When someone suggests there's a better way to parent, we're intrigued and pay attention. Sometimes there's wisdom there and sometimes it's nonsense. And, of course, sometimes there's both. A recent article from The Atlantic is just such an example. Based on research about parenting from other very different cultures, there are a few things we can learn and some things we should challenge.
Music Credit: "Funkorama" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Expanded Notes:
- Source article: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/03/hunt-gather-parent-timeless-advice-for-modern-parents/618172/
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- Based on a book by Michaeleen Doucleff: Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans
- Parenting without yelling is a skill that can be developed
- Pacing approach could be helpful, but motivation is the key
- A disciplined response is better than a default response
- Praise is important, but should be tied to effort vs results, and you can give too much
- Allo-parenting refers to community based parenting; can undermine significance of nuclear parenting if "community" means "institutions"
- It's important to know kids are irrational and illogical, because they're undeveloped
- At the same time, they also learn how to manipulate at a very early age
- Who is the adult/parent in the room?
- A family-centric philosophy serves parents, kids, and communities better than a kid-centric approach
