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{{Short description|Parenting style}}

{{refimprove|date=June 2013}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}


'''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. It is a response to [[concerted cultivation]] and the widespread trend for parents to schedule [[after-school activity|activities and classes after school]]; to solve problems on behalf of the children, and to buy services from commercial suppliers rather than letting nature take its course.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
'''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. It is a response to [[concerted cultivation]] and the widespread trend for parents to schedule [[after-school activity|activities and classes after school]]; to solve problems on behalf of the children, and to buy services from commercial suppliers rather than letting nature take its course.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
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==Goals==
==Goals==
Slow parenting aims for the goal of allowing children to be happy and satisfied with their own achievements, even though this may not make them the wealthiest or most famous.
Slow parenting aims for the goal of allowing children to be happy and satisfied with their own achievements, even though this may not make them the wealthiest or most famous.
These parents suggest that children of other parents are unable to cope with the unpredictability of the real world, either expecting their [[helicopter parent]]s to intervene, or complaining about unfairness. They may not even understand who they are themselves until much later in adulthood.<ref name="priceofprivilege">{{cite book | last = Levine | first = Madeline | title = The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids | publisher = [[Harper Collins]] | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-0-06-059584-5 | pages = 256 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/priceofprivilege00levi }}</ref><ref name="idleparentbook"/>
These parents suggest that children of other parents are unable to cope with the unpredictability of the real world, either expecting their [[helicopter parent]]s to intervene, or complaining about unfairness. They may not even understand who they are themselves until much later in adulthood.<ref name="priceofprivilege">{{cite book | last = Levine | first = Madeline | title = The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids | publisher = [[HarperCollins]] | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-0-06-059584-5 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/priceofprivilege00levi/page/256 256] | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/priceofprivilege00levi/page/256 }}</ref><ref name="idleparentbook"/>


===Play===
===Play===
[[Play (activity)|Play]] is a natural part of childhood, which allows young people to explore and discover at their own pace. Children invest 15% of their energy in playing<ref name="underpressure"/>{{rp|54}} demonstrating their natural inclination and the evolutionary benefit. Children have a natural skill for playing and exploring in a way that is appropriate. Other mammals also play in developing their own skills in a realistic but less dangerous environment. However, formal learning is more beneficial from the age of six.<ref name="underpressure"/>{{rp|64}} Toys, technology and an adult-imposed educational curriculum are not required, according to the philosophy.
[[Play (activity)|Play]] is a natural part of childhood, which allows young people to explore and discover at their own pace. Children invest 15% of their energy into play<ref name="underpressure"/>{{rp|54}}. Children have a natural skill for playing and exploring in a way that is appropriate. Other mammals also play in developing their own skills in a realistic but less dangerous environment. However, formal learning is more beneficial from the age of six.<ref name="underpressure"/>{{rp|64}} Toys, technology and an adult-imposed educational curriculum are not required, according to the philosophy.


===Television===
===Television===
In general, slow parenting does not advocate watching television. Television is not interactive; a person can watch it with little thinking and no action. It can occupy an enormous amount of time, and some programs are even inappropriate for children. At the same time, it is often created by commercial interests with minimal investment in the program content and a maximum of advertising. The [[Social aspects of television]] are widely discussed and often considered to be negative. Introducing children to television (including families watching it together) is a recommendation to continue this lifestyle, and a discouragement to any other play or activity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Postman|first=Neil|author-link=Neil Postman|year=1985|title=Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business|publisher=Penguin|location= USA|isbn=0-670-80454-1}}</ref>
In general, slow parenting does not advocate watching television. Television is not interactive; a person can watch it with little thinking and no action. It can occupy an enormous amount of time, and some programs are even inappropriate for children. At the same time, it is often created by commercial interests with minimal investment in the program content and a maximum of advertising. The [[social aspects of television]] are widely discussed and often considered to be negative. Introducing children to television (including families watching it together) is a recommendation to continue this lifestyle, and a discouragement to any other play or activity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Postman|first=Neil|author-link=Neil Postman|year=1985|title=Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business|publisher=Penguin|location= USA|isbn=0-670-80454-1}}</ref>


It is believed that television advertisements often encourage people further into [[consumerism]] by promoting expensive objects which are often unnecessary and ultimately unsatisfying (a satisfied customer may not need to make further purchases). The presentation of these to people who are tired or not concentrating is a further risk to their behavioural development.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
It is believed that television advertisements often encourage people further into [[consumerism]] by promoting expensive objects which are often unnecessary and ultimately unsatisfying (a satisfied customer may not need to make further purchases). The presentation of these to people who are tired or not concentrating is a further risk to their behavioural development.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
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===Safety===
===Safety===
Everyday life does contain risk. Slow parenting advocates{{who|date=April 2015}} would argue that in order to develop a healthy understanding of that, children must be allowed to face risks.<ref name="nofear">{{cite book| title=No fear: Growing up in a Risk Averse Society| first=Tim| last=Gill| year=2007| publisher=Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation| page=81| isbn=978-1-903080-08-5| url=http://www.gulbenkian.org.uk/media/item/1266/223/No-fear-19.12.07.pdf| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306114126/http://gulbenkian.org.uk/media/item/1266/223/No-fear-19.12.07.pdf| archivedate=6 March 2009| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Everyday life does contain risk. Slow parenting advocates{{who|date=April 2015}} would argue that in order to develop a healthy understanding of that, children must be allowed to face risks.<ref name="nofear">{{cite book| title=No fear: Growing up in a Risk Averse Society| first=Tim| last=Gill| year=2007| publisher=Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation| page=81| isbn=978-1-903080-08-5| url=http://www.gulbenkian.org.uk/media/item/1266/223/No-fear-19.12.07.pdf| url-status=dead| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306114126/http://gulbenkian.org.uk/media/item/1266/223/No-fear-19.12.07.pdf| archivedate=6 March 2009}}</ref>


Because many parents have themselves been raised in a [[risk aversion|risk-averse]] way, Slow Parenting advocates{{who|date=April 2015}} would maintain that they are often unable to judge which risks are significant. For example, [[stranger danger]], a cornerstone of child "safety", has been criticized for allegedly assuming that all strangers are dangerous, and by negative inference that all familiar people are safe.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}
Because many parents have themselves been raised in a [[risk aversion|risk-averse]] way, Slow Parenting advocates{{who|date=April 2015}} would maintain that they are often unable to judge which risks are significant. For example, [[stranger danger]], a cornerstone of child "safety", has been criticized for allegedly assuming that all strangers are dangerous, and by negative inference that all familiar people are safe.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}


An [[open letter]] by more than one hundred leading pediatricians, academics, and authors, published in [[The Daily Telegraph]], highlighted how a fast-paced and consumerist lifestyle has emphasized the fear of physical harm and the subsequent emotional and social damage to children.<ref>{{cite news|title=Modern life leads to more depression among children|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528639/Modern-life-leads-to-more-depression-among-children.html|publisher=[[the ''Daily Telegraph''|The Telegraph]]|date=12 September 2006}}</ref> The newspaper then [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/yourview/1528660/What-is-to-blame-for-the-death-of-childhood.html invited responses from the public] and received nearly 120 pro-slow parenting responses within days. These highlighted frequent assessment, political interference, junk food, television, compulsory schooling, distrust of teachers, and many other areas.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} Some suggested [[Forest school]]s and other adventure activities, while many proposed less political interference with schools.
An [[open letter]] by more than one hundred leading pediatricians, academics, and authors, published in ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', highlighted how a fast-paced and consumerist lifestyle has emphasized the fear of physical harm and the subsequent emotional and social damage to children.<ref>{{cite news|title=Modern life leads to more depression among children|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1528639/Modern-life-leads-to-more-depression-among-children.html|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=12 September 2006}}</ref> The newspaper then [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/yourview/1528660/What-is-to-blame-for-the-death-of-childhood.html invited responses from the public] and received nearly 120 pro-slow parenting responses within days. These highlighted frequent assessment, political interference, junk food, television, compulsory schooling, distrust of teachers, and many other areas.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} Some suggested [[Forest school]]s and other adventure activities, while many proposed less political interference with schools.


===Family===
===Family===
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==Synonyms and variations==
==Synonyms and variations==
{{refimprove section|date=June 2013}}
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2013}}
The idea of slow parenting has been repeated by many authors and commentators, many of whom have attached their own names. A few are briefly reviewed below:
The idea of slow parenting has been repeated by many authors and commentators, many of whom have attached their own names. A few are briefly reviewed below:


===Slow movement===
===Slow movement===
In his book ''Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From the Culture of Hyper-parenting'',<ref name="underpressure">{{cite book|title=Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From The Culture of Hyper-Parenting|first=Carl|last=Honoré|publisher=Orion|year=2008|isbn=978-0-7528-7531-6}}</ref> [[Carl Honoré]] describes a measured and caring way of stepping back and letting our children face the world themselves. Parts of ''UP'' have been serialised<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3355928/Slow-parenting-part-two-hey-parents-leave-those-kids-alone.html|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|date=25 March 2008|first=Carl|last=Honoré|title=Slow parenting part two: hey, parents, leave those kids alone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3355933/Slow-parenting-part-three-let-babies-learn-to-think-for-themselves.html|title=Slow parenting part three: let babies learn to think for themselves|publisher=the ''Daily Telegraph''|date=26 March 2008|first=Carl|last=Honoré}}</ref> in the ''Daily Telegraph''. The author has previously written about the [[Slow movement (culture)|Slow Movement]] in his book ''In Praise of Slowness''.
In his book ''Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From the Culture of Hyper-parenting'',<ref name="underpressure">{{cite book|title=Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From The Culture of Hyper-Parenting|first=Carl|last=Honoré|publisher=Orion|year=2008|isbn=978-0-7528-7531-6}}</ref> [[Carl Honoré]] describes a measured and caring way of stepping back and letting children face the world themselves. Parts of ''UP'' have been serialised<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3355928/Slow-parenting-part-two-hey-parents-leave-those-kids-alone.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=25 March 2008|first=Carl|last=Honoré|title=Slow parenting part two: hey, parents, leave those kids alone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/3355933/Slow-parenting-part-three-let-babies-learn-to-think-for-themselves.html|title=Slow parenting part three: let babies learn to think for themselves|journal=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 March 2008|first=Carl|last=Honoré}}</ref> in the ''Daily Telegraph''. The author has previously written about the [[Slow movement (culture)|Slow Movement]] in his book ''In Praise of Slowness''.


Honoré steps through the stages of adult intervention in childhood, arguing that many adults drive their children towards goals they have chosen but which are often not suitable. The freedom to play is repeatedly endorsed, with Honoré providing examples that he believes shows that interfering in this often makes less effective use of their time, and damages their development. He highlights some particular educational techniques, such as the [[Reggio Emilia approach]] and [[Forest kindergarten]]s, notably the [[Secret Garden (outdoor nursery)|Secret Garden]] in Scotland, where the mature attitude to risk is contrasted with the health-and-safety mentality that is more generally taken. Within school, testing and homework are singled out for criticism, while after-school activities are thought to take time away from more enjoyable times. Even sports, which are basically enjoyable and healthy, become detrimental when adults impose their focus on winning.
Honoré steps through the stages of adult intervention in childhood, arguing that many adults drive their children towards goals they have chosen but which are often not suitable. The freedom to play is repeatedly endorsed, with Honoré providing examples that he believes shows that interfering in this often makes less effective use of their time, and damages their development. He highlights some particular educational techniques, such as the [[Reggio Emilia approach]] and [[Forest kindergarten]]s, notably the [[Secret Garden (outdoor nursery)|Secret Garden]] in Scotland, where the mature attitude to risk is contrasted with the health-and-safety mentality that is more generally taken. Within school, testing and homework are singled out for criticism, while after-school activities are thought to take time away from more enjoyable times. Even sports, which are basically enjoyable and healthy, become detrimental when adults impose their focus on winning.
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Risk aversion in [[helicopter parent]]s is said to leave children unable to handle risks.
Risk aversion in [[helicopter parent]]s is said to leave children unable to handle risks.


In her book ''Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents'',<ref name="Conscious Parenting">{{cite book|title=Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents|first=Natasa Nuit|last=Pantovic|publisher=Artof4Elements|year=2015|isbn=978-99957-54-04-4}}</ref> Natasa Nuit Pantovic describes the negative social aspects of modern technologies that discourage any other play or activity.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130303/health-fitness/inspired-or-lost-in-the-technology-matrix.460358|publisher=Malta Sunday Times|date= March 2013|first=Natasa Nuit|last=Pantovic|title=Inspired or lost in the technology matrix}}</ref>
In her book ''Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents'',<ref name="Conscious Parenting">{{cite book|title=Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents|first=Nataša |last=Pantović|publisher=Artof4Elements|year=2015|isbn=978-99957-54-04-4}}</ref> Nataša Pantović describes the negative social aspects of modern technologies that discourage any other play or activity.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130303/health-fitness/inspired-or-lost-in-the-technology-matrix.460358|journal=Malta Sunday Times|date= March 2013|first=Nataša|last=Pantović|title=Inspired or lost in the technology matrix}}</ref>


Within her Conscious Parenting Book explaining the importance of Free Play Nuit says: “Children learn intuitively, perceiving the subtle inner relationships observing nature. Free creative play is an invaluable gift that children need to start properly relating to the outside world. Exploring, experiencing and imitating the world of grown-us through free play, children are given a chance to unconsciously learn and emotionally mature through their own games. Too much of today’s learning is structured, children are ‘directed’, ‘instructed’ and carefully ‘followed’ at all times, so they do not have a chance to experience learning through unobstructed observation. Children have deep devotion to life and this devotion is beautifully expressed through the free play..<ref name="Pantovic, N. 2015">{{cite book|last1=Pantovic|first1=Natasa Nuit|title=Conscious Parenting |date=2015|publisher=Artof4elements Publications|isbn=9789995754044|url=https://books.google.com.mt/books?id=JNy2BgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=conscious+parenting&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=conscious%20parenting&f=false}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.artof4elements.com/entry/106/rhythm-intuition-and-freedom|publisher=Artof4Elements|date= May 2015|first=Natasa Nuit|last=Pantovic|title=The Importance of Rhythm, Intuition and Freedom}}</ref> The author has previously published 5 Mindfulness Books within Serial called: Alchemy of Love Mindfulness Training.
Within her Conscious Parenting Book explaining the importance of Free Play Nataša says: "Children learn intuitively, perceiving the subtle inner relationships observing nature. Free creative play is an invaluable gift that children need to start properly relating to the outside world. Exploring, experiencing and imitating the world of grown-us through free play, children are given a chance to unconsciously learn and emotionally mature through their own games. Too much of today’s learning is structured, children are 'directed', 'instructed' and carefully 'followed' at all times, so they do not have a chance to experience learning through unobstructed observation. Children have deep devotion to life and this devotion is beautifully expressed through the free play"..<ref name="Pantovic, N. 2015">{{cite book|last1=Pantovic|first1=Nataša |title=Conscious Parenting |date=2015|publisher=Artof4elements Publications|isbn=9789995754044|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JNy2BgAAQBAJ&q=conscious+parenting}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.artof4elements.com/entry/106/rhythm-intuition-and-freedom|publisher=Artof4Elements|date= May 2015|first=Nataša|last=Pantović|title=The Importance of Rhythm, Intuition and Freedom}}</ref> The author has previously published 5 Mindfulness Books within Serial called: AoL Mindfulness Training.


Nuit researches and supports the Finish educational model where schools testing and homework are discouraged and where competition is not emphasized.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120415/education/Education-of-the-future|publisher=Malta Sunday Times|date= April 2012|first=Natasa Nuit|last=Pantovic|title=Education of the Future}}</ref> In her article ‘Create Freedom in the Learning Environment’:<ref>{{cite journal|url= http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130707/education/Create-freedom-in-the-learning-environment |publisher=Malta Sunday Times|date= July 2013|first=Natasa Nuit|last=Pantovic|title=Create Freedom in the Learning Environment}}</ref> Nuit says: “Children need to feel our love at all times; our love gives them confidence that they are heard, that they are present, and that they matter. A warm, loving and gentle environment is absorbed unconsciously and it gives children a wonderful start to life.
Nataša researches and supports the Finnish educational model where schools testing and homework are discouraged and where competition is not emphasized.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120415/education/Education-of-the-future|journal=Malta Sunday Times|date= April 2012|first=Nataša |last=Pantović|title=Education of the Future}}</ref> In her article 'Create Freedom in the Learning Environment':<ref>{{cite journal|url= http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130707/education/Create-freedom-in-the-learning-environment |journal=Malta Sunday Times|date= July 2013|first=Nataša |last=Pantović|title=Create Freedom in the Learning Environment}}</ref> Nuit says: "Children need to feel our love at all times; our love gives them confidence that they are heard, that they are present, and that they matter. A warm, loving and gentle environment is absorbed unconsciously and it gives children a wonderful start to life".


===The idle parent===
===The idle parent===
''The Idle Parent''<ref name="idleparentbook">{{cite book|url=http://idler.co.uk/news/the-idle-parent/|title=The Idle Parent: Why Less Means More When Raising Kids|first=Tom|last=Hodgkinson |year=2009 |publisher=Hamish Hamilton |isbn=978-0-241-14373-5 |pages=233 }}</ref> by [[Tom Hodgkinson]] in 2009 is an alternative to over-parenting. It has also been serialised in a newspaper column in the ''Daily Telegraph''.<ref name="idleparentarticle">{{Cite journal|last=Hodgkinson|first=Tom|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/familyadvice/3355719/Idle-parenting-means-happy-children.html|title=Idle parenting means happy children|publisher=the ''Daily Telegraph''|date=16 February 2008}}</ref> The central premise is that children can take care of themselves most of the time, and that the parents would be happier if they spent more time taking care of themselves too. Hodgkinson's idle parenting "does not refer to slobbing out or giving up, but rather to letting go, going with the flow, a wise and merry detachment. It is, in Aldous Huxley's phrase, an 'active resignation'."<ref name="idleparentbook" />{{rp|46}} IP does not have to be costly: Many activities are free, such as lighting a fire; while others are cheap, such as buying 10-year-old video tapes from [[charity shop]]s.
''The Idle Parent''<ref name="idleparentbook">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/idleparentwhyles0000hodg/page/233 |title=The Idle Parent: Why Less Means More When Raising Kids |first=Tom |last=Hodgkinson |year=2009 |publisher=Hamish Hamilton |isbn=978-0-241-14373-5 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/idleparentwhyles0000hodg/page/233 233] }}</ref> by [[Tom Hodgkinson]] in 2009 is an alternative to over-parenting. It has also been serialised in a newspaper column in the ''Daily Telegraph''.<ref name="idleparentarticle">{{Cite journal|last=Hodgkinson|first=Tom|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/familyadvice/3355719/Idle-parenting-means-happy-children.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122055623/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/familyadvice/3355719/Idle-parenting-means-happy-children.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2009|title=Idle parenting means happy children|journal=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 February 2008}}</ref> The central premise is that children can take care of themselves most of the time, and that the parents would be happier if they spent more time taking care of themselves too. Hodgkinson's idle parenting "does not refer to slobbing out or giving up, but rather to letting go, going with the flow, a wise and merry detachment. It is, in Aldous Huxley's phrase, an 'active resignation'."<ref name="idleparentbook" />{{rp|46}} IP does not have to be costly: Many activities are free, such as lighting a fire; while others are cheap, such as buying 10-year-old [[video tape]]s from [[charity shop]]s.


Alongside the jests about how much children like to work, and so should be returned to Victorian workhouses, are points about letting children try to make their own breakfast (while the parents sleep), or camping in a field instead of going to an "antiseptic children's fun palace". The Idle Parent constantly moderates its zeal, for example in how completely to ban the use of television, against the excess of the [[Puritan]]s.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
Alongside the jests about how much children like to work, and so should be returned to Victorian workhouses, are points about letting children try to make their own breakfast (while the parents sleep), or camping in a field instead of going to an "antiseptic children's fun palace". The Idle Parent constantly moderates its zeal, for example in how completely to ban the use of television, against the excess of the [[Puritan]]s.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}
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*[[Helicopter parent]] (opposite)
*[[Helicopter parent]] (opposite)
*[[Concerted cultivation]] (opposite)
*[[Concerted cultivation]] (opposite)
*[[Slow living]]
*[[Slow movement (culture)|Slow Movement]]
*[[Slow movement (culture)|Slow Movement]]
*[[The Price of Privilege]]
*[[The Price of Privilege]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>


{{Parenting}}
{{Parenting}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2011}}


[[Category:Parenting]]
[[Category:Parenting]]

Revision as of 18:05, 9 July 2024

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. It is a response to concerted cultivation and the widespread trend for parents to schedule activities and classes after school; to solve problems on behalf of the children, and to buy services from commercial suppliers rather than letting nature take its course.[citation needed]

The philosophy, stemming at least partially from the Slow Movement, makes recommendations in play, toys, access to nature and scheduled activities. The opposing view is that such children are disadvantaged because their parents do not provide as many learning opportunities.[citation needed]

Goals

Slow parenting aims for the goal of allowing children to be happy and satisfied with their own achievements, even though this may not make them the wealthiest or most famous. These parents suggest that children of other parents are unable to cope with the unpredictability of the real world, either expecting their helicopter parents to intervene, or complaining about unfairness. They may not even understand who they are themselves until much later in adulthood.[1][2]

Play

Play is a natural part of childhood, which allows young people to explore and discover at their own pace. Children invest 15% of their energy into play[3]: 54 . Children have a natural skill for playing and exploring in a way that is appropriate. Other mammals also play in developing their own skills in a realistic but less dangerous environment. However, formal learning is more beneficial from the age of six.[3]: 64  Toys, technology and an adult-imposed educational curriculum are not required, according to the philosophy.

Television

In general, slow parenting does not advocate watching television. Television is not interactive; a person can watch it with little thinking and no action. It can occupy an enormous amount of time, and some programs are even inappropriate for children. At the same time, it is often created by commercial interests with minimal investment in the program content and a maximum of advertising. The social aspects of television are widely discussed and often considered to be negative. Introducing children to television (including families watching it together) is a recommendation to continue this lifestyle, and a discouragement to any other play or activity.[4]

It is believed that television advertisements often encourage people further into consumerism by promoting expensive objects which are often unnecessary and ultimately unsatisfying (a satisfied customer may not need to make further purchases). The presentation of these to people who are tired or not concentrating is a further risk to their behavioural development.[citation needed]

However, it is recognised that television is a convenient baby-sitter, and that some programs are enjoyable (The Idle Parent contains a list of the author's favourites[2]). Choices might include watching only ten-year-old pre-recorded video tapes, or watching broadcast television with children and giving a real-time commentary on the content and its message.

Safety

Everyday life does contain risk. Slow parenting advocates[who?] would argue that in order to develop a healthy understanding of that, children must be allowed to face risks.[5]

Because many parents have themselves been raised in a risk-averse way, Slow Parenting advocates[who?] would maintain that they are often unable to judge which risks are significant. For example, stranger danger, a cornerstone of child "safety", has been criticized for allegedly assuming that all strangers are dangerous, and by negative inference that all familiar people are safe.[citation needed]

An open letter by more than one hundred leading pediatricians, academics, and authors, published in The Daily Telegraph, highlighted how a fast-paced and consumerist lifestyle has emphasized the fear of physical harm and the subsequent emotional and social damage to children.[6] The newspaper then invited responses from the public and received nearly 120 pro-slow parenting responses within days. These highlighted frequent assessment, political interference, junk food, television, compulsory schooling, distrust of teachers, and many other areas.[citation needed] Some suggested Forest schools and other adventure activities, while many proposed less political interference with schools.

Family

Spending time with children is always recommended for parents. The book The Price of Privilege finds that eating dinner together as a family is an indicator of good psychological health.[1] Tom Hodgkinson's ideal scenario is to be near his children, although not too near.[2]

Synonyms and variations

The idea of slow parenting has been repeated by many authors and commentators, many of whom have attached their own names. A few are briefly reviewed below:

Slow movement

In his book Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From the Culture of Hyper-parenting,[3] Carl Honoré describes a measured and caring way of stepping back and letting children face the world themselves. Parts of UP have been serialised[7][8] in the Daily Telegraph. The author has previously written about the Slow Movement in his book In Praise of Slowness.

Honoré steps through the stages of adult intervention in childhood, arguing that many adults drive their children towards goals they have chosen but which are often not suitable. The freedom to play is repeatedly endorsed, with Honoré providing examples that he believes shows that interfering in this often makes less effective use of their time, and damages their development. He highlights some particular educational techniques, such as the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest kindergartens, notably the Secret Garden in Scotland, where the mature attitude to risk is contrasted with the health-and-safety mentality that is more generally taken. Within school, testing and homework are singled out for criticism, while after-school activities are thought to take time away from more enjoyable times. Even sports, which are basically enjoyable and healthy, become detrimental when adults impose their focus on winning.

Consumerism, in particular the pester-power of toy advertising is said to push children and adults apart, converting their enthusiasm into a lust for costly and often useless goods.[citation needed]

Risk aversion in helicopter parents is said to leave children unable to handle risks.

In her book Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents,[9] Nataša Pantović describes the negative social aspects of modern technologies that discourage any other play or activity.[10]

Within her Conscious Parenting Book explaining the importance of Free Play Nataša says: "Children learn intuitively, perceiving the subtle inner relationships observing nature. Free creative play is an invaluable gift that children need to start properly relating to the outside world. Exploring, experiencing and imitating the world of grown-us through free play, children are given a chance to unconsciously learn and emotionally mature through their own games. Too much of today’s learning is structured, children are 'directed', 'instructed' and carefully 'followed' at all times, so they do not have a chance to experience learning through unobstructed observation. Children have deep devotion to life and this devotion is beautifully expressed through the free play"..[11][12] The author has previously published 5 Mindfulness Books within Serial called: AoL Mindfulness Training.

Nataša researches and supports the Finnish educational model where schools testing and homework are discouraged and where competition is not emphasized.[13] In her article 'Create Freedom in the Learning Environment':[14] Nuit says: "Children need to feel our love at all times; our love gives them confidence that they are heard, that they are present, and that they matter. A warm, loving and gentle environment is absorbed unconsciously and it gives children a wonderful start to life".

The idle parent

The Idle Parent[2] by Tom Hodgkinson in 2009 is an alternative to over-parenting. It has also been serialised in a newspaper column in the Daily Telegraph.[15] The central premise is that children can take care of themselves most of the time, and that the parents would be happier if they spent more time taking care of themselves too. Hodgkinson's idle parenting "does not refer to slobbing out or giving up, but rather to letting go, going with the flow, a wise and merry detachment. It is, in Aldous Huxley's phrase, an 'active resignation'."[2]: 46  IP does not have to be costly: Many activities are free, such as lighting a fire; while others are cheap, such as buying 10-year-old video tapes from charity shops.

Alongside the jests about how much children like to work, and so should be returned to Victorian workhouses, are points about letting children try to make their own breakfast (while the parents sleep), or camping in a field instead of going to an "antiseptic children's fun palace". The Idle Parent constantly moderates its zeal, for example in how completely to ban the use of television, against the excess of the Puritans.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Levine, Madeline (2006). The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids. HarperCollins. pp. 256. ISBN 978-0-06-059584-5.
  2. ^ a b c d e Hodgkinson, Tom (2009). The Idle Parent: Why Less Means More When Raising Kids. Hamish Hamilton. pp. 233. ISBN 978-0-241-14373-5.
  3. ^ a b c Honoré, Carl (2008). Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children From The Culture of Hyper-Parenting. Orion. ISBN 978-0-7528-7531-6.
  4. ^ Postman, Neil (1985). Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. USA: Penguin. ISBN 0-670-80454-1.
  5. ^ Gill, Tim (2007). No fear: Growing up in a Risk Averse Society (PDF). Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-903080-08-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2009.
  6. ^ "Modern life leads to more depression among children". The Daily Telegraph. 12 September 2006.
  7. ^ Honoré, Carl (25 March 2008). "Slow parenting part two: hey, parents, leave those kids alone". The Daily Telegraph.
  8. ^ Honoré, Carl (26 March 2008). "Slow parenting part three: let babies learn to think for themselves". The Daily Telegraph.
  9. ^ Pantović, Nataša (2015). Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents. Artof4Elements. ISBN 978-99957-54-04-4.
  10. ^ Pantović, Nataša (March 2013). "Inspired or lost in the technology matrix". Malta Sunday Times.
  11. ^ Pantovic, Nataša (2015). Conscious Parenting. Artof4elements Publications. ISBN 9789995754044.
  12. ^ Pantović, Nataša (May 2015). "The Importance of Rhythm, Intuition and Freedom". Artof4Elements. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  13. ^ Pantović, Nataša (April 2012). "Education of the Future". Malta Sunday Times.
  14. ^ Pantović, Nataša (July 2013). "Create Freedom in the Learning Environment". Malta Sunday Times.
  15. ^ Hodgkinson, Tom (16 February 2008). "Idle parenting means happy children". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009.