Type C Parenting in the Wild: 3 Real Families, 3 Unique Approaches

Did you know that authoritative parenting is considered the gold standard by child development experts? This approach, also known as Type C Parenting, focuses on striking a balance between warmth and structure, creating an optimal environment for children to thrive.

As we explore the world of parenting styles, it becomes clear that Type C Parenting stands out for its ability to adapt to different family structures and cultural backgrounds. In this article, we’ll delve into the experiences of three real families who have adopted this approach, each with their unique twist.

By examining their journeys, you’ll gain insights into how to navigate common parenting challenges while maintaining the core principles of authoritative parenting. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or just starting out, you’ll discover practical strategies to create a nurturing environment for your child.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the core principles of Type C Parenting and its benefits for child development.
• Learn from real-life examples of families who have successfully implemented this approach.
• Discover practical strategies to balance warmth and structure in your own parenting style.
• Explore how Type C Parenting can be adapted to different family structures and cultural backgrounds.
• Gain insights into navigating common parenting challenges with confidence.

Understanding the Four Parenting Styles

The way parents raise their children can significantly impact their development, with research identifying four primary parenting styles. These styles are characterized by varying levels of warmth, control, and responsiveness to children’s needs.

In the 1960s, developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind described three distinct parenting styles—authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive—based on parental demands and responsiveness to children. Later research added a fourth style, uninvolved parenting, expanding our understanding of how parents interact with their kids.

Authoritarian Parenting: High Control, Low Warmth

Authoritarian parenting is characterized by a strict, rule-based approach with little warmth or nurturing. Parents using this style make decisions without input from their children, often resulting in children who struggle with social skills and self-esteem.

Authoritative Parenting: The Balanced Approach

In contrast, authoritative parenting balances high expectations with warmth and responsiveness. Authoritative parents validate their children’s feelings while maintaining authority, creating an environment where children thrive emotionally and academically.

Permissive Parenting: High Warmth, Low Structure

Permissive parenting is marked by high warmth but low structure. Permissive parents are lenient, intervening only in serious situations, which can lead to children struggling with boundaries and self-discipline.

Uninvolved Parenting: Low Warmth, Low Structure

Uninvolved parenting is characterized by low warmth and low structure, with parents expecting children to raise themselves. This approach typically results in the poorest outcomes for children’s development.

Understanding these parenting styles is crucial for parents who want to make informed decisions about their child’s upbringing. By recognizing the characteristics of each style, parents can better navigate the complexities of parenting.

What is Type C Parenting?

In the realm of parenting, Type C Parenting has emerged as a significant concept, synonymous with authoritative parenting. This approach has garnered attention for its balanced methodology, which combines clear boundaries with emotional support. As you delve into the world of Type C Parenting, you’ll discover its core principles and how they contribute to positive outcomes for children.

Defining Type C Parenting as Authoritative

Type C Parenting is essentially another term for authoritative parenting, a style that research has consistently shown to produce the most positive outcomes for children. Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries while giving them the freedom to make decisions. This balanced approach involves validating children’s feelings while maintaining adult authority. By investing time and energy into preventing behavior problems, authoritative parents create a nurturing environment that fosters positive development.

The key characteristics of Type C Parenting include clear communication, consistent discipline, high expectations, and emotional warmth. These elements work together to create a supportive and structured environment where children can thrive. By understanding and implementing these characteristics, parents can adopt a parenting style that promotes healthy development and positive relationships with their children.

The Science Behind Why It Works

Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of authoritative parenting across different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. The consensus is that this balanced approach has a profoundly positive impact on children’s development. Research has shown that children raised by authoritative parents tend to have better executive function, emotional regulation, and social skills. This is because authoritative parents strike a balance between setting clear boundaries and being responsive to their child’s emotional needs.

The science behind Type C Parenting underscores its benefits, demonstrating that this approach can lead to improved outcomes for children. By understanding the principles of authoritative parenting and how they impact child development, parents can make informed decisions about their parenting style.

The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development

Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping the emotional, social, and academic trajectories of children. As a parent, the approach you take can significantly influence your child’s development across multiple domains.

Emotional and Social Development

Children raised by authoritative parents tend to develop better social skills and emotional intelligence. They are more likely to form healthy relationships and demonstrate greater empathy towards others. Authoritative parenting fosters a nurturing environment where children can express their emotions clearly and develop strong self-regulation skills.

Academic Performance and Achievement

Research shows that children of authoritative parents typically perform better academically. They exhibit higher motivation, better problem-solving skills, and greater persistence when facing challenges. This parenting style encourages an environment that supports academic achievement and heightened self-esteem.

Long-term Outcomes into Adulthood

The long-term impacts of parenting styles are profound, with studies indicating that children raised with authoritative parenting often become well-adjusted adults. They tend to have healthy relationships, successful careers, and are more likely to be happy and confident. This parenting approach lays the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling life.

Cultural and Demographic Influences on Parenting

As a parent, your cultural identity and demographic background can significantly impact your parenting approach. The values, beliefs, and practices that you adopt in raising your children are often shaped by the cultural and societal context in which you live.

Differences in Parenting Across Racial and Ethnic Groups

Racial and ethnic differences play a significant role in shaping parenting styles. For instance, while black and white parents may share similar values regarding the importance of honesty and compassion in their children, black parents often place a greater emphasis on the value of hard work and financial independence. Research has shown that cultural background can influence whether parents lean towards authoritarian, authoritative, or permissive parenting styles.

Parenting Values by Ethnicity

Ethnic Group	Values Emphasized
Black Parents	Hard work, financial independence, honesty
White Parents	Honesty, compassion, ethical behavior
Hispanic Parents	Family unity, respect for elders, hard work

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Parenting

Socioeconomic factors, including financial stress, work demands, and access to resources, can significantly affect a parent’s ability to implement their preferred parenting style. Parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional challenges, such as limited access to educational resources and healthcare, which can impact their parenting decisions.

• Financial stress can limit parenting options.
• Work demands can reduce quality time with children.
• Access to resources can enhance parenting capabilities.

Generational Shifts in Parenting Philosophy

There has been a noticeable shift in parenting philosophy across generations. Older generations often favored more authoritarian approaches, while younger parents are increasingly adopting authoritative parenting styles that balance discipline with warmth and nurturing.

Common Parental Concerns Across Different Families

As parents navigate the complexities of raising their children, they often share common concerns despite their different parenting styles. These concerns are multifaceted and can vary based on demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and cultural background.

Safety and Protection Concerns

Safety is a paramount concern for many parents, with issues like bullying and violence topping the list. For some demographic groups, such as Black and Hispanic parents, or those with lower incomes, the fear of their child

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

The mental health of children is another significant concern, with anxiety and depression becoming increasingly prevalent. Parents across different family types are recognizing the importance of addressing these issues to ensure their children‘s emotional wellbeing. This includes fostering an environment where kids feel comfortable discussing their feelings and problems.

Academic and Future Success

Parents also worry about their children‘s academic performance and future success. The pressure to excel in school and secure a successful career can be daunting. Type C parents, in particular, strive to balance these concerns with maintaining a nurturing environment that prioritizes their child‘s health and happiness.

Type C Parenting in the Wild: 3 Real Families, 3 Unique Approaches

In the real world, Type C Parenting takes on various forms, as seen in three unique families. These families, despite their differences, share a common commitment to the principles of Type C Parenting. As we explore their stories, you’ll gain insight into how this parenting style can be adapted to suit different family dynamics and needs.

What Makes These Families Different Yet Similar

The three families we observed are distinct in terms of their structure, background, and values. One family is a blended family with children from previous marriages, another is a single-parent household, and the third is a two-parent household with children of different ages. Despite these differences, they all share a common thread – a commitment to balancing warmth with appropriate boundaries. This balance is a hallmark of Type C Parenting, allowing parents to be responsive to their children’s needs while also setting clear expectations.

For instance, the blended family has to navigate complex relationships between step-siblings and biological parents, requiring a nuanced approach to discipline and bonding. In contrast, the single-parent household relies heavily on the support of extended family members to manage childcare responsibilities. The two-parent household, meanwhile, benefits from having two adults to share parenting duties, but they face challenges related to coordinating their approaches to discipline and reward.

How We Studied Their Parenting Approaches

To understand how these families implement Type C Parenting, we conducted in-depth interviews with the parents and observed their interactions with their children. We also administered assessments to gauge the children’s emotional and social development. Our methodology included:

• In-depth interviews with parents to understand their parenting philosophy and practices.
• Observations of parent-child interactions to assess the application of Type C Parenting principles.
• Assessments of children’s emotional and social development to evaluate the outcomes of Type C Parenting.

Our study revealed that while each family faced unique challenges, they all demonstrated a strong commitment to the core principles of Type C Parenting. The table below summarizes some of the key findings:

Family Characteristics	Parenting Challenges	Type C Parenting Strategies
Blended Family	Navigating complex step-sibling relationships	Regular family meetings, clear boundary setting
Single-Parent Household	Managing sole childcare responsibilities	Leveraging extended family support, prioritizing quality time
Two-Parent Household	Coordinating discipline and reward approaches	Regular parental meetings, consistent discipline practices

These examples illustrate how Type C Parenting can be effectively adapted to various family situations, maintaining its core principles while addressing unique challenges.

Family #1: The Balanced Boundary-Setters

Meet the Smiths, a family who has mastered the art of Type C Parenting by setting clear boundaries while maintaining a warm relationship with their children. This approach has been instrumental in shaping their kids’ behavior and overall development.

Family Background and Dynamics

The Smiths are a nuclear family consisting of two parents, John and Emily, and their two children, a boy, and a girl, aged 10 and 7. They reside in a suburban area, providing a safe and nurturing environment for their kids. The parents prioritize creating a stable home life, which has been crucial in their parenting approach.

Their Unique Approach to Type C Parenting

The Smiths’ approach to Type C Parenting is characterized by setting clear expectations and consequences while maintaining open lines of communication with their children. For example, they involve their kids in household decision-making processes, teaching them responsibility and the importance of contributing to the family unit. This method has fostered a sense of autonomy and self-discipline in their child.

John and Emily are consistent in their parenting style, ensuring that their children understand the rules and the reasoning behind them. This consistency has helped in minimizing confusion and misbehavior.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the significant challenges the Smiths faced was navigating different developmental stages for their children. As their child grew older, they had to adapt their parenting strategies to meet the changing needs. They found that maintaining open communication and being responsive to their child’s needs was crucial.

To address behavioral issues, the Smiths employed a strategy of explaining the consequences of actions, which helped their children understand the impact of their decisions. This approach encouraged responsible behavior and decision-making.

Family #2: The Communication-Focused Household

In our exploration of Type C parenting, we come across a family that stands out for their commitment to fostering a culture of open communication. This family’s approach to parenting is deeply rooted in creating an environment where every member feels valued and heard.

Family Background and Dynamics

This family consists of two parents and their three children, living in a culturally diverse neighborhood. Their unique composition and cultural influences have shaped their parenting style, emphasizing emotional intelligence and mutual respect. The parents, both professionals in their respective fields, have consciously worked on creating a home environment that encourages open dialogue.

Their Unique Approach to Type C Parenting

The family’s approach to Type C parenting is characterized by regular family meetings, active listening practices, and the development of age-appropriate emotional vocabulary. They believe in fostering honest dialogue with their children, creating a safe space for them to express their feelings and opinions. This approach has not only strengthened their parent-child relationship but has also helped in building a cohesive family unit.

By prioritizing communication, they’ve been able to navigate the challenges of parenting more effectively. Their techniques include setting aside dedicated time for family discussions, practicing empathy, and using positive language when interacting with their children.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the significant challenges this family faced was maintaining clear boundaries while encouraging open expression of feelings and opinions. They found that by being consistent in their parenting approach and by setting clear expectations, they could balance authority with empathy. When conflicts arose, they used communication strategies that respected everyone’s perspective, ensuring that their children felt heard while still upholding parental authority.

By adopting this balanced approach, the family has been able to create a harmonious home environment where parents and children alike feel valued and understood.

Family #3: The Culturally-Adaptive Approach

Family #3 offers a compelling example of how cultural values can be harmoniously integrated with Type C Parenting. This family’s approach is particularly noteworthy due to their multicultural background, which presents both opportunities and challenges in parenting.

Family Background and Dynamics

Family #3 is a multicultural family with parents from different ethnic backgrounds. They have two children, aged 7 and 9. The family values their diverse heritage and seeks to pass on cultural traditions to their children while adopting Type C Parenting principles. Their household is characterized by a blend of cultural practices and modern parenting techniques.

Their Unique Approach to Type C Parenting

The parents in Family #3 have developed a unique approach to Type C Parenting by incorporating their cultural values into their parenting style. They use authoritative discipline methods that are consistent with their cultural background. For example, they emphasize respect for elders, a value common in many cultures, while also encouraging independence and self-expression in their children. This blend helps their children develop a strong sense of identity and cultural awareness.

The family also practices open communication, ensuring that their children feel heard and understood. This approach fosters a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges Family #3 faces is navigating the expectations of their extended family, who may have different cultural norms around parenting. To address this, the parents have developed strategies to explain their Type C Parenting choices respectfully, while still honoring their cultural heritage. They have found that consistent communication and setting clear boundaries are key to managing these expectations.

By adapting their cultural values to fit their Type C Parenting approach, Family #3 has created a harmonious and supportive family environment that benefits their children’s development.

Key Discipline Strategies Used by Type C Parents

Effective discipline is the cornerstone of Type C Parenting, and it’s achieved through strategies that promote understanding and responsibility. Type C Parents focus on creating an environment where children learn from their mistakes and develop self-regulation skills. This approach is built on several core discipline strategies that distinguish Type C Parenting from other parenting styles.

Explaining vs. Commanding

Type C Parents prioritize explanation over commands, helping children understand the reasoning behind rules rather than demanding blind obedience. This approach encourages children to develop critical thinking skills and understand the impact of their actions. For instance, instead of simply telling a child to clean their room, a Type C Parent might explain how cleaning contributes to a comfortable living space and a sense of personal responsibility.

Natural Consequences vs. Punishment

Type C Parents focus on allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their choices, rather than imposing punishment. This strategy helps children learn from their mistakes in a meaningful way. For example, if a child forgets their lunch, a Type C Parent might let them experience the consequence of being hungry, while also offering support and guidance on how to remember their lunch in the future.

Discipline Strategy	Type C Parenting Approach	Other Parenting Approaches
Explaining vs. Commanding	Prioritizes explanation to foster understanding	Often relies on commands without explanation
Natural Consequences vs. Punishment	Focuses on natural consequences to teach responsibility	May use punishment as a primary means of discipline
Consistency and Follow-Through	Emphasizes consistency to establish clear boundaries	May be inconsistent in discipline, leading to confusion

Consistency and Follow-Through

Consistency is crucial in Type C Parenting, as it helps establish clear boundaries and expectations. Type C Parents ensure that they follow through on their commitments and consequences, teaching children that actions have predictable outcomes. This consistency helps children develop a sense of security and understand what is expected of them.

How Type C Parents Handle Common Challenges

Handling common parenting challenges is crucial for Type C parents, who strive to balance guidance with independence. As children grow and face various obstacles, these parents adapt their strategies to ensure their kids develop into capable and confident individuals.

Setting Age-Appropriate Independence

Type C parents understand the importance of granting independence appropriate to their child’s age. While some jurisdictions have guidelines on when children can be left unsupervised, the decision often rests with the parents. Many parents believe that children should be at least 10 years old before being allowed to stay home alone or play outside without supervision. By gradually increasing independence, Type C parents help their children develop self-reliance and problem-solving skills.

Managing Technology and Screen Time

Managing technology and screen time is another challenge Type C parents face. They achieve a balance by setting healthy limits while teaching responsible digital citizenship. This involves having open discussions about online safety, monitoring usage, and encouraging physical activities. By doing so, they help their children navigate the digital world effectively and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Navigating Peer Pressure and Social Issues

Type C parents also help their children navigate peer pressure and social challenges by providing guidance while allowing them to develop their own social problem-solving skills. They engage in open conversations about social issues, encourage empathy, and teach their children how to make informed decisions. This approach enables children to build strong relationships and handle social pressures effectively.

By addressing these common challenges, Type C parents demonstrate their ability to adapt and respond to their children’s evolving needs, ensuring they grow into well-adjusted and resilient individuals.

The Role of Praise and Criticism in Type C Parenting

As a parent, you’re constantly navigating the delicate balance between praising your child’s achievements and offering constructive criticism to help them grow. Type C parenting, also known as authoritative parenting, emphasizes the importance of finding this balance to foster healthy development in children. Effective use of praise and criticism can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem, motivation, and overall well-being.

Finding the Right Balance

Research indicates that parents often struggle with knowing when to praise and when to criticize. Among all parents, 44% say they criticize too much, while 33% say they praise too much. Dads, in particular, report being overly critical (49%) rather than overly praising (29%). Finding the right balance is key, as excessive criticism can lead to low self-esteem, while too much praise can create an inflated sense of entitlement.

Type C parents strive to balance positive feedback with constructive criticism, helping children recognize both their strengths and areas for improvement. This balanced approach encourages children to develop a growth mindset, understanding that their abilities can be developed through effort and learning from failures.

Effective Praise Techniques

Not all praise is created equal. Research shows that specific, effort-based praise is more effective than general or ability-based compliments. For instance, praising a child for “working hard on their math problems” is more effective than simply saying “you’re great at math.” This approach encourages persistence and resilience, as it focuses on the process rather than innate ability.

Type C parents use praise to acknowledge their child’s efforts and progress, rather than just their natural talent. By doing so, they help their children develop a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue improving. This method also helps in avoiding the pitfalls of overpraising, which can lead to an expectation of constant validation.

Adapting Type C Parenting for Different Ages

The key to successful Type C Parenting lies in understanding how to modify your techniques for different ages. As children grow and develop, their needs change, and parents must adapt their approach to meet these evolving needs.

Early Childhood Approaches

During early childhood, Type C Parents focus on establishing clear routines and using positive reinforcement. Simple explanations and consistent boundaries help young children feel secure and develop self-discipline. For instance, using a visual schedule can help toddlers understand daily routines, while praising their efforts encourages positive behavior.

School-Age Strategies

As children enter school age, Type C Parents balance increasing independence with appropriate oversight. This involves setting clear expectations, encouraging decision-making, and providing guidance on problem-solving. By doing so, parents help their children develop autonomy while ensuring they remain on track academically and socially.

Teenage Adaptations

Parenting teenagers requires a nuanced approach, as they seek more autonomy while still needing guidance. Type C Parents maintain influence by staying involved in their teenager’s life, respecting their growing independence, and having open discussions about important issues. This helps teenagers develop decision-making skills while benefiting from their parents’ experience and wisdom.

By adapting Type C Parenting principles to different age groups, parents can ensure their children receive the support and guidance they need at each stage of development.

• Clear communication is key across all ages, helping children understand expectations and develop problem-solving skills.
• Consistency in applying rules and consequences helps children develop self-discipline and responsibility.
• Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior and promotes a positive self-image.

Common Misconceptions About Type C Parenting

Many parents are hesitant to adopt Type C Parenting due to common misconceptions that surround this authoritative approach. As you consider this parenting style, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about your parenting journey.

“It’s Too Permissive”

One of the most significant misconceptions about Type C Parenting is that it’s too permissive. However, this style is often confused with permissive parenting. In reality, Type C Parenting strikes a balance between warmth and structure, setting clear boundaries and expectations for children while being responsive to their needs. This approach is actually authoritative, not permissive, and is designed to foster independence and responsibility in kids.

“It Takes Too Much Time and Energy”

Some parents believe that Type C Parenting requires too much time and energy. While it’s true that this approach demands effort, especially in the initial stages, it ultimately leads to a more efficient and harmonious parenting experience. By setting clear expectations and encouraging open communication, Type C Parents can reduce conflicts and create a more positive environment for their children. In the long run, this approach can save time and reduce stress.

“It Doesn’t Prepare Kids for the Real World”

Another misconception is that Type C Parenting doesn’t prepare kids for the “real world.” Research shows that children raised with this authoritative style are actually better equipped to handle life’s challenges. They develop essential skills such as problem-solving, self-regulation, and resilience, which serve them well in adulthood. By providing a supportive and structured environment, Type C Parents can help their children thrive in an ever-changing world.

How to Transition to Type C Parenting

Embracing Type C Parenting requires a thoughtful approach, but the benefits for your family can be substantial. As you consider this parenting style, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in transitioning to it, regardless of your current parenting approach.

Shifting from Authoritarian Parenting

If you’re coming from an authoritarian parenting background, transitioning to Type C Parenting involves incorporating more warmth and flexibility into your interactions with your children. This might mean explaining your reasoning behind rules and decisions, rather than simply enforcing them. By doing so, you can create a more collaborative environment that encourages open communication and fosters a stronger parent-child relationship.

Adding Structure as a Former Permissive Parent

For parents who have previously adopted a permissive parenting style, transitioning to Type C Parenting involves establishing clear boundaries and structures while maintaining the warm relationship you’ve built with your kids. This can be achieved by setting clear expectations and consistently enforcing them, which helps children understand what is expected of them and develop self-discipline.

Practical Steps for Any Parent

Regardless of your current parenting style, there are several practical steps you can take to move towards Type C Parenting. Start by practicing active listening with your child, ensuring that you understand their perspective and feelings. Additionally, focus on using positive language when communicating with your kids, framing messages in a positive and supportive way.

Parenting Style	Key Characteristics	Transition Tips
Authoritarian	High control, low warmth	Incorporate more emotional support and explanation
Permissive	High warmth, low structure	Establish clear boundaries and consistently enforce them
Type C (Authoritative)	Balanced warmth and structure	Practice active listening and use positive language

Transitioning to Type C Parenting is a process that requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt. By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with your current parenting style, you can take the first steps towards creating a more balanced and supportive family environment.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Type C Parenting

Authoritative parenting, or Type C Parenting, stands out as a highly effective approach to raising children who are emotionally intelligent and academically inclined. By adopting this balanced parenting style, parents can foster a nurturing environment that promotes healthy development in their children.

The benefits of Type C Parenting are multifaceted, including better academic outcomes, stronger emotional regulation, and healthier relationships. Children raised with this approach develop essential skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and self-discipline, preparing them for success in adulthood.

Moreover, Type C Parenting creates a positive cycle that can extend to future generations. As children raised with this approach often adopt similar balanced parenting styles with their own children, it reinforces the value of authoritative parenting. While no parent is perfect, consistently striving toward an authoritative approach creates a family environment where both parents and children can thrive.

By understanding the profound and lasting impact of Type C Parenting, you can make informed decisions about your parenting style and create a supportive home environment that encourages your children’s overall development.

FAQ

What is Type C Parenting, and how does it differ from other parenting styles?

Type C Parenting is an authoritative approach that balances warmth and structure. It differs from authoritarian parenting, which is high in control but low in warmth, and permissive parenting, which is high in warmth but low in structure.

How do authoritative parents discipline their children?

Authoritative parents use a combination of explaining, natural consequences, and consistent follow-through to discipline their children, rather than relying on punishment or commanding.

What are the benefits of Type C Parenting for child development?

Type C Parenting is associated with positive outcomes in emotional and social development, academic performance, and long-term mental health. Children of authoritative parents tend to have better social skills and self-esteem.

Can Type C Parenting be adapted for children of different ages?

Yes, Type C Parenting can be adapted for children of different ages. For example, early childhood approaches focus on setting clear boundaries, while school-age strategies emphasize encouraging independence and responsibility.

How do Type C parents handle common challenges like screen time and peer pressure?

Type C parents manage common challenges by setting age-appropriate independence, using open communication, and navigating social issues together with their children.

Is Type C Parenting too permissive or too time-consuming?

Type C Parenting is not too permissive, as it involves setting clear boundaries and expectations. While it may require more emotional labor in the short term, it can lead to more positive outcomes and a stronger parent-child relationship in the long term.

How can I transition to Type C Parenting if I’m used to a different parenting style?

To transition to Type C Parenting, start by assessing your current parenting style and identifying areas for change. You can then begin to implement practical first steps, such as practicing active listening and emotional validation.