When it comes to parenting styles, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Every parent has their own way of raising their children. One such parent is Emma, a 38-year-old woman who reached out to us at Bright Side to share her unique parenting style and seek advice from other parents who might have faced similar situations.

Emma made a conscious decision to break the cycle of strict parenting that existed in her own family. Growing up under the authoritarian rule of her parents had a negative impact on her mental well-being, causing anxiety and affecting her self-esteem. She didn’t want her son, Georgie, to go through the same hardships. She believes in creating a nurturing environment for him, prioritizing love, respect, and open communication.

One aspect of Emma’s approach to parenting is not forcing her son to apologize or say thank you and please. She believes that forcing children to apologize, even if they don’t truly mean it, teaches them to be fake. Instead, Emma instills empathy in Georgie without demanding false apologies. She allows him the time and space to reflect on his actions and understand the consequences. This approach helps Georgie develop genuine empathy and learn from his mistakes.

Emma faced criticism when she chose not to force Georgie to apologize after he pushed another child at the playground. Instead, she personally apologized to the child and hoped that her son would learn acceptable behavior from her example. However, another parent was unhappy with this approach and labeled Emma a “bad and irresponsible mother.”

Despite the positive results she has seen from her parenting methods, Emma constantly faces criticism from her husband and others. This has made her question her decisions. She seeks advice from the Bright Side audience and wants to know what they think about her approach.

It’s important to remember that there is no one right way to parent. Different methods work for different families. What matters most is creating a loving and supportive environment for our children, where they can learn and grow. As parents, we should trust our instincts and do what we believe is best for our children, even if it goes against societal norms.

Parenting is all about finding a balance between discipline and understanding. It’s about teaching our children empathy and helping them navigate the world with kindness and respect. Let’s support each other in our parenting journeys and create a community where different perspectives are valued.