Championing Parenting: The Middle Ground Movement
Today, I want to dive into a concept that's close to my heart: the Middle Ground Parenting Movement. Some of you who follow me on Instagram might have seen me mention this. It's a space where you're encouraged to put your needs alongside your child's, giving yourself options and recognising that sleep and parenting don't have to look a certain way. You can raise a healthy, happy, securely attached child while feeling empowered to fill your toolbox with the right tools for your family.
The Dilemma and Finding Solutions
Many parents face a dilemma: they excel at co-regulating with their baby in their arms—creating a soothing environment—but often find themselves exhausted and physically aching due to frequent wake-ups. Then we see messages on Instagram reinforcing that we must keep our baby close at all times, making us feel even more stuck and overwhelmed. The other extreme is sleep training with clock-based methods, which can feel like a betrayal of our intuition.
The truth is, there's an amazing middle ground. It's about having more than one tool in our parenting toolbox. For instance, some nights you might only use your voice to soothe your baby, while other nights you engage in different co-regulation techniques. This varied approach helps our babies understand that they can feel safe and soothed in ways other than being in our arms.
Building a Balanced Toolbox
Parenting is about experimentation and having the courage to try new things, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. Just like learning to drive, it's natural to feel nervous and uncertain. We must allow and understand the natural process of change, equipped with the right tools and support for both ourselves and our babies.
A crucial element of middle ground parenting is building your toolbox. Start with self-awareness, especially around natural baby emotions and what triggers you. Develop perspective and recognise that parenting doesn't have to be black and white. Babies have unique capacities and every parenting situation is different.
Challenging Shoulds and Enhancing Intuition
One of my most disliked parenting messages is the idea that babies can or can't do something. It sets a fixed mindset, limiting our ability to explore and adapt. Instead, embrace a growth mindset. Don't shy away from your gut instincts. When you have more options, you create space for your intuition to shine.
Parenting is full of experiments without pass or fail. Mistakes are essential for growth. They teach us and our babies resilience and coping skills. Remember, being a good enough parent means getting it right 30% of the time. The rest is about trying, adapting, and doing our best.
Tailored Support
Tailored support in parenting, especially sleep support, is vital. What works for one family might not work for another. It's about honouring where you are now, knowing what you feel, and allowing yourself permission to evolve.
The Necessity of Self-Care
To recap, the Middle Ground Parenting Movement isn't about 'shoulds.' It's about self-awareness and creating a parenting life where both you and your baby's needs are met.
It's not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and make happiness a priority. It's a necessity.
Acknowledge that you have needs and taking care of them will reduce feelings of resentment and help you thrive as a parent.
Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.
Until next time, Thrivers, keep finding that balance and nurturing yourself alongside your child.