Free Range Parenting vs. Helicopter Parenting vs. whocaresletsjustsupporteachother

I ran across this article yesterday and can’t stop thinking about it and what it implies about the world we live in now.

Washington Post Article “Maryland couple want ‘free-range’ kids, but not all do

First off – I hate the idea and practice of labeling your parenting style.  It is a very popular trend and I feel like it divides rather than unifies parents.  Being a parent is challenging enough…..we don’t need people silently or not so silently judging because we are in a different parenting style group.  Now, don’t think I am a saint and haven’t had disdainful thoughts or words come out of my mouth about another person’s parenting choices, but you can be damn sure that I check myself.  (A very good practice passed to me from a friend, K.  But that is a different post)  No one is perfect and it is about time that we support each other and our parenting choices.

This video that has been all over Social Media pretty much sums up what we do…..but ends with what we should be doing.  If you notice that it was Similac that put out the video and feel inclined to make a comment about how the video is a subtle advertisement…..yes, I know that….but it does not make the message less valid.  I read the comments on the original video posting and it made me realize that the majority of people posting needed to watch the video again.

Most parents feel judged, and not just judged about bottle feeding vs breastfeeding.  Parents are made to feel that their choices are not good enough, from how often you get up with your kids, when you start potty training, when your kids start to walk and to bring it full circle -to Free Range Parenting vs. Helicopter Parenting.  Stop it already.

Peace out peeps.