Parental Guidance

There is no such thing as a ‘parenting box’, but if you hang around parents and their kids enough you come to realise there are certainly different approaches to what is the most important job in the world.  The idea of 'parenting styles' is well researched and increasingly popular, particularly as Channel 9’s Parental Guidance hit our screens again this week.

The show shines a light on parenting and the impact of parenting choices, and while the idea of different styles of parenting ‘competing’ for what is, essentially, our entertainment, doesn't sit that well with me, the show does give us a chance to sit, reflect and learn from others.

Faced with tough challenges that are grounded in real-life scenarios – such as navigating the dark side of online gaming and the internet, posing for the picture-perfect family photo, defending yourself against a bully, or discussing ''the birds and the bees' – the outcomes are in the words of one reviewer ‘authentic, joyful and shocking.’

The way we parent – or wish to parent – can have a huge impact on our children’s sense of belonging, wellbeing and success, and so it is worth thinking about. Monday nights may be just excuse you need to sit and watch the TV for an hour or so and do just that.

While there is there's on such thing as perfect parenting, being intentional is a fundamental requirement for success.   Sometimes parents don’t fit into just one category, so don't despair if there are times or areas where you tend to be permissive or uninvolved and other times when you're more authoritative. And, let’s be honest, it is hard to remain consistent when balancing life and parenting.

Finally, the observation of our own parenting styles and that of others should lead us to parent guilt or shame. That's not helpful for anyone.

You can watch Parental Guidance on Channel 9 each Monday night, or on the 9Now streaming service.

But more importantly, take a moment to reflect on your desires for your child and for you as a parent – are you clear on your style? What would you like to improve? What benefits do you think this might have for your child’s wellbeing, and yours?