How to Adjust Your Parenting Style as Kids Grow Older

Parenting is a confusing journey. Yes, it certainly is. In fact, it sometimes feels like you’re stuck amidst confusing pieces, but you always feel like there’s a missing screw. So, right when you’ve just aced up changing diapers and inconsistent sleep routines, your child grows up. And the parenting rules change! So how do you exactly adjust your parenting style constantly as your little one grows older?

Similar to how your child outgrows his clothes at lightning speed, so should you outgrow the parenting strategies that once worked. Of course, what worked for your child when he was 2 years old might not work when he turns 6 years old. The main challenges that arise here are growing and adapting your parenting approach with time to match your kids needs.

Read this interesting blog to learn how you can adjust your parenting style with time while your little ones are turning into amazing little beings.

The reality is—when your child is young, they depend on you for everything, from making them a strawberry jam sandwich to reassuring them there’s a monster under their bed. During these years, the need for a caring and supportive parenting style is necessary to shape your little one’s behavior and values in the long run. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, children who experience consistent, loving caregiving in the first five years of life showcase better emotional and social skills. That’s right!

But the fact is, what works during these years may not necessarily work when your child turns older.

This is the golden age when your child still thinks you’re cool. This is because they haven’t yet entered their teenage melodrama. During this age, children tend to seek more independence, which may feel like a balancing act since you may want to give them the freedom but don’t want to turn them into little monsters.

Here comes the need to teach them the importance of making decisions and managing responsibilities. This is where the role of a flexible parenting style comes in. The key is to start giving them opportunities to make choices instead of micromanaging every little thing in their life.

Whether it's letting them pick their after-school activities or seeking input about a family trip, studies state that giving autonomy and choice at this stage results in developing better problem-solving skills and self-confidence.

But don’t forget to set boundaries. Of course, you can let your 10-year-old choose their bedtime on weekends, but you still maintain control during school nights. After all, a balance is essential.

Teenage is certainly the time when parents go from being the favorites to the villains. Its natural progression phase is where they desperately want to be adults but lack guidance. And this is where your parenting skills are truly tested.

And you need to turn from dictator to a consultant.

The truth is—teenagers seek the freedom to make their own decisions, experience consequences, and learn from their own mistakes.

Helicopter parenting isn't the way to go, however. This is because teens who feel suffocated by overbearing parents are more likely to rebel and engage in risky behavior. The secret is to stay involved without poking too much.

Moreover, this approach lets your teen know that you trust their judgment, but you’re still there to guide them whenever they need it.

Growth is a two-way street for both the parent and the kid. Therefore, adjusting your parenting style as your child grows older is as important as focusing on how your kids need to grow. The key is to reflect what’s actually working and what’s not. From nurturing little ones to guiding teenagers, your role as a parent is constantly changing. Flexibility, support, and understanding are what you need to master the skills of parenting in this ever-changing parenting journey.