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Lighthouse Parenting is a style in which parents act as guides, providing support and guidance while trusting their children to explore, learn, and make mistakes. This approach focuses on understanding the child's environment and providing assistance when needed while allowing independence for growth. An important aspect of lighthouse parenting is that as children grow and change, parents must adapt to the child's evolving needs. Just like with children, this approach is flexible and takes into account different developmental stages. The basic idea of Lighthouse Parenting is as follows.
- Entry and interaction
- Balance between independence and direction
- Give children enough space to experience and learn from failure.
- Always there when you need help
- Increasing independence and flexibility
- It enables young people to make their own decisions and solve problems.
The benefits of lighthouse parenting include:
Helps develop coping strategies: This parenting style focuses on allowing children to experience problems and encouraging them to seek help when needed. Children gain the ability to manage their emotions and obstacles and are better prepared for greater challenges in the future.
Build friendships with support and encouragement: This parenting technique focuses on communication. Relationships are strengthened when children feel safe and can approach their parents without fear of judgment. When children see their parents as trustworthy people, their self-esteem increases.
Set Healthy Boundaries: Lighthouse parents allow their children to make decisions but also set boundaries for them. Children gain important life skills such as self-confidence and independence. Knowing that their parents believe in them gives them confidence and enables them to overcome challenges.
Lighthouse parenting challenges include:
Although this strategy has many advantages, it also has disadvantages. It is difficult for parents to step back and allow their children to experience hardship. Considering that failure is an essential part of learning, it requires patience and faith.
Some children may require more direct supervision due to their special needs or circumstances. Parents should use the Lighthouse Parenting Principles to determine whether intervention is necessary.