Shining the Light on Lighthouse Parenting
When you ask people without an estate plan why they haven’t created one, their answers usually fall into one of three categories: 1) They’ll tell you they don’t know where to start, 2) They don’t have enough assets or an heir to make it worth their while, or 3) They don’t want to think about the idea of death. Nobody wants to think about what will happen after they pass away, but that fear won’t prevent death from knocking on our door when it’s our time. We’d love to provide you with a secret phrase or exercise to ease your mind and erase fear completely, but that’s not the reality of the situation. Fear of our own mortality is entirely natural, and nearly everyone experiences it at some point. You may worry about what comes next or what will happen to your loved ones after you pass. While we can’t ease any fears about the afterlife, we do know the best way to ensure your loved ones can maintain their lifestyles and carry on with life after you’re gone is through estate planning. By creating an estate plan, you can determine how your assets will be divided amongst your loved ones, which will help prevent probate from derailing the grieving process. This is your opportunity to ensure your legacy is carried out as you see fit. Without it, state intestacy laws will dictate who gets what, which can cause fights and turmoil within your family. The last thing you want is for your death to add to any family infighting. We can help you become more comfortable with your mortality through conversations. Although many people fear death, what they should really fear is passing away without any sort of plan in place. An estate plan won’t prevent death or even delay it, but it will give you peace of mind and a better appreciation for life. If you have any questions about estate planning or need help, please call us! Don’t Let Fear of Death Keep You From Securing Your Family’s Future
Among the countless parenting styles out there, an approach called “lighthouse parenting” is a beacon for guiding children through life’s turbulent waters while giving them the space to navigate on their own. While it may sound ideal, is it the right parenting style for your kids? WHAT IS LIGHTHOUSE PARENTING? Coined by Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, lighthouse parenting is a philosophy detailed in his book “Raising Kids to Thrive.” This approach emphasizes a balance of nurturing and communicating with children while allowing them the freedom to grow independently. Just as a lighthouse guides without steering the ship itself, lighthouse parents offer direction and ensure safety without overly controlling their children’s lives. IT ADVOCATES FOR A BALANCED APPROACH. Lighthouse parenting positions itself in the sweet spot on the parenting spectrum — not as overbearing as helicopter parenting nor as detached as free-range parenting. It focuses on being emotionally present and available, providing a safe space for children to bring up issues and learn from their experiences. This method involves: • Checking in Regularly: Ensuring open lines of communication. • Encouraging Autonomy: Allowing kids the freedom to make decisions and learn from the outcomes. • Promoting Resilience: Supporting children as they navigate challenges, helping them to develop coping skills and independence.
PARENTS SET BOUNDARIES AND OFFER SUPPORT. Unlike authoritarian parenting, which might stifle a child’s sense of independence, lighthouse parenting encourages self-reliance through trust and minimal but firm boundaries. Parents provide the framework, trusting the kids to make good decisions. This method helps to build a robust support system where children know they have the safety net of their parents’ guidance when needed. KEEP THE LIGHT ON Adopting the lighthouse method involves unconditional love paired with expectations and boundaries. It’s about guiding children through the complexities of growing up without removing the essential experiences that teach them about life. Of course, no single parenting style is perfect for every child. How you reinforce lighthouse parenting depends entirely on your child’s needs and developmental trajectory. Ultimately, lighthouse parenting aims to prepare children to thrive independently, ensuring they know the way back to shore, no matter how far away they sail.
2 SiegelLawGroup.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator