A fresh parenting style has been capturing caregivers’ attention worldwide: Responsive Parenting. Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools, sheds light on this emerging trend, explaining its significance and its profound impact on child development.
Understanding the Core of Responsive Parenting
Assis describes responsive parenting as a holistic approach that focuses on the child’s needs, emotions, and developmental milestones. This style is distinguished by its sensitivity, empathy, and commitment to fostering a secure, nurturing environment. “Responsive parents are keen observers of their child’s behaviour. They:
- engage in active listening,
- validate their child’s feelings,
- and provide guidance that is attuned to the child’s emotional state,” Assis explains.
This approach is about being present and connected with the child, ensuring that the parent’s actions and responses are consistently supportive and encouraging. It’s about establishing trust and mutual respect, where the child feels valued and understood.
The Four Pillars of Traditional Parenting Styles
To appreciate the uniqueness of responsive parenting, Assis contrasts it with the four traditional styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive, and Uninvolved. Each style represents a different approach to discipline, communication, and nurturing. While Authoritative parenting shares some similarities with the responsive model, especially in terms of nurturing and communication, responsive parenting goes a step further by prioritising the child’s emotional and psychological needs.
The Benefits of Adopting a Responsive Approach
Research has shown that responsive parenting has a myriad of benefits. “Children raised in a responsive environment tend to excel in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development,” Assis states. These children often develop secure attachments with their caregivers, which leads to better problem-solving skills, independence, and emotional regulation. Furthermore, responsive parenting fosters a peaceful home environment where children feel loved and supported, reducing the likelihood of behavioural issues.
Practical Applications of Responsive Parenting
Responsive parenting is actionable in daily interactions. It involves:
- Being sensitive to the child’s needs and responding warmly.
- Accepting and understanding the child’s emotions.
- Setting realistic expectations and helping the child achieve them.
- Engaging in meaningful conversations and reasoning with the child.
- Demonstrating consistent behaviour for the child to model.
Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
Assis emphasises that responsive parenting is not about perfection. “Even the most responsive parents have their off days. It’s about the effort and intention behind our actions,” she remarks. Mistakes and missteps are part of the parenting journey. Apologising and reconnecting with the child after a mistake teaches them about humility, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Responsive parenting represents a paradigm shift in how we approach child-rearing. It underscores the importance of a nurturing, empathetic relationship between parent and child, laying the groundwork for an emotionally healthy, secure, and capable future generation. As Assis concludes, “In the end, it’s not about adhering to a perfect parenting model but about being the loving, present, and responsive caregiver that every child deserves.”
About Dibber International Preschools
Dibber International Preschools is a global leader in early childhood education, with a commitment to providing high-quality preschool experiences that foster children’s holistic development – with over six hundred high-quality preschools across ten countries and with a focus on the Dibber Heart Culture and customised learning approaches, Dibber aims to nurture the potential of every child, ensuring they receive the best start in their educational journey.
Find a Dibber International Preschool near you
With eleven branches now open and more to come, Dibber International is sure to be a part of your family. Explore these schools:
- Bedfordview Germiston
- Brooklyn
- Bryanston
- Eldoraigne
- Fairland
- Highveld Centurion
- Houghton
- Midrand
- Morningside
- Rivonia
- Silverlakes
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