Thursday, 13 August 2015

Slow Parenting

  1. Slow parenting (also called simplicity parenting) is a parenting style in which few activities are organised for children. Instead, they are allowed to explore the world at their own pace
I don't watch a lot of TV but of late I have come across a few great shows recently and last night on the ABC I watched a documentary about slow parenting called Frantic Family Rescue which you watch here until August 25th.  The show was lead by Carl Honore  and he is in the business of selling slow.  He encouraged 3 family to cut back on all structured activities for their kids (bar one), ditch all screens for a month (parents could keep their mobile phones during the day and do alternative activities together as a family.

  1. Image result for slow

The symbol above is one of the 12 priciples of permaculture "Use Small and Slow Solutions"
and while it may not directly relate to parenting I think it is a reminder that excessiveness (not really a word I know) in any aspect of our lives is unhealthy and means that we loose balance in other areas.
I am not a parent so I do not judge anyone for their choices but I firmly believe kids need time to be kids, unstructured time where they can exercise their imaginations and take small risks to help them become more confident people.  If their time is fully structured they miss out on the opportunity to develop these skills.

 Do you practice slow parenting?
Did you the the show the other night?

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4 comments:

  1. Kathy13 August 2015 at 12:16

    I didn't see the show but I am interested to watch it. I have to admit my kids have the least amount of activities of any our friends and to be honest a lot of it comes down to money but also it comes down to "why do they have to do so much". I like my kids to come home and jump on the trampoline or ride their scooters....I'm all for slow parenting and kids having to use their imaginations. Some of my friends have their kids at school at 6.30 am and not home until 6.30 pm and they are the same age as my kids.........seriously for me personally I'm glad we are not doing that. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane

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    1. Fiona from Arbordale Farm17 August 2015 at 19:04

      Kathy How great that your kids have the ability to just free play time most days. I think it is great for kids to have the opportunity to do activities they love but it should not be a list a mile long and take up all their free time.

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  2. Unknown13 August 2015 at 21:06

    I was forced to slow parent. Aspies dont like to be over scheduled. One thing every few days if you are lucky. Dont plan too far ahead or surprise them. Let them know what you thinking and let them (im including my hubby in this) come into it gradually. Plant little seeds of reminders and encouragement and by the time it comes around they are ready. It is the worst thing when you have done all this and someone thoughtlessly cancels. Its like the floor falls away. Always but always follow through on a promise. They have excellent memories.

    I too have watched children have multiple activities everyday and believe me the parent pay big time. It cant be sustained and it just results in burnout, illness or bad behaviour.

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    1. Fiona from Arbordale Farm17 August 2015 at 19:05

      Lynda that is a good point that not all kids enjoy doing lots of things and as you point out for an Aspie it would be bad for their health and well being.

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