Are You A Type C Parent? Here's How To Tell

We know type A personalities are described as hard-working, organised, and goal-oriented, while type Bs are seen as more emotionally attuned and easygoing (usually at the expense of motivation and urgency).But people are increasingly recognising there’s a type C personality – a mash-up of both.What does type C mean?People who fit into the type C personality bracket might be introverted, non-assertive and passive. They tend to focus on others, sometimes at the expense of themselves, and are typically cooperative.“Type Cs seem kind, obedient, well-mannered, pragmatic and normative people who are preferred by others in work and social life,” researchers wrote in the International Journal of Business and Management Invention.They have a great interest in details and are creative. But they might also struggle to control themselves when stressed, find it hard to stand up for themselves, and generally fail to communicate their needs.How does this apply to parenting?Over 4,200 parents shared their confessions with Skylight Calendar – and more than one third (35%) said they lean into “type C parenting”. But in the parenting realm, type C looks a little different. When you’re a parent, perfectionism can feel extremely unattainable. Enter: type C. If you were once a type A who had everything in order, you’re now probably veering into type C territory as the chaos of parenting meets your neat and orderly ways.ABC News describes type C parents as “juggling the intensity of Type A energy with the messy realities of everyday life”.I’m starting to think the C stands for ‘chaos’.Influencer Ashleigh Surratt popularised the term in a now-viral video where she summed up life as a type C mum. We see her putting toys into neatly labelled tubs and then, in the next breath, turning up to playdates where neither of her kids have shoes.It’s having high standards, but it’s also acknowledging that sometimes your kids will lick the floor. It’s keeping a tidy house, but having a playroom that looks like a bomb’s exploded.“Type c: everything is meticulously labelled but there is banana smushed into the car upholstery,” said one of Ashleigh’s followers in the comments section of her video. Another described type C parenting as: “The shoe racks are immaculate, the drawer bins are organised, the go bags are on point, but the dining room table is an absolute catch all and I don’t remember the last time I washed my kids hair. Also the homework may or may not have food stains on it. Don’t look in my car.”Therapist Cheryl Groskopf told Good Morning America people who adopt type C parenting are “choosing to loosen up in certain areas – maybe the house isn’t spotless, maybe dinner’s frozen – because you’ve realised that connection matters more than control”.She added: “You still care. You’re still showing up, just in a way that actually works for your real life.”How is type C parenting different to burnout?Sometimes this chaotic way of parenting can look a lot like burnout. But there is a key way to spot the difference.Groskopf said if you can still “show up emotionally” for your family – and you’re still connecting and responding with care (even when it’s messy) – that’s type C.Whereas “if you feel numb or like you’re disappearing, that’s burnout”, she added.There are four key signs of parental burnout, according to Dr Emma Svanberg, author of Parenting For Humans.These include: exhaustion in your parental role (regardless of how much sleep you’re getting), noticing your parenting has changed, feeling fed up with your parental role, and emotionally distancing yourself from your kids.If you feel like you might be burnt out, Dr Svanberg shared some tips for helping yourself:Seek support from friends, family members and neighbours to “bring in a village”.Prioritise deep rest – this might look like a hot bath with the lights off, lying in a dark room, or going for a nice massage if that’s something you can afford. It might also look like turning off your phone, reducing your caffeine intake and making sure you’re eating well.Lighten your load – if you’ve got a to-do list as long as your arm, it’s time to offload jobs onto your partner or children and only prioritise jobs that are essential.Reset the nervous system. According to Healthline, breathing exercises, weighted blankets, hot baths, warm hugs, eating healthy fats (think avocado and nuts), lifting weights and taking a break (when possible) can all help with this.If it’s affecting day-to-day life, reach out to your GP, midwife or health visitor about how you’re feeling.If you can afford to pay privately for therapy, that might also help.Related...These Parenting Styles Are Red Flags, According To ExpertsI'm A Parenting Coach – If You Have A 'Hard' Kid, I Want You To Know 3 ThingsI'm A Parenting Coach – If Your Teen Argues All The Time, Try This 1 Response

Comments

Breaking news

Builders working on home find buried human bones ‘likely belonging to children’

Metro

Lyle Menendez, 57, refused parole after murdering parents as board points to his 'anti-social behavior, deception and rule-breaking'

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Spanish shoe brand is the royals' new secret style obsession: Why Kate Middleton, Duchess Sophie and even Harriet Sperling can't resist the label

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Up to 1,700 National Guard soldiers set to mobilize in NINETEEN states as Trump cracks down on illegal immigration and crime

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Body language expert reveals the reason Meghan's 'mean girl' moment where she was filmed 'laughing' at Princess Charlotte isn't all that it seems

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

The reason part two of Meghan Markle's show With Love 'lacked pulling power' for A-listers and left the show with an 'underwhelming' cast, royal expert claims

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Ghislaine Maxwell reveals she was paid $250,000 a year by Jeffrey Epstein as her explosive nine-hour prison interview is released

about 3 hours ago

How chess, climbing & boxing help The Hundred's unlikely run-scorer

BBC News

Comments

Breaking news

Builders working on home find buried human bones ‘likely belonging to children’

Multiple people dead and four missing after railway bridge collapses in Qinghai, China

British Airways flight attendant caught naked and high on drugs in plane toilet

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump threatens Putin with ‘massive sanctions’ after Moscow rejects summit plan

Asylum hotel protests latest: Police on standby for anti-migrant demonstrations across UK

Tearful Kim Jong Un pays respect to North Korean soldiers killed fighting for Russia

Protest groups face off in migrant hotel demonstrations across the UK

Zelensky condemns ‘indecent’ Russian attack as American-owned Ukraine factory is hit

Diabetes smartphone test could diagnose condition in under 10 minutes

Bank holiday Monday supermarket opening hours: Tesco, Asda, Co-op, Lidl and more

Push to recruit Kurds and religious minorities to Syrian security forces brings hope and skepticism

'I'm a Harvard scientists and I have proof God exists'

Man wrongly deported from US to El Salvador released after months in federal custody

Prince Harry's 'final chance to heal royal feud with one huge condition'

Mounjaro users given red flag warning over bank holiday drinking

BRIAN READE: 'Robert Jenrick is morping into Farage - his shameless posts are dangerous'

Most teetotal places in Britain as students fuel growing no alcohol trend

Thousands getting up to £749 per month for these skin conditions

Man held captive inside hippo's throat as it tears through flesh - then miracle happens

Supermarket issues urgent recall on 'radioactive' shrimp after 'contamination' fears

'I spent years on death row - inmates always see one chilling thing before execution'

Parents arrested for murder of baby 'kidnapped when mum was attacked at shop'

This honey-infused hair mask transformed my dry bleached hair with one use

Meghan Markle 'snubbed' Balmoral getaway for secret holiday with Prince Archie

Prince Harry had 'devastating regret' after bombshell Meghan Markle statement

Scientist says he has proof God exists using complex maths formula

FBI raid on John Bolton's home 'linked to him sending highly sensitive classified documents using private email server'

Kim Cattrall stokes Sarah Jessica Parker feud as she reacts to comment claiming she 'carried' Sex And The City

Lyle Menendez, 57, refused parole after murdering parents as board points to his 'anti-social behavior, deception and rule-breaking'

Spanish shoe brand is the royals' new secret style obsession: Why Kate Middleton, Duchess Sophie and even Harriet Sperling can't resist the label

Up to 1,700 National Guard soldiers set to mobilize in NINETEEN states as Trump cracks down on illegal immigration and crime

Body language expert reveals the reason Meghan's 'mean girl' moment where she was filmed 'laughing' at Princess Charlotte isn't all that it seems

The reason part two of Meghan Markle's show With Love 'lacked pulling power' for A-listers and left the show with an 'underwhelming' cast, royal expert claims

Ghislaine Maxwell reveals she was paid $250,000 a year by Jeffrey Epstein as her explosive nine-hour prison interview is released

How chess, climbing & boxing help The Hundred's unlikely run-scorer

Texas Legislature Gives Final Approval to Redistricting Map Favoring Republicans

This Trick For Stopping A Toddler Travel Tantrum In 30 Seconds Has Gone Viral – Does It Work?

I Had A Painful Secret. I Was Shocked When I Discovered My Friends Had The Same One

Trump Seems Very Concerned About The 'Report Card' Needed To Get Into Heaven

My Mum Didn’t Believe I Was ‘Really Trying’ To Find Love. So She Took Things A Step Too Far.

Hostage Cast: Where Have You Seen The Netflix Thriller's Cast Before?

Tulisa: 'If I Was A Nepo Baby, I'd Have Been The Nation's Sweetheart, Instead I Was The Chav From Camden'

Are You A Type C Parent? Here's How To Tell

Map shows Notting Hill carnival road closures and London travel disruption this weekend

Ghislaine Maxwell wants a pardon. Just how credible is testimony from a ‘known liar’?

Female political prisoners in Belarus face abuse, humiliation and threats of losing parental rights

The Menendez brothers were denied parole. They have to wait at least 18 months for their next chance

Taiwan votes on recalling opposition lawmakers and reviving nuclear power

Bridgerton creator reacts to claims of 'woke' casting

Asylum hotel protests expected to swell this weekend - as Farage unveils 'mass deportation' plan

Today's horoscope for August 23 as Sagittarius makes great strides in their career

Bank holiday weather: The UK counties where temperatures will soar past 30C

Football fan shares smart parking hack which saves an hour of match day traffic

Nineties 'Crush' singer Jennifer Paige now as stunned fans say she hasn't aged a day

Man exploring abandoned Ukraine nuclear base gets 'nervous' after chilling discovery

'I'd love to be a WWE wrestler' - Guehi in his own words

England begin World Cup campaign with emphatic victory over USA

Rising Cost of a Day at the Beach Angers Italians

F.B.I. Searches Home and Office of John Bolton, Ex-Trump Adviser

Hong Kong Denies Visa Renewal for Senior Bloomberg Journalist