Bellamys Organic. Understanding your child’s imaginative play
You may have seen my post on Facebook a few weeks ago. Embarrassing Mummy Moments: I had rushed my daughter ...
Read MoreImportant notice to customers — product packaging changesLearn More
NEW FOOD PACKAGING IN STORE NOW
From August 2018, customers will notice our rebranded food packaging start to appear on shelf in all major stockists.
We are excited to announce our new packaging will start to appear on shelf from August 2018. This transition to new packaging will occur over a number of months. During this time there will be a mix of current and new packaging on shelf.
There are no major changes to these products, in some instances there is a small name change or slight recipe improvement, see below for the full details.
Products purchased via the website will be delivered to customers in our old packaging until the end of October. From November, products ordered from the website will be delivered in the new packaging.
Please note, our Infant Formula packaging will not be rebranded until later in 2019.
For any questions, connect with our team of accredited practising Dietitians on +61 3 6332 9200
Product name changes
Every parent will tell you that raising a child is never easy and that parenting is a skill you’ll learn and adapt as you go along. However, there are some parenting styles that focus on different outcomes and create different relationships with your child than others. Sticking to the most effective style that works for your child can make parenting easier.
Different parenting styles influence how a child develops and socialises, how they adapt to different teaching approaches and their interactions in the classroom. There are a variety of different names for these various styles, such as authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and uninvolved. More recently, more descriptive labels such as helicopter, dolphin, tiger, jellyfish and free-range have become more popular.
Most parents will find a balance between the different styles, or may adopt one style for some issues and another for other issues. This is because parenting is not one-sided. It is dynamic and interactive, and will almost definitely change with each child and situation.
Which of these styles of parenting best describes your approach?
Authoritarian parents are highly organised and place a high value on things being a certain way. They provide well-ordered, structured environments with clearly stated rules. In an authoritarian household, parents make most of the important decisions for their children with less discussion between the two.
Tigers are authoritarian parents who aim to foster an academically competitive spirit in their children. This means that academic prowess is considered more of an achievement than, say, excelling in sports. Children who grow up in this environment tend to be highly focused and goal-oriented.
A more subtle form of authoritarian parenting is the helicopter style. Helicopter parents tend to ‘hover’ over their child, and are often as invested in their successes and failures as the child themself. Helicopter children are more quick to check with their parent on their activities and choices than other kids may be.
At the other end of the spectrum to authoritarian parents are the indulgent or permissive parenting styles. Also more recently known as jellyfish or free-range styles, parents either choose this style consciously or fall into it by default. Their kids are encouraged to think for themselves, avoid inhibitions, and make their own decisions. These parents tend to make a concentrated effort not to stifle their child’s creativity, and so do not provide a set structure or firm household rules.
These children may be less prepared once they enter a formal education setting, but they tend to have well-developed social skills that allow them to connect well with their peers.
Somewhere between these styles is attachment parenting, also known as natural or instinctive parenting. Attachment parenting is embedded in the philosophy that the way an infant connects with its mother is the basis for future relationships and their sense of self-worth and security.
Authoritative parenting is a mix of these three parenting styles. Though it sounds similar to authoritarian, these parenting styles are quite different. Authoritative parents set clear boundaries for their children, but are receptive to the personality and nature of their individual child. They retain control, but still expect mature behaviour from their children. These parents are assertive, but not intrusive or restrictive.
In an authoritative household, discipline tends to be more supportive rather than punitive. Among their peers, these kids tend to show a higher level of maturity when first reaching school.
This term was made popular by psychiatrist Dr. Shimi Kang in her book titled, The Dolphin Way: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy and Motivated Kids — Without Turning Into a Tiger. The dolphin is a particular style of authoritative parent who acts as a firm but flexible guide to their child. Dolphins trust their instincts as parents, and allow kids to become adaptable, develop a sense of community, and become constructive, creative thinkers. Engaging often in play with their children, they promote a sense of happiness and well-being in the family.