How "Type C" Became the Cool-Mom Parenting Style

You've likely heard of type A parents: they're the ones with color-coded family calendars and a strong stance against screen time. You've likely heard of type B parents, too: they might not enforce bedtime, and don't care whether their child has broccoli on their plate. But a new wave of parenting is on the rise that's a blend of both. Welcome to the world of type C parents.

First coined by Ashleigh Surratt on TikTok, the concept of a type C parent has been a trend all over parenting corners of the internet. One person commented on a viral TikTok from Surratt, "Finally one I relate to. So organized in the most nonsensical way." Another person commented, "I just discovered that I am a type C mom." So what is a type C parent, exactly?

Though the type C approach isn't necessarily a formal parenting style, it represents a balance many modern parents are trying to embrace. These parents might, for example, show up to a birthday party on time . . . but their kid might be missing a shoe. They might bribe their child with candy, but only if it has five ingredients or less.

Instead of following rigid routines or a parenting plan the people in a Facebook group recommended, type C parents tend to be more flexible and willing to embrace the chaos. The method certainly has some benefits. "This approach nurtures well-rounded, emotionally secure children and fosters a deeper parent-child connection built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect," adolescent mental health expert Caroline Fenkel, DSW, says.

Below, Dr. Fenkel explains more on what type C parenting looks like and how parents can incorporate it into their own household.

Experts Featured in This Article

Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW, is an adolescent mental health expert and the chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, a treatment program for teens and adults struggling with their mental health.

What Is a Type C Parent?

"A type C parent embodies a balanced approach to parenting, sitting somewhere between the high-control tendencies of a type A parent and the laid-back nature of a type B parent," Dr. Fenkel says. This means that while they may be more strict about certain things, they may also be more lenient in other areas.

Of course, a type C parent can decide what this looks like, but most often, they tend to focus on "providing emotional support and nurturing resilience while setting clear boundaries and expectations," Dr. Fenkel explains. The approach has upsides for the children involved. "This style emphasizes the importance of structure and emotional connection, allowing children to feel secure and understood while encouraging independence," she adds.

Though a type C approach will look different for every parent, here are a few examples, according to Dr. Fenkel:

Potential Benefits of Practicing a Type C Approach

If you have a type A parent or have seen one in action, you'll know the energy can be intense. Schedules are meticulously followed, good grades and extracurricular activities are often expected, and children may feel pressure to perform. While this can create structure in a child's life, it can sometimes lead to burnout and perfectionism.

Type B parenting, on the other hand, follows a very different path. Kids are encouraged to be kids, and there's typically less structure in these households. And while this can build independence, it can also be inconsistent for children and lead to uncertainty around expectations.

The type C approach is seen as the middle ground between these two approaches. "When children are given the space to express themselves within a framework of consistent expectations, they develop a stronger sense of self and a better ability to navigate emotional challenges," Dr. Fenkel says. "This balance helps them feel supported and capable, setting the stage for healthy relationships and personal growth," she adds.

How to Incorporate a Little Type C Parenting

Embracing a type C parenting style is easy, especially since it doesn't mean strictly adhering to one distinct philosophy. But according to Dr. Fenkel, it starts by "recognizing that resilience and emotional intelligence are as critical as academic or behavioral success" in a child's development.

In other words, by being structured and consistent but also empathetic and hands-off, you can set up your children for success. "As awareness of emotional intelligence and mental resilience has increased, so has the recognition that children thrive best in nurturing and structured environments," Dr. Fenkel adds.

Because as important as it is to complete a school project on time or to eat vegetables (even when they don't want to), it's just as important for children to feel safe being themselves and knowing their worth isn't measured against perfection. So while it's OK to lean into structure when necessary for your child, it's also OK to let them simply be just that — a child.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.