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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the qualities and responsibilities of 'good enough' parenting.

      Key learning points

      1. Donald Winnicott developed the 'good enough' parenting theory in 1953.
      2. Winnicott argued that parenting just needs to be 'good enough'; it doesn't need to be perfect.
      3. 'Good enough' parenting involves connection, love, support, structure and guidance.
      4. Consistent boundaries help children feel secure.
      5. Parenting adapts to a child’s age and needs.

      Keywords

      • Attunement - being aware of and responding to a child’s needs and emotions in a caring and understanding way

      • Emotional regulation - managing your own feelings and reactions, especially when feeling stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed

      • Consistency - when something is done in the same way, in a steady and regular pattern so things are reliable and fair

      • Boundary - an imaginary line separating what we will or won’t allow

      Common misconception

      Good parenting means never getting it wrong or apologising to children.

      Parenting just needs to be 'good enough'. 'Good enough' parents and carers sometimes make mistakes. In these instances, they apologise and repair the relationship with their child.

      Teacher tip

      Use fictional scenarios to spark discussion about parenting challenges and responsibilities.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each age group with the most appropriate way to handle bedtime.

      Correct Answer:three-year-old,consistent routine with story and comfort items

      consistent routine with story and comfort items

      Correct Answer:ten-year-old,more independence with agreed guidelines about sleep needs

      more independence with agreed guidelines about sleep needs

      Correct Answer:16-year-old,set time but allow some flexibility for homework/social activities

      set time but allow some flexibility for homework/social activities

      Q2.
      Clear rules help children feel more and confident.

      Correct Answer: safe, secure, stable, protected, comfortable

      Q3.
      What do you think is most important for a child's emotional development?

      having the latest toys and gadgets
      Correct answer: feeling loved and understood by their caregivers
      being the smartest child in the class
      having wealthy parents

      Q4.
      When a parent or carer makes a mistake, what is usually the best response?

      pretend it didn't happen to maintain authority
      blame the child for causing the mistake
      Correct answer: acknowledge the mistake and try to do better next time
      give up trying to be a good parent or carer

      Q5.
      Good parenting should as children grow older.

      Correct Answer: change, adapt, adjust, evolve, develop

      Q6.
      Match each parenting action with what it primarily shows.

      Correct Answer:really listening to a child's worries,shows understanding and responsiveness to needs

      shows understanding and responsiveness to needs

      Correct Answer:reading bedtime stories every night,creates structure and predictability in daily life

      creates structure and predictability in daily life

      Correct Answer:giving a hug when a child is crying,provides emotional support and validation

      provides emotional support and validation

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their definitions.

      Correct Answer:boundary,an imaginary line separating what we will or won’t allow

      an imaginary line separating what we will or won’t allow

      Correct Answer:consistent,usually done in the same way so things are reliable and fair

      usually done in the same way so things are reliable and fair

      Correct Answer:resilience,the ability to cope with challenging situations

      the ability to cope with challenging situations

      Correct Answer:repair,to make something whole and working again

      to make something whole and working again

      Q2.
      Good parenting involves structure, emotional regulation and .

      Correct Answer: attunement

      Q3.
      In a parent-child relationship, emotional regulation means ...

      stopping a child crying.
      Correct answer: helping a child to calm.
      Correct answer: the adult keeping themselves calm.
      shouting at a child.
      shaming a child.

      Q4.
      Why is 'good enough' parenting important?

      It allows parents to do whatever they like.
      Correct answer: It teaches children to tolerate an imperfect world.
      It promotes feelings of guilt in parents.
      Correct answer: It allows parents to make mistakes.
      It makes children feel insecure.

      Q5.
      Why are consistent boundaries important?

      Boundaries make a parent/carer's job easy.
      Correct answer: Boundaries help children feel secure.
      Boundaries are only there for children to test.
      Boundaries are a form of punishment.
      Boundaries can stay the same as a child develops.

      Q6.
      Who developed the ‘good enough’ parenting theory?

      Brené Brown
      Daniel Siegel
      Correct answer: Donald Winnicott
      Mary Hartzell

      To help you plan your 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Good parenting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...