Controversial Parenting Tips from a New York Mom
Parenting approaches can greatly differ. Recently, a mom from New York shared her unique perspective on managing her children during family vacations.
Stephanie Woodward, who has 13-month-old triplets and two foster kids aged nine and seven, often shares her parenting journey with her husband, Ryan Chalmers, on their family Instagram page.
In a recent video titled “Make Three Controversial Things On Holidays,” Woodward discussed how she requires her older boys to complete daily math worksheets, regardless of whether they’re on vacation or at home.
She stated, “I don’t want them to face a summer slump, so I aim for them to feel prepared and excited for the upcoming year,” as she explained in her Instagram reel.
Another surprising parenting choice she made involves allowing her nine- and seven-year-olds to navigate for the family during trips. Imagine walking around a tourist spot in Washington, D.C., or relaxing at a resort in the Cayman Islands, and having the kids read the map to guide you.
“The goal is to help them learn to find their way as they grow older,” she said.
Additionally, Woodward insists that her family stops to read “rule signs” at every location they visit. “Just the other day, we went to a water park, and I had the kids read the safety rules out loud before we entered,” she mentioned in her video.
Her parenting methods have received a lot of positive feedback. Many found her approach refreshingly practical. Comments like, “As a teacher, I commend you for all three!” and “They’ll grow up to be functional adults!” suggest that others see merit in her techniques.
However, it’s important to contrast her style with other, less supportive parenting tactics. For instance, pushing children into countless extracurricular activities or expressing frustration over poor grades can be harmful.
Mental health therapist Cheryl Groscop describes “ego parenting” as when parents raise children to bolster their own self-image rather than focusing on the child’s needs. “This rarely fosters healthy growth; it’s usually about safeguarding the parent’s emotions and image,” she explained.
