Type C Parenting: An Expert Explains the New Style

You've probably heard of Type A parents: they're the ones who have color-coded family calendars and are dead set against screen time. You've probably heard about Type B parents too: they may not keep track of bedtimes or care whether their child has broccoli on his plate. But there is a new wave of parenting on the rise that is a mix of both. Welcome to the world of Type C parents.

First invented Ashley Surratt on TikTokthe concept of a Type C parent has become a trend across all parenting corners of the internet. One person commented on the viral post TikTok from Surratt: “Finally one I like. This is organized in the most senseless way.” Another person commented, “I just discovered that I'm a Type C mom.” So what is a Type C parent?

Although the Type C approach is not necessarily formal parenting stylethis represents a balance that many modern parents are trying to achieve. These parents might, for example, be on time for a birthday party. . . but their child may not have enough shoes. They can bribe their child with candy, but only if it has five ingredients or less.

Rather than following a rigid routine or parenting plan recommended by people in a Facebook group, Type C parents tend to be more flexible and willing to embrace chaos. This method certainly has some advantages. “This approach produces well-rounded, emotionally secure children and promotes a deeper bond between parents and children based on trust, empathy and mutual respect,” says adolescent mental health expert Caroline Fenkel, DSW.

Below, Dr. Fenkel explains more about what Type C parenting looks like and how parents can implement it into their family.

Experts featured in this article

Caroline FenkelDSW, LCSW, Adolescent Mental Health Expert and Chief Clinical Officer at Charlie Healtha treatment program for adolescents and adults with mental health issues.

What is a Type C parent?

“The Type C parent embodies a balanced approach to parenting, falling somewhere between the highly controlling tendencies of the Type A parent and the laid-back nature of the Type B parent,” says Dr. Fenkel. This means that while they may be more strict about certain things, they can also be more lenient in other areas.

Of course, Type C parents can decide what that looks like, but more often than not, they tend to focus on “providing emotional support and fostering resilience while setting clear boundaries and expectations,” Dr. Fenkel explains. This approach has its benefits for the children involved. “This style emphasizes the importance of structure and emotional connection, allowing children to feel safe and understood while encouraging independence,” she adds.

While the Type C approach will look different for each parent, here are some examples, according to Dr. Fenkel:

Potential Benefits of Using the Type C Approach

If you have a Type A parent or have seen one in action, you know that the energy can be very intense. The schedule is strictly adhered toGood grades and extracurricular activities are often expected, and children may feel pressure to perform. While this can create structure in a child's life, it can sometimes lead to burnout and perfectionism.

Type B parenting, on the other hand, follows a completely different path. Children are encouraged to be children, and these families tend to have less structure. And while this can promote independence, it can also be inconsistent for children and lead to uncertainty about expectations.

The Type C approach is seen as a middle ground between these two approaches. “When children are given space to express themselves within consistent expectations, they develop a stronger sense of self-worth and a better ability to cope with emotional problems,” says Dr. Fenkel. “This balance helps them feel supported and empowered, creating the foundation for healthy relationships and personal growth,” she adds.

How to Implement a Little Type C Parenting

Adopting a Type C parenting style is easy, especially because it doesn't mean strictly adhering to one particular philosophy. But according to Dr. Fenkel, it all starts with “recognizing that resilience and emotional intelligence are just as important as academic or behavioral success” in a child's development.

In other words, by being structured and consistent, but also compassionate and hands-off, you can set your children up for success. “As awareness of emotional intelligence and mental resilience grows, so does the recognition that children develop best in a nurturing and structured environment,” adds Dr. Fenkel.

Because just as important as finishing a school project on time or eating their vegetables (even if they don't want to), it's just as important that kids feel safe being themselves and knowing that their worth isn't measured by perfection. So while your child can lean on structure when necessary, it's also okay to let him just be a child.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS and specializes in topics related to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has extensive experience in content creation and storytelling. Before joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.