISBN 0-671-77145-0.

[1] Dacey, J. S.; Packer, A. J. (1992).The Nurturing Parent: How to Raise Creative, Loving, Responsible Children.New York: Fireside, Simon & Schuster.ISBN 0-671-77145-0.

[1]

Nurturant parent model

Contents

Research

Further mentions

See also

References