ABOUT ME
I have always had a deep respect for children, even as a young adult. After completing my degree in Early Childhood Developmeny, I developed a methodology to teach young children how to read and play music. Even very young children. For the next 10 years I ran a very busy and very happy music academy for children. I brought on other educators and developed even more educational programs for guitar, for babies and toddlers and a pre instrument music learning program. At its peak my academy had 120 students and three educators.
Then I had my son, and scaled right back. Even though I had years of experience working with children as well as degree in child development, having a child of your own is something I still felt unprepared for. I still had so many doubts and worried constantly if I was doing the right things.
The most difficult and unexpected part was discipline but most importantly reconciling what I knew in my heart was not what I wanted to do, expectations of society (especially family members).
Then I stumbled upon gentle parenting and a I knew immediately that I had been right all along. Connection was the key.
So began my journey into what I call respectful parenting. Why respectful parenting rather than gentle parenting. In gentle parenting I often don’t agree with the sometimes, too permissive parenting dynamic. Respectful parenting has more meaning and weight behind it. Respect is given and received by BOTH the child and the parent. This is a very important distinction.