How Prince William and Kate Middleton use ‘controlled parenting’ to protect Prince George, Louis and Charlotte
The Prince and Princess of Wales have adopted what experts call an 'unusual' parenting approach
![Prince George, Charlotte and Louis with Prince William and Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xxjVsCsanRiaLwvDCC5ib8-415-80.jpg)
An expert has revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton use a 'controlled parenting' style when it comes to their three children - but what is controlled parenting?
Each parent will have their own ideas on which parenting style is best for them and their kids, whether they prefer the gentle approach of therapeutic parenting or, on the other end of the spectrum, the more controversial style of tiger parenting.
For Kate Middleton and Prince William, a little more thought likely had to go into their choice of parenting style than with the average parents, with the couple having to prioritise protecting their three young children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, from the public eye as well as also bringing them up to be well-rounded human beings.
And now one expert has revealed that they went with the 'controlled parenting' style, believing that it's hands-on, child-friendly approach made it the perfect choice for them - though it had never been used by royals before.
“They are hands-on parents in a way neither King Charles and Princess Diana, nor the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip ever were. From the start they have cared for their children themselves as much as possible with minimal outside help,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!.
“This is an unusual and enlightened decision by the couple: you can’t undo the destiny you were born into, but you can make life more of a family affair than an upbringing in palaces and castles would allow.”
Royals aren't the only children who can benefit from the parenting approach, but what exactly does controlled parenting entail and how can other parents use the style?
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
What is controlled parenting?
Controlled parenting, sometimes also referred to as authoritative parenting, is a hands-on style of parenting that prioritises a child’s needs, with parents reacting to these needs and acting warmly towards their kids while also enforcing clear standards.
It's a take on gentle parenting that includes some stricter boundaries, with parents encouraging their kids to adhere to consistent behavioural standards and, when they break from them, sympathising with their outburst while also explaining gently why they cannot act like that again.
The approach is incredibly hands on, with one or both parents always being around to create a safe environment for their children. In the case of Prince William and Kate Middleton, this approach, according to Jennie Bond, is not only useful to keep their kids happy, but also to protect them from the public eye.
Speaking to OK!, she said, “They have strictly controlled the children’s exposure to the pressures of public life which has bought them a good measure of privacy. They run a fun household, full of noise and bustle, music and dancing where it sounds as if the kids often rule the roost, as in most happy families."
The parenting style has also meant their kids feel free to express their 'worries and emotions' and this, in turn, has helped the youngsters to understand when and why their 'friends are feeling angry or frustrated or unhappy' too, the expert added. Plus, with their parents' gentle approach, they also know how to help their mates when they're struggling, speaking to them gently while also offering help.
If you're trying to decide on a parenting style, or trying to decode what your existing style actually is, we've broken down the seven approaches that are popular at the moment. And, child psychologist Dr Becky explains what ‘sturdy parenting’ is while a psychotherapist reveals what to do if you and your partner disagree on parenting styles.
Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is a news writer for Goodtoknow, specialising in family content. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with BBC Good Food and The Independent.
-
How to get Disney+ for free and save up to £79.90 a year
Even though the streaming giant ended its free trial offering, there are still multiple ways you can get Disney+ for free for up to 12 months
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Want to feel old? Watch hilarious video of kids baffled by the school tech their parents used
Most schoolchildren have no idea what the common classroom tech from just a generation ago was used for, let alone how to use it
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s surprising tactic to keep Prince George, Charlotte and Louis off their screens
The Wales family were spotted enjoying a 'wholesome' family day out in Norfolk - and revealed their brilliant hack for entertaining the kids
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William soothes Prince George with this 'protective' parenting tactic, says Royal expert (did you spot it?)
The Prince of Wales has a 'protective' parenting style and always keeps an eye on his kids and their emotions
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton’s heartbreaking plea to King Charles over Prince George, Charlotte and Louis
The Princess of Wales has never been afraid to stand up for her three young children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis set off for holiday spot that holds Prince William’s ‘saddest memories’
As per tradition, the Wales family will head to a very poignant UK holiday destination this summer
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Diana could be about to spark Prince Harry and Prince William’s reconciliation, with adorable 'saved' childhood memory
The two princes shared an incredibly close bond growing up
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton laid out ‘bold’ family priorities in candid conversation with Queen Elizabeth II, new book reveals
The Princess of Wales has always been clear about she plans to raise her three children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William upsets King Charles with ‘risky’ decision over his family’s holiday
The father and son have reportedly 'clashed' over the Prince's choice for Prince George, Charlotte and Louis
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte’s name fulfilled Prince William’s final promise to his mum Princess Diana, royal expert reveals
The Prince and Princess of Wales's daughter has a very sentimental name
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published