Supernanny Jo Frost warns of common parenting mistake that ‘stresses kids out’ – making them unruly, naughty & exhausted
JO Frost has warned parents of a common mistake that may ‘stress kids out’.
So if your little one is unruly, naughty and exhausted, you’ve come to the right place and will need to take notes.
The parenting guru, who found fame through Channel 4 show Supernanny in 2004, has helped hundreds of parents over the years.
And despite her iconic show ending in 2008, she has remained an authority on parenting ever since – and often shares tips, tricks and advice on her Instagram page where she boasts more than 600,000 followers.
In a recent clip, Jo has revealed the popular assumption mums and dads must stop making.
While many parents assume that it’s a good thing to keep children busy and tire them out, according to Jo, this could actually be having a detrimental impact on their lives.
Jo urged her followers against over-scheduling with their kids – and instead stressed promoting free time for them to “potter” and “play”.
She believes that throwing your kids into activities could be a sign you’re actually avoiding quality time.
She said: “Many of you schedule because you find it hard to be with your children.
“But, they are stressed out because it’s too much – [resulting in] unruly behaviour and backchat.”
Subsequently, the 54-year-old advised: “What I want parents to know is, they can stop and reset.
“So, reset, reclaim your rest and relax as a family.
“Parents, please remember NOT to over-schedule your children’s daily routine.
“They need time to potter, play and be their non-performing self.”
They are stressed out because it’s too much – [resulting in] unruly behaviour and backchat
Jo Frost
As a result, to combat this problem, Jo recommends allowing time for spontaneity, which gives kids the chance to be creative, enjoy their parents’ company and even be bored from time to time.
And in the long-run, this may make them feel a lot less exhausted.
Different parenting techniques
Here are some widely recognised methods:
Authoritative Parenting
This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children.
It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations – enforcing rules – whilst also showing warmth and support.
Authoritarian Parenting
This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness.
It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development.
Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children’s lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child’s ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
Free-Range Parenting
Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful.
Attachment Parenting
According to Marriage.com, Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents.
Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family’s values and meets the child’s needs for a healthy, happy upbringing.
Not only this, but Supernanny also explained: “Reset, stop, reset the button.
“Just because you’d said something, doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind.
More parenting hacks
IF you want to make your life easier as a first-time mum, here's nine hacks you won't want to miss.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines. Use pictures and stickers to make them engaging for younger children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Keep a portion of toys stored away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime fresh and exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It’s effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can pick an activity to help them settle down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilise educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in.
7. Command Centre
Set up a family command centre with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organised and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Keep a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It’s a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes it easier to keep track of belongings, especially in shared spaces like schools.
“You don’t have to prove that you’re the authority, you are the parent.
“That communication is what you constantly want – you want that with your teenagers as well.”
Parents react
Many were extremely thankful for Supernanny’s advice and eagerly flocked to the comments to express their appreciation.
As a young mum I learnt a lot from you
Instagram user
One commenter said: “Wise, warm, wonderful advice.”
A second chimed in: “On point again!
“I’ve been inspired by you for about 20 years, as a young mum I learnt a lot from you.”
Whilst someone else beamed: “You are a gift to the world.”