What's your parenting style?

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on my own journey as a parent.  While each stage has its own challenges, I think the early years were the hardest for me.

I had strong opinions about parenting and believed that I knew what I was doing (you know, because I read some books...). I went into the process thinking that I was going to lay down the law and my tiny humans would fall into line.  I was sure that as a result of my strong and decisive leadership,  I believed they would grow up to be amazing humans (which they did by the way but not without MANY mistakes on my part along the way).  

You see, I started out as a drill sergeant parent.  I don't quite know how as that wasn't how I was raised, but for whatever reason, I felt it was my job to tell my kids what to do.

That backfired of course because my tiny humans had other plans.  As frustrated as their free will and independence made me at the time (actually, it shook my belief in my ability to be a good parent), I look back and am soooo glad that they challenged me.  Don't get me wrong, it SUCKED at the time, but I came out better, stronger, wiser and more confident in my parenting abilities in the end.   If you are struggling as I did, hear this:  through challenge comes growth. 

I was forced to rethink my parenting style.  I knew what I wanted my relationship with my kids to look like, and what I was doing at the time was most certainly not going to get me there.  Through lots of trial and error, tears on my pillow and long bitch sessions with close friends who had already been there and done that, I find my parenting mojo.  And I want you to know that you can too.

This week on my YouTube channel, I am discussing parenting styles and what the research out there has to say about the long term impact each can have on our children.  Identifying what your parenting style is and knowing the long term impact may do for you what it did for me -- it made me realize I needed to find a better way.  You can learn more here.

I don't want to leave any of you who might be thinking 'great, I need to find a different way, but how do I do that?' hanging.  If you are looking for a different way but aren't sure how to get started, you can set up a 20 minute free coaching call with me by clicking here.  

PS:  Have a toddler that isn't talking?  Check out my How to Get Your Toddler Talking program!  This six month program provides you with all the supports you need to get your toddler talking.  Click here to sign up!