A new parenting trend, lighthouse parenting, has emerged as a balanced alternative to helicopter or tiger parenting. Coined by paediatrician Dr Kenneth Ginsburg, it describes an authoritative style where parents act as a stable, guiding presence – like a lighthouse on the shore – rather than steering the ship themselves.
HCPC-registered senior education and child psychologist Dr Sasha Hall explains: 'The parent is a predictable point of reference, helping children feel safe enough to explore and learn without constant intervention.' In practice, this involves allowing children to take manageable risks within clear boundaries, encouraging problem-solving and learning from natural consequences.
According to Dr Hall, lighthouse parenting can improve family communication, reduce power struggles, and boost children's confidence. Parenting and neurodivergence expert Helen Neale adds that it focuses on being a 'safe place' where children can talk without fear of aggressive reactions, though parents may still express anger in regulated ways.
However, the approach requires careful balancing. 'As any parent will know, there are often many periods of struggle,' Dr Hall notes. Finding the right mix of guidance and independence can be challenging, and what works for one child may not suit another. Experts advise being mindful of the pros and cons to tailor the style to individual family dynamics.
