When it comes to parenting, there are many different styles, each with its supporters. Some parents believe in being strict, while others are more relaxed and focus on being gentle and understanding.
Emma, one of our readers, belongs to the second category. She wrote to Usa-People to share her unique parenting style and to seek advice, as she often faces criticism for her methods.
Emma decided to break the cycle in her family. At 38 years old, she reached out to us with a heartfelt letter:
“Hello, Bright Side, I’ve always admired your platform as a place where people can freely express their opinions. In the past, I’ve often engaged with others’ posts, offering advice and sharing my perspectives. Now, I’m seeking opinions from your audience about my situation with my son.”
Emma began her story by saying, “My son, Georgie, is 8 years old. All my life, I knew I wanted children. When I found out I was pregnant, I decided to adopt a less adversarial style of parenting.”
The parenting style she chose was affected by her childhood.
Her decision came from a bitter personal experience. “Growing up under my parents’ strict rules, I understood the consequences of an authoritarian upbringing. It wasn’t just tough for me; it affected everyone in our household. The constant pressure led to anxiety, and my self-esteem suffered. My relationships with my parents were strained.”
“It took me years to realize the toll this environment had on my mental well-being. But as I grew older, I made a conscious effort to confront these challenges. It’s important to find a balance between discipline and understanding in raising children.
That’s why I want to create a nurturing environment for my son, one that prioritizes love, respect, and open communication. I don’t want him to go through the same hardships I did. However, my husband disagrees with this approach. He believes that Georgie should understand social norms and the consequences of his actions.”
