Episode Description

In this episode, Jenny Brown introduces a title for the Parent Hope Project’s parenting approach. Part one of this series asks the question: Is this just another parenting style with a whole lot of techniques?

Part two will explore what this approach looks like beyond the parent-child relationship, extending into the parenting partnership.

Differentiation-Based Parenting, rooted in Bowen family systems theory, emphasises the value of parents becoming more self-aware while maintaining a non-anxious connection with their children. Unlike most parenting approaches, which focus primarily on children’s needs and vulnerabilities, this approach encourages parents to cultivate emotional space by focusing on managing themselves.

This allows both the parents and their children to develop independently while simultaneously fostering a loving relationship. By recognising their own emotional triggers and responses, parents can avoid being overly influenced by their children’s moods and behaviours, promoting clearer communication and problem-solving. This parenting stance supports a healthier family dynamic, enabling children to grow as unique individuals who can learn to manage their emotions and challenges, ultimately leading to more resilient and independent young people.