It's All About Balance

Walk that fine line between tiger mom and slacker, and the kids will be just fine.

- Kate Sidley

Parents – and mothers especially – are assailed daily with research, advice, opinion and instruction on the subject of how best to raise a child. There are books and TED talks and special interest groups and cute little Facebook memes all offering a helpful array of wisdom. From this, we are tasked with assembling a perfect parenting plan, the defining characteristic of which is balance.

Yes, somewhere in time and space, at the calm centre of the crazily spinning world that is modern family life, there is a spot that represents the perfect balance in parenting. This is a realm where a parent is neither over-involved nor neglectful, both lightly supporting and gently challenging the child. This is where that parent responds in a loving, age-appropriate manner to her child’s needs, without spoiling or over-indulging the kid.