Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) Of the animal models ( tiger, dolphin, elephant, jellyfish, ?) what kind of mom do you consider yourself to be? What kind of mom do others consider you to be? How has this affected the way you educate your children? I'll go first 🙂. I see myself being a mix of elephant and dolphin, but I suspect others see me as a jellyfish. What this looks like educationally is the early years everything was play or snuggle based. Dd's preschool life was filled with children's museums, aquariums, story hour, games and anything we could do while we snuggled. Now she's in a whole child charter school that values recess and teaches mindfulness along with the three R's. We after-school using audio books, math songs, and snuggle fest read alouds. The dolphin side shows up with the daily 30 min instrument practice and her preprofessional ballet class (both activities which she chose and likes but doesn't have the work ethic to pursue without my support). I think others see me as a jellyfish mom primarily because of my gentle discipline style. I focus more on relationship building than punishments and corrections. It helps that my Dd has a compliant and rule following personality so it's super easy to be gentle. So now it's your turn 🙂 Oh I forgot to describe the list! So in a very simplistic nutshell Tigers- value success and accomplishment above all else Dolphins- value success and accomplishment balanced with the well being and happiness of the child. Jellyfish- let the children be free to be who they are and do what they want Elephants- Value relationships the most. Does the child feel safe and loved? Edited February 7, 2018 by Learning fun 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I have no idea. Where is the list of these kinds of moms....maybe I can identify myself. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarieCurie Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Could you explain these different types of parents? I've heard of tiger moms, but I'm not familiar with the other ones. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedicMom Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 If you ask my children, I’m a terrible mom. Horrible, because I just made them do chores on a snow day instead of playing on their kindles. Where’s the list of moms? 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I've only heard of tiger moms. I'm clueless as to the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historically accurate Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'd never heard anything other than Tiger, so I found this site that explains Elephant and Dolphin. No Jellyfish though. https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/real-parenting/tiger-helicopter-elephant-or-dolphin-which-type-of-parent-are-you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I need a list too. I might consider myself a sloth because I expected my kids to do all the work (school work) on their own. But that critter doesn't work for the discussions we had about what they had learned, etc. FWIW, I never homeschooled the elementary years, so no, I didn't expect them to pick up a pencil and learn to write on their own. ;) As a family I suppose we're more like a pack of wolves. Hubby and I are Alphas, but the whole pack participates and has value. We're a team. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I don't really know what I am. I want ​to be a light house parent though. https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/real-parenting/a-crash-course-on-lighthouse-parenting-striking-the-right-balance 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 In that case, I'd love to say Dolphin, but honestly, it's going to depend on the day. We do strive to do a lot on that checklist, though, as I'm sure most parents do/think they do. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I don't know. I am a permissive parent so I guess I'm a jellyfish but that sounds so derogatory and doesn't fit who my kids are as young adults. We mostly lived a radical unschooling type life, until we got to high school when school became mandatory. But I still let my kids make all their decisions while I was there to give them all the options. I let them self-regulate with food and electronics, two things that other parents usually attach rules to. I very rarely said no to them. If I could make something happen, I did. If they wanted a fast food hamburger at 9:00pm, we got in the car to go. None of my children have grown up feeling entitled. They don't feel a need for things. They're all frugal with their money and make wise financial decisions. They don't take crazy risks. I don't think my permissive parenting was a detriment to their lives. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 All of the above. Because each of my kids have different needs from me. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) Oh I forgot to describe the list! So in a very simplistic nutshell Tigers- value success and accomplishment above all else Dolphins- value success and accomplishment balanced with the well being and happiness of the child. Jellyfish- let the children be free to be who they are and do what they want Elephants- Value relationships the most. Does the child feel safe and loved? Edited February 7, 2018 by Learning fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMS83 Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) all/none of the above. :D (going by the links other's posted) Edited February 7, 2018 by CES2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MFG Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I guess I’m okay with any as long as I’m not considered a Female Dog Mom (although sometimes that’s fine, too). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'm a primate parent. I mean, literally. Screw this whole dolphins and jellyfish thing. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Probably the dolphin then for our family. I suppose that's why we love the water and wanted to be scuba certified. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) nm Edited February 14, 2018 by rozes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'm probably a dolphin with a bit of elephant. Success is important to me, but not at the expense of a happy child and good relationship. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarieCurie Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'd like to think that I'm a dolphin or an elephant, but I'm probably more of a jellyfish.:) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 I guess I’m okay with any as long as I’m not considered a Female Dog Mom (although sometimes that’s fine, too). 😂😂😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecropia Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 When I hear the term "jellyfish mom," I think about a mom who's looming ominously around the house, and you'd better stay on her good side or those stinging tentacles will get you! The kids are agreed that I'm a mix between tiger and dolphin, with an occasional smattering of jellyfish in the above sense. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 What type of animal parent pushes fostering independence and self-reliance? Not kick the kid out of the nest to fend for himself/herself but teaching the child the skills that he/she will need as an adult? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Definitely not a tiger, but I probably hit all three of the others depending on the day and the kid involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I’m an Elephant-Dolphin. More dophin than elephant. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 What type of animal parent pushes fostering independence and self-reliance? Not kick the kid out of the nest to fend for himself/herself but teaching the child the skills that he/she will need as an adult? Maybe Dophin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 The parenting categories from 'Queen Bees and Wannabes' have a bit more nuance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) I don't really know what I am. I want ​to be a light house parent though. https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/real-parenting/a-crash-course-on-lighthouse-parenting-striking-the-right-balance Ooh I've never heard of the lighthouse model before but it's a good one! Edited February 7, 2018 by Learning fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Mix of Elephant and Dolphin. But I consider “balanced with the well being and happiness of the child†an overlapping principle to “does the child feel safe and loved. ) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'd say dolphin if forced to choose one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceseeker Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 My kids have declared me a jelly elephant fish 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I feel like dolphin is the "right" answer. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) I think the OP makes a great point about the personality of her ds fitting really well with her parenting style. I'd like to be a dolphin, but my youngest ds is forcing me to be a jellyfish. There is just no standing in that guy's way to lead or direct, it's all intrinsic dynamo. My third ds is elusive but somewhat compliant when I can track him down. I feel like I'm a jellyfish there, too. Edited February 7, 2018 by wintermom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 I feel like dolphin is the "right" answer. :) That's interesting. Do you feel like a "right answer" is based on your personal values, family's values, society's values or something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Definitely a Dolphin. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Elephant. I guess I believe that success in other areas of life are largely affected by our relationships and what we get from them (more specifically, early in life). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Can I be a giraffe mom? I don't have a definition for it. I just like giraffes. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Maybe Dophin? The dolphin description seemed more “touchy feely†than my personal tastes. I don’t want my kids to be chronically miserable, but I am a big proponent of natural consequences that sometimes leaves the child temporarily disappointed as a way of teaching a lesson. Suck it up, cupcake, and make better decisions next time. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Can I be a giraffe mom? I don't have a definition for it. I just like giraffes. I'm sorry, but no. You've already chosen to be an owl. ;) 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'm sorry, but no. You've already chosen to be an owl. ;) I thought about that after I posted - I don't use this username in many places so I forgot it was here. :lol: The owl thing was my oldest's decision - she assigned favorite animals to everyone in our family. But I can be an owl mom. That works for me. :coolgleamA: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I'm sorry, but no. You've already chosen to be an owl. ;) Ha that was my line, you beat me to it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 I push all my children to be the best they can in everything - I don't think that I can be categorised into one of those groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 This sounds a lot like the DISC profile to me, which is maybe why I can't answer. I would guess that Tiger = D, Jellyfish = I, Elephant = S, and Dolphin = C. I test as almost indistinguishable and high in C, D, and S on that assessment, lol! My I is basically non-existant. Dolphin is probably the closest thing to what resonates with me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 If I had to choose, I’d say I most relate to dolphin and elephant. I think my husband and kids would agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 (edited) I push all my children to be the best they can in everything - I don't think that I can be categorised into one of those groups. What do you do if they are the best at annoying their brothers and sisters? :laugh: My 13 ds outshines our gang in this category. It's completely intentional, too. :cursing: I do remember reading something about "transformational leadership" a few years ago. I wonder if that would work with teenagers? Edited February 7, 2018 by wintermom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 The parenting categories from 'Queen Bees and Wannabes' have a bit more nuance. I'm going to the library today, I'll have to check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Well I used to say "tiger cub," but I think I like Dolphin better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 If someone asked I'd say dolphin because, duh, that's the obvious best. BALANCE. But honestly, I'm all, just like most moms, maybe leaning towards jellyfish. I push all my children to be the best they can in everything - I don't think that I can be categorised into one of those groups. Isn't that the definition of a Tiger mom? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Dolphin / Elephant... with a strong Tiger side that I don't like and actively reign in. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaBearTeacher Posted February 7, 2018 Share Posted February 7, 2018 Dolphin, Jellyfish and Elephant! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted February 8, 2018 Share Posted February 8, 2018 Dolphin, Jellyfish and Elephant! Ummm, no. You seem to have already chosen bear. ;) (It was too easy.) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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