Just like every child is unique, every parent is too. That leads to different parents having different parenting styles. Some can be too lenient, others too strict, or yet others too protective. The style of parenting is determined by they developmental stage of the children and how the parents want their children to grow. Since each parenting style uses a different strategy, the impact on the child’s development is also different. Often, situational factors can also affect the parenting style. Studies show that protective parenting, referred to as ‘elephant parenting’ might be good for both parent and child.
Elephant parents are said to work hard to provide emotional support for their children. When compared to other parenting methods, it also nurtures them to get through difficult times in a better manner. “An elephant parent prioritizes the child’s emotional wellbeing.
They believe in supporting their child in all aspects, not forcing them to participate in activities that they are not comfortable with,” says Karishma Erraballi, a parenting expert, yoga parenting coach, and the founder of Soulkatha from Hyderabad. She elaborates further:
Weighing The Positives And Negatives Of This Style Of Parenting
Pros
- The benefits of elephant parenting include the children’s heightened sense of wellbeing and confidence. They are unafraid to show their fears and be authentically themselves, and they have a secure attachment style, which gives them a significant advantage in the friends, colleagues and partners they choose.
- Feeling unconditionally loved for who they are gives the children wings to grow and achieve their full potential in a stress-free and healthy environment.
Cons
- When you stick to one approach, you limit your options and feel stuck and guilty when you have a bad parenting moment or you feel you have failed your child.
- If you are not challenging or coddling your child in some areas, or if your child constantly requires external motivation and approval, your child might be losing out.
- For their physical and mental health, children require boundaries, routines and rituals. Giving in to their every desire, especially in terms of food, screen time and routine, may rob them of important life skills such as control and critical decision making in later years.
What Do Children Gain From Their Elephant Parents
When parents are not driven by report cards or results, but rather by supporting their child’s true and unique potential, their children feel emotionally secure, confident and happy.
- Remember, while elephants are supportive and nurturing, they never let their young ones stray too far from the herd and teach them how to feed themselves from an early age. That’s what your children should get from you.
- It is critical to teach your child skills of independence at the appropriate age rather than keep them on crutches. So, if you want to be an elephant parent, remember to follow all of the Ellie mama’s rules!
- Be present for your child in a way that makes him or her stronger, not weaker.
