6.03.2009

What's Your Mothering Style?

A few days ago, I got this email from Babyzone (I subscribe to their newsletters since I was pregnant with my first child). I really enjoy browsing through their highly informative, well-designed site so I always recommend this to my expectant friends and parents like me. 

I don't usually answer quizzes or surveys, but this one made me quite curious about 'my style'. Surprisingly, I discovered a few things about me as a mom and how I deal with different situations on child-rearing. The results are quite accurate for me.

There are only 10 questions so it only took a few minutes to get to the results. Below are 3 Types defined by the site which generally describe mothering styles. Try the quiz or you can skip to the results below. I am a combination of Type 2 and 3. So which one are you?

1- You're the The Enforcer Mom, the type of mom who enjoys order and routine. You have clear expectations for your children and most likely your children understand the parameters which you've laid out. Logic, fairness, responsibility, and objectivity are important to you and you strive to teach your kids these traits. 

Pro: You are The Enforcer Mom and enjoy parenting your children with a firm but caring style. As a result, your children both love and respect you.


Con: Be careful to not alienate your child with too many rules or to quell creativity with too tight of a schedule. Balancing affection and discipline may be hard for Enforcer Moms.

Taking JT for a scheduled amusement park ride, as promised

2- You're The Independent Mom and love to give your children space and opportunities to grow and develop by themselves. You are most comfortable introducing things to your children and then letting them develop their own ideas and concepts without much influence from you.

Pro: Self-sufficiency, respect, and creativity are all important to you and chances are your children learn by the good example you set.

Con: It's important to balance the freedom you give your children with boundaries that they can understand. Be sure that you do set parameters for behavior and help your children understand what you expect from them. Discipline may be difficult for Independent Moms.

Picking local aratelis (?) berries from the park grounds

Rarely does he get his hands dirty, I was totally surprised with my boy digging through dry dirt!

3- As The Carefree Diplomat Mom
, you’re able to act as mediator as well as be creative and interactive with your children. Chances are you encourage child-led activities, but aren't averse to jumping in and playing, too.


Pro: You're fair and just and will use discipline when needed, but encourage your child to work things out on her own.


Con: Be sure to assert yourself as the adult. Creative Diplomat Moms may forget to separate themselves from their children, creating confusion as to just who's in charge.

Here's M, barely a year old, "trying on" some of my lip gloss


Playing horsey, with lots of hugs and kisses

Parenting styles differ as each child is unique. We have our own ideals and always want the best for our children. I've only been a mother for five and half years and I know I am just beginning to learn - it's a trial-and-error process. What works for one family may not be effective for others. But with everyting else, the support of our spouses, friends and family members (plus the vast resources and information available at a click of a button) are what's most important to make us well-equipped and confident to be the best parents to our children.

4 comments :

  1. thanks! Really trying hard...I still want to know how you do it with a full-time job + travel + G!

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  2. So lovely, that last picture! That really says it all...the joy of motherhood.

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  3. You made my day TWD! :) now I know my humble blog has other visitors (aside from my loyalists jen and tina, wink, wink!)- and you all have amazing sites. Hope you don't mind I added one of your works on my Raves feature. Thank you again for your feedback, and hope you drop by again soon -- cheers to motherhood!

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I appreciate your thoughts on this post. Thanks and do visit again!