What is Lighthouse Parenting?

There are many styles of parenting to choose from, but it can be difficult to know what they are and which one is right for every family. 

In this article, we answer the question, “What is lighthouse parenting?”, as well as how it can benefit moms, dads, and their children. 

Parents seeking a balanced approach to how they raise their kids often find that lighthouse parenting works well. However, kids raised within any parenting style can develop challenges to their mental health. We offer inpatient residential and outpatient options to help children manage their mental health and thrive in life. 

Learn more about our teen mental health treatment in Arizona or verify your insurance now.

What is Lighthouse Parenting?

While some types of parenting styles are already commonly known, a lot of people wonder, “What is lighthouse parenting?” This approach to raising children strikes a balance between being close enough to the child to offer advice and guidance while also leaving them with enough room to explore and make mistakes they can learn from. 

This allows each child to develop an independent streak and learn about the world and how they fit in it while still having parents nearby to help them if they stumble. Think of an actual lighthouse that casts light on the surrounding areas, including potentially rough water, while still leaving ships in their area room to navigate their own paths. 

Benefits of Lighthouse Parenting

When parents or other caregivers choose to adopt lighthouse parenting skills when raising their children, the whole family can reap benefits. 

Children raised in this type of style are encouraged to be independent and make choices while knowing their parents are there to step in if they need help or are getting lost. 

Sometimes kids make the right choice immediately, while other times they make mistakes. However, this isn’t always a bad thing because making bad decisions leads to experience, which can then turn into a lesson in how to make good decisions.

What Are Other Types of Parenting Styles?

Parents have other options for common parenting styles, including:

Gentle Parenting

Characterized by showing empathy and respect for the child’s emotions and nurturing them to help them express themselves without fear of automatic punishment. 

Helicopter Parenting

Much like a helicopter low to the ground, the parent “hovers” around their child, often making all decisions for them and interfering in their lives. The parent hopes to save their children from ever being hurt or making the wrong choice.

Bulldozer Parenting

Characterized by trying to “bulldoze” a path in front of their child so they don’t experience any obstacles to success.

Tiger Parenting

The parents run a household with tightly enforced rules and stringent views of success and failure in how a child acts. They strive to raise kids with academic and other types of success, but may use excessive discipline in this pursuit.

Is Lighthouse Parenting Right for My Child?

Once a person understands the answer to “What is lighthouse parenting?”, they often wonder if it’s the right approach to how they raise their kids. 

Even parents with an established style of parenting or none at all can decide to switch to lighthouse parenting if it feels like the right move. 

Parents who make a priority of teaching their children to pay attention to the choices they make and learn from any mistakes made often rely on lighthouse parenting. 

They want their child to explore the world within certain safe boundaries while remaining in the background, ready to give guidance. 

This helps children feel secure in their relationships with their parents as they move away from them in age-appropriate steps. Parents who try lighthouse parenting should be able to trust their children to make some mistakes without immediately warning them or insisting they only make parent-approved choices.

Lighthouse parenting may not be the right choice if the child has a mental health disorder, developmental disabilities, or an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Tips for Parents Who Are New to Lighthouse Parenting

First-time lighthouse parenting users should remind themselves that their child will make mistakes but can also learn from them. 

They should explain to their children that they can always come to their parents or other caregivers with questions and concerns, and to discuss how they feel and think. It will take some time, but a real trust will develop between the parents and child that will serve everyone well as they move through childhood and the teenage years. 

Parents can encourage their kids to talk about decisions they made, how they worked out, any necessary adjustments to their plans, and how it all makes them feel.

Are Children Who Act Out Showing Signs of Poor Mental Health?

Despite a parent’s best efforts, some children will not respond well to specific types of parenting styles because they are dealing with a mental illness or a substance use disorder. 

Having a full assessment done by a licensed mental health expert or other behavioral care clinician will determine if the individual has a mental health disorder or an addiction. From there, a treatment plan can be designed, and a parenting style for these situations can be discussed. 

Begin Treatment for Mental Health Disorders in Teens and Adolescents in Arizona 

Despite the best efforts of moms, dads, step-parents, and other caregivers, teenagers can end up experiencing poor mental health and need an effective treatment program.

Horizon Recovery created several programs that welcome adolescents and teenagers into a warm and caring environment that supports their ability to manage their mental health. 

Our licensed and experienced staff guides each young person through different types of therapy that enable them to feel more in control of their moods, thoughts, and actions. 

Contact us today, and let’s talk about how we can shepherd your child into enjoying the best mental health possible. We are happy to answer any questions you have and enroll your child in our program quickly.