The Dove’s Guide: How to Apply DISC in Parenting as an ‘S’ Parent

Hello, fellow parents! 

As parents, we often find ourselves caught between our natural ways of interacting and the demands of parenting. We desire to be flexible, adaptable, and always ready for our children’s needs, but our personality styles can sometimes create roadblocks. But have you ever thought about how understanding your personality style could actually be the key to becoming a better parent? Yes, I’m talking about leveraging your strengths and navigating your weaknesses with the help of the DISC personality framework.

Today, we are going to chat about DISC with a focus on ‘S’ style parents – those steady, reliable, and thoughtful souls among us. And to make this exploration more enjoyable, let’s introduce a metaphor, one that perfectly mirrors the ‘S’ style – the Dove.

Understanding the ‘S’ Parent and the Dove

Dove, the symbol of peace and tranquility, matches perfectly with the ‘S’ (Steadiness) style in the DISC framework. They are known for their calm demeanor, stable routines, and their loyalty. They’re not usually the ones leading the charge into new adventures, but instead, they’re the ones ensuring everyone feels secure and cared for.

Similarly, ‘S’ style parents have a calming influence within the family unit. They are often seen as the pillars of stability and are naturally good at building deep, meaningful relationships with their children. They’re great listeners, empathetic, and are always there to lend a supportive hand. They value harmony and do their best to avoid conflicts, striving to create a peaceful home environment.

The Strengths of an ‘S’ Parent

Every DISC style brings unique strengths to the table, and ‘S’ parents are no different. Here’s a glimpse at how their unique strengths manifest:

1. Consistency: Just like our Dove, ‘S’ parents are consistent in their parenting style. Their children can rely on them for steady and predictable responses. This consistency creates a sense of security, as kids know exactly what they can expect.

2. Patience: Doves are known for their patience, and ‘S’ parents embody this trait. They give their children the time to express themselves, make mistakes, learn, and grow.

3. Empathy: ‘S’ parents, similar to Doves, have a high sense of empathy. They are in tune with their children’s feelings and can provide a comforting presence in difficult times.

4. Cooperation: Peace-loving Doves avoid conflict, and ‘S’ parents tend to do the same. They value harmony and cooperation, teaching their children the importance of teamwork and compromise.

Navigating the Challenges of an ‘S’ Parent

While ‘S’ parents have distinct strengths, they also have a few weaknesses. It’s important to recognise and acknowledge these challenges, not to feel bad about them, but to understand how they might impact your parenting and learn ways to navigate them.

1. Difficulty with Change: Just like Doves, ‘S’ parents prefer their familiar routines and can struggle with sudden changes or disruptions. This can be challenging in the ever-changing world of parenting, where adaptability can sometimes be key.

2. Over-accommodating: The peace-loving nature of ‘S’ parents can lead to a tendency to accommodate others to avoid conflict, even at the cost of their own needs or opinions. This could potentially lead to issues of setting boundaries with their children.

3. Indecisiveness: ‘S’ parents, in their quest for harmony, may struggle with decision-making, especially when they fear their decisions might upset the status quo.

4. Resistance to Assertiveness: ‘S’ parents,like Doves, may find it difficult to assert their needs or desires. This could sometimes result in them being overlooked or their needs unmet.

How to Leverage DISC as an ‘S’ Parent

Understanding your strengths and challenges is the first step, but the real magic happens when you apply this understanding to your parenting. Here are some actionable tips for ‘S’ parents:

1. Embrace Change: Remember, change is the only constant. It can be uncomfortable at first, but with time, it becomes part of your new routine. Encourage your children to see change as an adventure, and join them in this exploration.

2. Stand Your Ground: While harmony is valuable, it’s also important to assert your needs and set boundaries. Teach your children that it’s okay to say no and stand up for what they believe in, and model this behavior yourself.

3. Decision-Making: To overcome indecisiveness, gather as much information as you can before making a decision. This way, you’ll feel more confident in your choices and show your children the value of informed decision-making.

4. Cultivate Assertiveness: Practice expressing your thoughts and needs openly. Show your children that everyone’s voice matters and that speaking up is an essential life skill.

Just like the Dove, ‘S’ parents play a critical role in providing a stable, peaceful environment for their children to grow and thrive. By understanding and leveraging the DISC framework, you can not only magnify your strengths but also navigate your weaknesses effectively, becoming the best version of your parenting self.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to parenting. We all bring something different to the table, and that diversity is what makes the journey beautiful. So let’s soar high, dear Doves, spreading the wings of steadiness and harmony, embracing the incredible journey of parenting with all its ups, downs, and glorious in-betweens!