I am a parent who encourages my children to be independent every chance I get. We all know those parents who helicopter their children and get involved in all aspects of their life, that's where the popular term helicopter parenting came from.
If you haven't heard of helicopter parenting, simply put it is when parent hover, like a helicopter, overhead paying extremely close attention to their children's experiences and problems.
I can confidently say that managing teenagers is one of the main reasons I want my children to be independent and think for themselves. To me, life is a journey and the best way you learn is by taking chances and making your own mistakes.
How to Raise An Adult ~ Book Review
When I saw the title of Julie Lythcott-Haims book – How To Raise An Adult. I knew I had to get a copy and read it. Parenting is all about making choices and learning along the way that's what intrigued me most about this book.
I found How To Raise An Adult is more like a manual with many pages you'll want to flip back to. I know I'll keep going back to Part 3: Another Way. This section is all about how we can accept our own imperfections to show our children nobody is perfect while working on our authoritative parenting style. It if full of great tips on how to make positives changes in your family life while still honoring your core values!
The biggest takeaway I had from the book as a whole is how to deal with other parents who might not be practicing the same parenting style. The simple scripts for complicated moments has given me the tools and vocabulary to use to change the perspective of a situation.
I've learned that whatever parenting style you choose surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded adults is the best support system. Talk opening with your partner about the changes you want to make in your parenting style and find other parents with similar values. Being positive and learning to adapt to the situation is the best way to make simple changes in our everyday lives.
If I ever have a chance to hear the author, Julie Lythcott-Haims, speak I am going to jump on it. How to Raise an Adult was full of amazing insights that challenges my parenting methods in a good way. I highly recommend this book at any parent out there!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.