Are You a Dolphin Parent?

Dolphin parenting is an approach that emphasizes balance, lightheartedness, and emotional connection. Like a playful dolphin, parents who adopt this style aim to raise happy, well-adjusted kids by striking a balance (not too strict, not too lenient) in their everyday interactions.

“Inspired by the social nature of dolphins, this parenting philosophy prioritizes exploration while maintaining appropriate boundaries," says Sarah Anita, MEd , a certified parent coach and consultant.

Keep reading to learn more about dolphin parenting, including the defining characteristics, pros and cons, and how you can implement the techniques in your own home.

Characteristics of Dolphin Parenting

Harvard-educated psychiatrist and scientist Shimi Kang first coined the “dolphin” style of parenting, which is a variation of the authoritative parenting style. “Like the body of the dolphin, these parents are firm yet flexible. Dolphin parents have rules and expectations but also value creativity and independence,” writes Kang.

Here are some of the common traits at the core of dolphin parenting.

• Emotional connection . Dolphin parents are attuned to their children's feelings and needs, modeling and encouraging emotional expression , says Anita.
• Joyfulness . Dolphin parents incorporate play and emphasize fun as a family value.
• Supported risk-taking . Parents encourage discovery and challenge while offering support during setbacks and disappointments, says Anita.
• Encouragement of curiosity and creativity. Kids are inspired to explore activities and talents that interest them, and they're allowed to take ownership of them.
• Flexible boundaries . Dolphin parents set boundaries that foster resilience and adaptability rather than rigidity and excessive rules.
• Good mental health and well-being . Dolphin parents encourage a balanced lifestyle, including physical activity, social interaction, and mindfulness activities like meditation, says Elvis Rosales, LCSW, clinical director at Align Recovery Centers .

Let’s talk about animals for a moment. An authoritarian parent who rarely lets their kids make their own decisions might be referred to as a strict, menacing “tiger parent." On the other side of the spectrum is the permissive “ jellyfish parent ,” who seems to float through life allowing their kids to do pretty much whatever they want, whenever they want. The "dolphin parent" sticks the perfect middle balance: giving their child freedom while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Benefits of Dolphin Parenting

Research has shown that the authoritative style of parenting (the style most closely aligned with dolphin parenting) is by far the most beneficial. It's strongly correlated with higher levels of life satisfaction, and it creates children who are responsible and confident, with the ability to regulate their emotions and accomplish goals. Authoritative parenting—and by extension, dolphin parenting— is also associated with academic achievement.

Here are some more benefits of dolphin parenting.

• Children can make many decisions for themselves, though parents step in when needed.
• Kids learn how to regulate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
• Children are free to explore who they are, within healthy limits.
• They're encouraged to do age-appropriate things for themselves, which promotes independence .
• Regular and healthy communication between parents and children fosters strong bonds.

“Dolphin parenting can have a host of positive impacts on children, including enhanced social skills, improved wellness, and increased self-confidence ," says Anita. That’s because parents who follow this style allow kids the autonomy to make decisions and mistakes, while also staying connected through conversation, healthy support, and time spent together.

Are There Any Downsides to Dolphin Parenting?

When it comes to child development , there aren't many drawbacks to the dolphin parenting style. Kids thrive with parents who understand the delicate balance between stepping in and backing off, and they often develop a strong set of skills to last throughout their lives.

That said, parents should consider a few things before attempting to adopt the dolphin parenting style. This is especially relevant if this style doesn’t come naturally to you.

• Dolphin parenting requires a large investment on the part of the parent, who must maintain their own emotional stability to support their child effectively, says Anita.
• Some parents might struggle with finding the right balance between guidance and independence. It can be difficult to know when to step in and when to let go, especially if a child is facing challenges or making decisions that a parent doesn’t agree with, says Rosales.
• Children raised with too much freedom might occasionally struggle with boundaries or structure, depending on how well the parent implements this style.

Tips for Dolphin Parenting

Ready to “dive” into the dolphin parenting style? Check out these helpful tips from our experts to start on your journey to fostering a closer connection with your children.

Model self-regulation . Talk about your feelings and coping skills to help children learn to manage their own emotions.

Encourage new experiences . Provide opportunities for novel experiences to foster a spirit of exploration.

Cultivate balance . Set limits on extracurricular activities and build downtime into your family routine.

Establish open lines of communication . This means actively listening and encouraging kids to share their thoughts without fear of judgment.

Set flexible boundaries . Avoid setting strict rules for your kids and instead work with them to create guidelines that adapt as your child grows.

Model behavior . Model the behavior you want to see in your child.

Stress healthy habits . Teach your children the importance of stress management, conflict resolution, and regular self-care.

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Read the original article on Parents .