The Parenting Pyramid

Understanding the Parenting Pyramid

As you look at the Parenting Pyramid it leads up to the ultimate question of the correction. The Parenting Pyramid consists of five levels, starting with a focus on the self and relationships at the bottom leading up to effective correction and teaching. These levels address both practical and introspective questions that prompt parents to think critically about their influence within the family.

The Parenting Pyramid in Action

Applying the Parenting Pyramid principles in everyday life takes intentionality and patience. It can lead to tough questions to have with yourself if you are contributing to the issues and what you can be doing to help. For example, if a child is acting out, rather than immediately correcting the behavior, we might pause to consider our own stress levels or relationship dynamics. Perhaps a tense relationship between spouses has created an uneasy atmosphere at home, or maybe we’ve been less available to spend quality time with our children. By addressing these foundational elements, we can resolve issues at their root, making it easier to correct behavior effectively and compassionately.

In The Parenting Pyramid, we want to switch our questioning styles of what do we do, what did I do wrong, to how. When we change the questions we are asking to how it puts the reflection onto us. How can we help our children, others, or even ourselves understand our own child’s needs and wants?

Sources used

The Arbinger Company. (1998). The parenting pyramid.