Trusting Your Instincts through parenting Ups & Downs

Helicopter parenting vs. free-range parenting: finding the balance

As a parent for the past three years, I’ve experienced the joys of pregnancy and nurturing my child through their early years. While it hasn’t always been easy, with a flood of advice from family and social media, I’ve found comfort and guidance in the various suggestions. In this article, I’d like to share my perspective on how this advice has helped me navigate the ups and downs of parenting. We were ecstatic when my husband and I found out we were pregnant. However, as the months went by, I started to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. There were so many opinions on how to raise a child, what to eat, what not to eat, how to discipline, and so on. I constantly questioned my instincts and wondered if I was doing everything “right.”?

As a first-time mom, I asked my family and friends for advice. Some of it was helpful, while other suggestions left me feeling more confused than ever. I also started following parenting blogs and Instagram accounts, hoping to find guidance there. But again, I questioned whether I needed to do more or it was too much. It wasn’t until my daughter was born that I realized there’s no one “right” way to parenting. Every child is unique; what works for one family may not work for another. I also realized that much of the advice is well-meaning but can be overwhelming and contradictory. My husband and I had to trust our instincts and do what felt appropriate for our family.?

One of the biggest debates in parenting is the idea of helicopter parenting versus free-range parenting. Helicopter parents are known for hovering over their children, constantly monitoring their every move, and often micromanaging their lives. On the other hand, free-range parents believe in giving their children more freedom to explore and make their own mistakes. I was on an introspective trail when the editorial team asked me for my perspective on this debate. I realized that I didn’t necessarily fit neatly into either category. While I did have moments of hovering, especially in the early days when my daughter was still a newborn, I also believed in giving her the freedom to explore.?

For me, it was more about finding a balance. I wanted to be involved in my daughter’s life and allow her to grow and learn independently. I discovered that the free-range approach worked best for us. My grandparents, who raised their children with a free-range approach, influenced me. They didn’t have access to the information and resources we have today, but they still managed to raise confident and capable adults. They believed in allowing their children to explore and provide a safe and nurturing environment. This approach allowed for relaxation, better immunity, improved problem-solving skills, and a sense of independence.?

Of course, there are pros and cons to both approaches. For example, helicopter parenting can create a sense of security for both the parent and child, but it can also lead to anxiety and a lack of independence. On the other hand, free-range parenting can foster independence and problem-solving skills and lead to potential risks and accidents. Ultimately, it’s up to each parent to decide what works best for their family.?

The key has been to trust my instincts and listen to my child’s needs. I try to be present and engaged in her life while giving her the space to explore and learn. I’ve found that this approach has allowed my daughter to develop a strong sense of self and helped me become a more confident and relaxed parent.?

Every child is different, and every family has their circumstances. What works for one family may not work for another. Therefore, it’s essential to be open-minded and willing to adapt. I’ve learned not to be too hard on myself. Parenting is hard work, and getting caught up in the idea of being a perfect parent is easy. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we learn from those mistakes and continue to do our best.?

As my daughter grows and develops, I know that my parenting approach will continue to evolve. But one thing will remain the same – my commitment to being present and involved in her life while giving her the space to explore and learn independently.?

In conclusion, parenting can be overwhelming, with a flood of advice and opinions. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is to trust your instincts and do what feels right for your family. Whether you’re a helicopter parent, a free-range parent, or somewhere in between, what matters most is that you’re there for your child, providing love, support, and guidance.