Labels like “Type A” and “Type B” have been used for years to describe how people approach work, stress, and organization, and now those same shortcuts are showing up in parenting conversations. Some parents lean hard into schedules, structure, and optimization, while others prefer a looser, more spontaneous rhythm at home. Lately, a third option has been gaining attention, and it is often described as Type C parenting. The idea is not about being careless or hyper controlling, but about finding a realistic middle path that still supports a child’s emotional needs.
At the heart of Type C parenting is a deliberate choice to aim for “good enough” rather than perfect. Susan Groner, an author and the founder of The Parenting Mentor, summed it up this way: “A ‘Type C’ parent is a parent who intentionally strives for good enough, not perfect.” She also emphasized that kids do not thrive because everything runs smoothly all the time. In her words, “This approach recognizes that children don’t thrive because everything goes smoothly. They thrive because they feel safe, seen, and supported, even when things are messy, whether it’s the kitchen, the toys, or even bedtime.”
That does not mean routines disappear in a Type C home. It means routines are used as tools instead of rules that must be followed no matter what. Groner offered a practical example that many parents will recognize: “Dinner may be planned, but if a child has a meltdown after a long day, connection comes first.” She added another reminder that speaks to the pressure many families feel to keep everything in order: “Clothes that aren’t in the laundry basket aren’t as important as much needed cuddle time.” In other words, emotional presence is treated as the priority, and household perfection becomes secondary.
Parenting coach Kristene Geering describes Type C as a balanced style that avoids the extremes. She called it “a kind of new popular word for parenting that isn’t too strict, but isn’t too relaxed either,” and she noted that many people see it as “the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of pressure and freedom.” Her point is not that structure is bad, but that perfection is an impossible standard that can drain families. As she put it, “It’s letting go of the idea that parenting should, or even can, be perfect, but not completely giving up and throwing all structure out the window.” For parents who feel trapped between doing everything and doing nothing, that framing can be a relief.
Part of the reason the label is catching on is that many parents do not recognize themselves in Type A or Type B stereotypes. Allison McQuaid, a licensed professional counselor, says Type C resonates because it names that in between space. She explained that “Type A parents are often structured, highly ambitious, organized, and very engaged, and they prioritize optimizing time, outcomes, and resources.” On the other end, she said, “Type B parents are often more relaxed, spontaneous, and less stressed about clutter, schedules, or deviations from plans.” Type C is being discussed as a response to the real world messiness that makes either extreme hard to maintain every day.
There are clear tradeoffs in the older categories, which is why the middle ground can feel so appealing. A Type A approach can create unrealistic demands and become too rigid when life does not cooperate. A Type B approach can bring ease and creativity, and it may encourage independence, but it can also leave kids unsure of boundaries when there is not enough consistency. Groner warned that flexibility without structure can backfire for some children, saying, “That can foster independence, but without enough structure children can feel uncertain about expectations and boundaries.” Type C tries to keep the benefits of both while reducing the downsides.
A key detail is that Type C does not reject organization, it simply refuses to worship it. Groner described it this way: “A Type C parent can have routines and systems, but they don’t stick to them when they don’t serve the child or the family.” She gave a specific scenario that captures the mindset: “For example, they expect homework to be done by a certain time, but if the child is clearly overwhelmed, they pause and reassess instead of pushing just to stay on schedule.” The structure is still there, but it becomes adjustable rather than rigid. Over time, that flexibility can help kids learn self regulation and problem solving instead of just compliance.
Geering also argues that this trend is not entirely new, but more like a fresh label for familiar concepts in child development. She said, “I’ve worked with families for a long time and this is basically a rebrand of the ‘authoritarian’ parenting model as Type A, the ‘laissez faire’ parenting model as Type B, and the ‘authoritative’ parenting model as Type C.” She added, “Research pretty consistently shows better outcomes for authoritative parenting.” That comparison matters because authoritative parenting has long been associated with warmth, clear expectations, and responsiveness, which fits the Type C emphasis on connection plus boundaries. The new name may be trendy, but the underlying goal is deeply traditional, raising capable kids who feel secure.
It also helps to understand how parenting styles are often described in general guidance materials. Authoritarian parenting is usually associated with strict rules and obedience, with less emphasis on emotional back and forth. Permissive or laissez faire parenting is typically described as warm but low on limits, which can feel freeing but confusing for kids who need clearer guardrails. Authoritative parenting aims for both warmth and boundaries, pairing consistent expectations with explanations and empathy. If Type C parenting feels familiar, it may be because many families have already been trying to live in that authoritative space, even if they never had a catchy label for it.
Another broader piece of context is the way modern parenting pressure has intensified, especially through social media and constant comparison. When the internet rewards the appearance of perfect meals, perfect routines, and perfectly behaved children, it is easy for parents to feel like they are failing if their home is loud, messy, or unpredictable. A Type C mindset pushes back against that performance trap by treating connection, repair, and emotional safety as the real measures of success. It also encourages parents to model flexibility, which is one of the most practical life skills a child can learn. In that sense, Type C is not about lowering standards, it is about choosing standards that actually help families thrive.
Do you see yourself in Type C parenting, or do you think another approach works better for your family, share your thoughts in the comments.
