From Almond Mum To Lawnmower Dads — Here Are 10 Unique Parenting Styles You May Not Know
Are you more elephant or more tiger?
By Laila Zain — 22 Sep 2023, 12:41 PM
Parenting is hard, and we're all just doing our best to raise amazing little humans
That said, there are plenty of different styles of parenting. Most people are a combination of styles, depending on the situation.
At the end of the day, we all want what's best for our kiddos, kan?
1. Almond Parents
Almond parents are all about embracing a wholesome, natural approach to parenting. They're nuts about organic baby food, eco-friendly diapers, and homemade almond milk. You'll spot them at the organic aisles or farmers' markets, making baby food from scratch, and likely have a strict no sugar rule in their household.
The term has some negative connotations as "almond mum" has been linked to the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow for her restrictive eating habits.
2. Helicopter Parents
These parents are like helicopters, hovering over their children's every move. They're the ultimate protective parents, monitoring playdates, school assignments, and even bedtime with laser-like precision. They're always ready to swoop in at the slightest hint of trouble.
3. Free-Range Parents
Free-range parents have received some flak in recent days for giving their kids too much freedom and next to no discipline. They are all about letting their kids roam and explore the world, and believe in giving children the freedom to make their own choices, even if it means a few scraped knees along the way. Adventure is their middle name.
4. Tiger Parents
Originating from the stereotypical East Asian style of parenting that many of us may have grown up with, tiger parents now have a global presence. They're known for their strict and demanding parenting style. They push their children to excel academically and in extracurricular activities, with the motto: "Only the best is good enough."
5. Lawnmower Parents
Lawnmower parents, most often attributed to dads, are all about clearing obstacles from their child's path. They'll mow down challenges and difficulties before their kids even notice they exist. Nothing can stand in the way of their child's success, not even a blade of grass.
6. Attachment Parenting Aficionados
These parents take attachment parenting to the next level. They're all about co-sleeping, babywearing, and breastfeeding on demand. They believe in nurturing a deep emotional bond with their children, 24/7.
7. Snowplough Parents
Similar to their lawnmower peers, snowplough parents have a softer touch. They don't just clear obstacles; they gently nudge them out of the way. They'll do whatever it takes to make life as smooth as freshly ploughed snow for their little ones.
8. Dolphin parent
Dolphin parents, sometimes referred to as jellyfish parents, seek collaboration, flexibility, and balance. This parenting style is further defined by the acronym P.O.D. P stands for play and exploration, O for others, and D for downtime, which includes rest, exercise, and sleep.
9. Minimalist Parents
Minimalist parents believe in simplifying everything, including parenting. They favour decluttered nurseries, capsule wardrobes for their kids, and a minimalist approach to toys. Less stuff, more quality time.
10. Elephant parent
Elephant parents are the opposite of tiger parents. They value emotional security and connection. Rather than raising their voices, they're more likely to encourage academic or athletic success, without making the child feel pressured to succeed. They're the participation trophy kind of parent.
