Right-side up, upside-down caret ( ^ ) theory?

[Katherine Brengle]

Tonight I was out doing a little household shopping with my friend Mathew, whose mother was a Montessori teacher for many years. We talk a lot about my daughter, and discuss child-rearing ideas.

He asked me if I had ever heard of the "upside-down, right-side up caret" (i.e., "^") concept. I had no idea what he was talking about, but when he explained it, it was brilliant.

He said many parents have a tendency to allow their children immense amounts of freedom when they are young, but slowly start restricting that freedom as the children age, thus forming a right-side up triangle. This kind of parenting style builds frustration in the child, to the point where rebellion eventually becomes necessary.

In the other category are parents that slowly expand a child's freedoms as they age, thus preparing them for adulthood by letting their freedom to come and go and do as they choose grow along with them. The child thus grows to be an independent, strong individual, capable of making good decisions and contributing productively to the world around him/her.

I think this is amazing--as a fairly new parents (my daughter is almost two years old), I had never really thought about it.

I think this translates well into politics as well--when conservatives are under pressure, they begin restricting freedoms on the public in order to bring things under control, thus forcing a social backlash.

On the flip side, progressives look for new solutions to the problems at hand and thus widen their vision, allowing for further progress.

Maybe it is just really late and I am talking out of my you-know-what...

[northofdenali]

1. Progressive parents teach their children to THINK.

Neocons teach theirs to OBEY.

Progressive parents use DISCIPLINE (Websters: training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

Neocons use punishment.

I don't think you're talking out of anywhere but your brain!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. I get you!

I was very young when I had my first, very overprotective... As I grew up and had the next two... I lightened up on the restrictions.

The youngest seems to have the most confidence navigating the world, he's 15 now and at the stage my oldest was at 18.

I think there may be something to that theory. :)

[BrotherBuzz]

3. Wow, we've unknowingly been growing the carrot the correct way....

just because it seemed natural. It's an interesting perspective, isn't it? Our ten-year-old just grows and thrives as his responsibilities balance with his freedoms; he knows where he's going and we simple encourage him because we gave him a good foundation.

[leftstreet]

4. Interesting comparison!

:thumbsup:

[Katherine Brengle]

5. Yaaaay, I'm not crazy! Thanks, lol. Time for bed, night DU. :)