All parents want their children to be healthy, happy, and productive. They want to maximize their child’s growth and give them as much opportunity as possible to not only survive but to thrive throughout life.
This is the long-term goal of parenting. Therefore, parenting actually begins by thinking about the final result. And therefore, parents must be ‘progressive’ in their approach.
Families who classify themselves as progressive or have a progressive parenting style are on the rise, and this phrase isn’t just a way of showing political affiliation. When used in a familial context, ‘progressive’ embodies a set of values and parenting choices that come from intentional and big-picture thinking.
Progressive parenting is not a rigid set of steps or one solid method of parenting. It is not about a child’s development or creating little geniuses. It is not only about raising a well-mannered child. Rather, it is an approach that focuses on ensuring that children have an environment that fosters honesty, self-reliance, empathy, self-control, kindness, cooperation, and cheerfulness.
As far as parenting goes, many types of growth happen at once. Obviously, the growth of the child, but also the growth of the parent — as an individual, the growth of the relationship and bond between parent and child, the growth between siblings, if any, and the growth of the family as a unit.
Progressive parenting also focuses on the parent’s ability to meet their personal needs in order to be more responsive to the needs of their child. It is about parenting with the big picture in mind – grounded, connected kids from toddlers to teens to adulthood.
Parents (and adoptive parents) can learn to apply this method with a registered Goulding Method Consultant for extra peace of mind. Joane Goulding, the founder of the Goulding Method™, says, “After many years of bringing my parenting approach to the world, I’m confident that my method is no longer simply a ‘process’. I’ve proven to have assisted families in raising emotionally secure children, and I’m proud my method has touched every community across the globe. I created the process that is now a trusted method.”
While the Goulding Method™ is a wonderful tool for parents with kids between the ages of 0-12 years, parenting really is also a lot about the parent themselves. And so, there are certain basic fundamentals to parenting which, when learned and applied, can change the family dynamics 180º. Google search the word ‘principles of parenting’ and it will show you bulleted lists of some principles to follow.
According to Dr. Laurence Steinberg, professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, good parenting helps protect children from developing emotional angst, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and promotes intellectual curiosity, motivation, and a desire to achieve.
As one of the most researched areas in the field of social science, parenting is a skill that can be learned. No matter what your parenting questions or worries, or concerns, an expert is your best bet to guide you through this complex, yet satisfying, journey.
And remember, it is never too late to turn things around. Children are never problematic, they are just constantly responding to stimulus! With just the right amount of care, support and nurturing, they can surpass any difficulty and be the best versions of themselves that they can be.