Parenting is an individual journey, different for every family. At Decade2Connect, we support parents on a weekly basis to help them understand their parenting style through the lens of Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). Once you understand your parenting and emotional approach, you can begin to cater your parenting skills to that.
To help parents begin, we’ve provided the “Parenting Styles” as described through the EFFT lens. This is a very high-level introduction into parenting conversations using animal metaphors – relatable and lighthearted for everyone. Read the descriptions to decide which you resonate with most.
Parenting Styles
What’s your go-to?
Kangaroo
Characteristics
- Overprotective
- Rescuer
- Problem Solver
Rhino
Characteristics
- Pushes for change and growth
- Directive
- Charge through
- Gives advice and debates
Dolphin
Characteristics
Balance of Warmth and Direction
Just enough direction:
- Sometimes leading, sometimes following
- Support from side
Emotional Style
What’s your go-to?
Jellyfish
Characteristics
- Overwhelmed by emotions
- Openly distressed
- Can be uncertain
Ostrich
Characteristics
- May avoid seeing emotions
- Not seeing the situation as problematic
- Avoids own emotions or emotions of others
Saint Bernard
Characteristics
Balance of emotion – warmth and calm
- Supportive
- Conveys interest
- Affirming
- Calm
If you’d like additional tips and tools for parenting, check out Decade2Connect today!
