These are the parents who stand out – ticks that have stood the test of time, if you will. For better or for worse, some parenting styles are classic! We compiled this list of common types of parents, here in southeast Michigan and beyond. Take a look. Chances are, you know some people who fit the bill!
1. The worrier
What if Billy trips on his shoestring? What if the neighbor’s Chihuahua goes from friendly to ferocious? What if Susie gets muddy playing outside? All parents worry, and it’s natural – you want to make sure your child is OK! But some parents have a knack for worrying about, well, everything. From the mega-disasters to the minute meltdowns, these moms and dads keep us alert to any possible (if unlikely) dangers.
2. The loud and proud
We’ve all been there. Waiting for the kids to come out of school brings on a soliloquy about how their daughter has already started writing out her Harvard application – in eighth grade. A normal conversation may unintentionally turn into a one-upping match. “Your son can play ‘Chopsticks’ on the piano? My daughter just learned Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata.'” It’s good to be proud of your child’s accomplishments, and these parents want the entire world to know how great their child is.
3. The hover-parent
From touching up a third-grade art project to calling a teacher to complain about a bad grade, hover-parents are always right there behind their children. Experts say there are numerous reasons for hovering, such as trying to make up for time not spent with children, funneling energy from a spousal attachment for a stronger attachment to the child. Whatever the reason, these parents do their best to make sure their child never messes up or gets hurt.
4. The loosey-goosey
This parental philosophy seems to be: The fewer rules, the better. This hands-off approach to parenting lets children grow and discover the world for themselves without too many constraints. No curfew? No problem. As long as the children are safe and healthy, the loosey-goosies will pretty much let them do what they want.
5. The drill sergeant
In direct contrast, the sarg thrives on law and order. This parenting style takes a page right out of Captain von Trapp’s book – well, maybe minus the whistle calls and the sailor uniforms. Tightly scheduled activities, strict discipline and a non-arguable bedtime are the M.O., but it’s all to help the child grow up to be all he (or she) can be.
6. The frazzled frenzy
Where are the car keys? What time is volleyball practice? Did someone feed the dog? This hassled hurricane of a parent always seems to be juggling a million things at once. Getting the kids to all their activities on time, being home to talk to the plumber and meeting that last-minute project deadline – these moms and dads always manage to (somehow) keep it together.
7. The mellow mama and peaceful papa
On the other hand, these parents might have just as much to do, but they make it look so… easy! These walking zen gardens are always on time, always calm and clear-headed and never seem to have to work too hard to get things done perfectly. To the jealousy of most of the rest of us out there, these parents make multi-tasking look like a breeze.