There are many ways to parent our children, and we all need to find our own way. For those who choose to parent in a respectful, conscious, natural or gentle manner, there is sometimes a sense of isolation, as much of the literature and information provided to parents involves methods more to do with control. Other parents would like to follow a respectful mode of parenting, but aren’t sure how to go about it.

 

This website offers information and support to those who choose to parent in a manner that is non-prescriptive, and is respectful to their children. This type of parenting helps build solid relationships between parent and child, helps children to develop confidence and self-esteem and to gain independence as they move out into the world.

 

The website lists books, DVDs, websites, support groups, forums etc which will provide you with support for what you are doing, or ideas on how to handle certain situations. There will be no references which contain rules or instructions for doing things—as prescriptive methods are not respectful to your child’s unique personality. Instead the resources will allow you to choose what is appropriate for you, and support you to feel you are doing what is right for you and your child and meeting everyone’s needs as best you can.

 

 

What is Respectful Parenting?

Respectful Parenting can involve:

 

· A unique way of interacting with each child

· Treating your child as a person with valid needs, wants and emotions

· Becoming friends for life with your child

· Listening to your child

· Taking into account everyone’s needs—parents, siblings, child

· Setting limits with respect

· Saying no gently and with explanations if appropriate

· Recognising the developmental stage of your child and not expecting too much or too little of them

· Allowing children to be themselves

· Allowing children to express their emotions—and teaching them appropriate ways to do so

· Making mistakes and learning from them

· Allowing your child to make mistakes and learn from them

· Finding what works for you and your child in each situation

· Negotiating and teaching your child to negotiate

· Adjusting your methods as your child grows older and/or his/her needs change

· Learning from your child about the world and about relationships

· Hard work at times—but worth it in the long run (and usually the short run as well)

· Accepting that sometimes your child will not like what you are doing or saying—and acknowledging their disappointment

· Teaching your child appropriate behaviour

· Being there when your child needs you

· Doing whatever you need to do, in a respectful way—using explanations, apologies, acknowledgement etc

Topics:

· Sleep

· Toileting

· Discipline/ Behaviour

· Feeding

· Health

Are there any other topics you would like covered? Let me know!

Check out my blog at www.respectfulparenting.net.au/parenting_blog for my personal journey with respectful parenting

Please contact me at annie@respectfulparenting.net.au if you have any comments or questions