Instead of parenting by strict rule enforcement, psychiatrist dad Richard Wadsworth opts for something called incentivized autonomy. In order to get screen time, his teens have a chore list they must complete first. They are free to do the items whenever they want – including getting up early at 6:30am to do a workout so they can have more time later. This teaches his kids how to make their own choices for the goals they want and regulate their own behaviors and emotions instead of having to have behaviors regulated or enforced on them. It creates exactly the kind of things kids need to develop to be successful in life: healthy self autonomy. They are learning the ability to be successful on their own. It naturally teaches consequences and they directly see the rewards of their behaviors.

I’ll admit it was something I started doing with myself when I had more time: I have to do my morning exercise before logging in for the day.

@doctorwadsworth

#greenscreen #parenting #parentingtips

♬ original sound – Richard Wadsworth