What does parenting legally mean in the UK, and how does this differ from therapeutic parenting approaches?
UK law defines parenting in terms of responsibility: education, protection, discipline, and consent. But in therapy, we focus less on control and more on connection. Parenting is about raising emotionally resilient children, not just compliant ones.
What Are Parents Legally Responsible for in the UK?
Legally, a parent (or anyone with parental responsibility) must:
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Provide a home and protect the child from harm
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Ensure the child receives education
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Make decisions about health and welfare
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Provide discipline and boundaries
(#ParentalResponsibility #UKParentingLaw)
These responsibilities are defined by the Children Act 1989 and apply until the child is 18.
But Is That All Parenting Should Be?
From a therapist’s perspective, no. Parenting is far more than a list of duties.
Real parenting involves:
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Emotional safety
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Listening and co-regulation
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Repair after conflict
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Teaching accountability with kindness
(#RelationalParenting #TherapeuticParenting)
Children don’t just need rules, they need relationships.
The Shift: From Control to Connection
The law says “be the authority”.
Therapy says “be the connection”.
When we see misbehaviour as communication, not defiance, we can:
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Stay calm under pressure
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Help children express emotions safely
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Create space for accountability without shame
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Encourage resilience, not just obedience
Why Both Matter
Legal parenting is essential, but incomplete on its own. Children need both protection and presence.
In therapy, I support parents in balancing:
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The duties they’re legally expected to fulfil
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The relationship their child emotionally needs to thrive
Because the goal isn’t just good behaviour. It’s emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and lifelong connection.
#ParentingSupport #TherapistForParents #ConnectedParenting #EmotionalResilience
Want Help Bridging the Gap?
If you’re a parent trying to make sense of discipline, emotions, and doing it “right”, you’re not alone. Reach out if you’d like support navigating parenting in a way that aligns with your intuitive parenting style while also listening to the needs of your child.