LOVE Island star Montana Brown has sparked a huge parenting debate as she revealed two things she’s banned her son from having.
Montana, who is mum to three-year-old son Jude and eight-month-old daughter Miley with fiancé Mark O’Connor, has shared her list of things she won’t let her eldest child have when he goes to school.
Montana revealed how she didn’t want her son Jude to “watch a screen at all” or have any sugary treats at school.
But the star has been slammed by other parents for her “unrealistic” demands.
In the video, she said: “The most important things in my head are nutrition, quality of teaching, and use of screen time.
“When I send him to school I don’t want him to be watching a screen at all, and on a lot of these open days they’re talking about using Chrome Books for their homework as they get into the older years.”
She then said: “Another thing, I’m really hating… I’m seeing kids having so much sugar as part of their diet at school.
“We know it’s bad for them, we know it’s not good for them to concentrate, why are we giving it to them for their break times?
“I get it on occasion. but if anyone is giving Jude sugar, I want to do it on the weekend as a treat.”
However, this did not go down well with parents, with one saying: “As a teacher her post really bothered me.
“We absolutely do NOT have time to sit and feed children yum yums and watch films nor do we have the funds for schools to sit on Chromebooks for a full school day. Tone deaf.”
Another said: “Not all time on a laptop is negative screen time. As a teacher they learn valuable life skills.”
This person chimed in: “As someone who works in a primary school this is an incredibly high expectation when schools are struggling enough as it is!
“Your opinions are valid but until you work in a school and see it for what it actually is – you shouldn’t get to criticise!
“You only see/hear small snippets of a long day and let me tell you it’s absolutely not how you think!
“As for snacks, in my school – fruit is provided everyday!”
Montana shares two kids with her fiance[/caption]
Montana has now responded to the comments and shared a clip on social media.
“I’ve caused quite the stir – if you look at the video that I did about schools, I said the most important things to me are nutrition, amount of screen time use and quality of teaching,” she said.
“I did not say the schools I’ve been looking at watch movies all day – I said Jude is gonna have screen time, it’s something that I would like for him to have less of it at school so that it makes me feel better about if I want to watch a film with him all day on the weekend.
“So many messages about this, which is actually hilarious.”
The reality TV star continued:: “At the end of the day, I don’t let Jude watch any screen time whatsoever at this age.
“I don’t know one health professional that encourages lots of screen time.
“I’m just sharing with you why those things are important to me.
“I was shocked at how young kids are using screens at schools, that wasn’t something that I was thinking would be the case.”
Still on a mission to find a school that suits her desires, Montana acknowledged: “We’re going to see some more schools this week. I’m really, really excited. Can’t wait.”
Different parenting techniques
Here are some widely recognised methods:
Authoritative Parenting
This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children.
It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations – enforcing rules – whilst also showing warmth and support.
Authoritarian Parenting
This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness.
It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development.
Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children’s lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child’s ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
Free-Range Parenting
Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful.
Attachment Parenting
According to Marriage.com, Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents.
Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family’s values and meets the child’s needs for a healthy, happy upbringing.
