What is respectful parenting

It's easy to confuse respectful parenting with permissive parenting. But they have nothing to do with it. So, what?what is respectful parenting?

Respectful parenting is not a fad. It is not about letting children do what they want, nor is it synonymous with overprotection.

Respectful parenting is treating children with the same respect, empathy, and dignity that we treat (or should treat) adults.

It is increasingly clear to us that EVERY person deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their beliefs, skin color, wherever they come from and whatever language they speak. We understand that each of us has our own experiences and opinions, that not everyone thinks and acts like us and this leads us to make an effort to understand each other and coexist in the best possible way.

However, when we talk about children, things change. We forget that they are people too. Smaller, with less experience and with specific characteristics, but also people. People who also deserve to be treated with respect at all times.

Educating should not be synonymous with yelling, punishing, ridiculing, blackmailing, manipulating, threatening, hitting or trying to be above them. You can educate from respect, with firmness and affection at the same time, validating their emotions instead of denying them; connecting before correcting them; setting the necessary limits, but also giving them their small plot of power. It is infinitely more effective, although also more tiring and difficult, since it involves a lot of personal work.

What is respectful parenting:

• Respectful parenting NO It is letting boys and girls do what they want. This is called permissiveness.
• Respectful parenting NO is to impose norms vertically using physical or psychological violence: threats, blackmail, punishments, humiliations… This is called authoritarianism.
• Respectful parenting proposes clear boundaries with respect and common sense, adapted to maturation moment of boys and girls. Limited options are offered to encourage autonomy and decision making.
• Respectful parenting sees he error as a learning opportunity. In the face of error, they look for solutions instead of guilty, letting them experience the natural consequences.