What is the difference between Positive Parenting and Traditional Parenting Method?
Hi, That's an interesting question! Traditionally, parenting was based around the parent's needs with a focus on rules and boundaries. It was more about exerting control and punishments. Modern, gentle and positive parenting approaches still set boundaries, but are less authoritarian and prescriptive. One size does not fit all and that's referring to both the parents and the child. PP has a focus on having a more respectful relationship between child and parent and allowing the child space to express and to grow to understand their emotions (this is often a learning journey for the parents too, alongside their child!).
Parents are more responsive and understanding to their individual child's needs whilst still having firm boundaries. Children are not so blindly obedient to authority (and maybe resentful and shamed by it) - they understand why these boundaries are set and maybe have had a part in establishing rules so they feel a sense of ownership. It could be considered that PP is more about how the parents react and behave towards the child than the other way round which is more traditional! I do my best to think about it from the stance that all our behaviour is a form of communication - ie it's a result of a need or difficulty (maybe that the self is unaware of), which is helpful to look at the behaviour more objectively - this can be applied to anyone whether its with our children, colleagues or partners!
Spurgeons Parent Support + parent of 3