The Physical Parent
Physical Parents know that if their child has enough exercise, good food and sleep, life is more pleasant. They realize that there don’t always have to have to be deep psychological reasons for bad behaviour; sometimes children get ratty because they are exhausted, cooped up for too long in front of the television or juddering with sugar.
Physical Parents don’t see the need for too much mind-bending behaviour analysis. If their child is grumpy they are likely to take her out to the park to work off some energy. If she is tearful they give her a cuddle. They know that when she feels healthy and well, there tend to be fewer irrational outbursts, fewer arguments, and less drama of every kind.
Fifty years ago it was easier to be a Physical Parent. There weren’t so many cars on the road and parents were happier to let their children run around outside. There were no computers, Game Boys or PlayStations, so children were less tempted to sit around at home being couch potatoes. There was also less processed food, no television advertisements for sugary cereals and no Gary Linekar persuading children to eat crisps. They say children on post-war food rations in the 1950s had a healthier diet than lots of children today.
But just because it is more difficult to be a Physical Parent now, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. All sorts of problems that can plague your family may have an incredibly simple physical solution. Basics like a good night’s sleep, a walk, a snack or a hug are easy to overlook, but Physical Parents instinctively know that they can work miracles.
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