Latest news with #AshleighSurratt
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Are you a Type C parent? It's the trendy new way to raise your kid — but experts say it's ‘messy'
Are you a Type C parent? Coined by mom-of-three Ashleigh Surratt, this tongue-in-cheek term is resonating with millions of parents who say they juggle structure with a dash of chaos. Type C parenting blends the discipline and organization of Type A with the relaxed spontaneity of Type B. 'She's got the planner, but also the mystery sock pile,' Surratt quipped in a viral TikTok video that racked up over 4 million views. Surrat said 'C' moms are the type with labeled bins and piles of laundry. The ones who schedule nap time down to the minute—but somehow can't find their debit card. 'You're not a mess. You're not failing,' Surratt reassured fellow moms in her trending TikTok explainer. 'You're actually in really, really great company.' 'I think a strength of ours is we've learned to hold what's important and kind of let go of the things that don't matter.' Parents across the globe chimed in with their own 'Type C moments': using the dryer as a dresser, reheating the same cup of coffee four times, or creating a chore chart next to a forgotten pile of socks. Type C offers a refreshing dose of realism. It's structured yet flexible, capable yet forgiving. In short, it's a parenting style for modern life. Explaining this parenting style, marriage and family therapist Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, told Good Morning America: 'You're choosing to loosen up in certain areas — maybe the house isn't spotless, maybe dinner's frozen — because you've realized that connection matters more than control.' 'You still care. You're still showing up, just in a way that actually works for your real life. If you're still connecting and responding with care, even when it's messy, that's Type C,' Groskopf said. So if you've ever balanced a packed calendar with a pantry full of half-eaten snacks —you just might be a Type C parent. And according to the internet, that's exactly where parents belong. 'It may be made up, but I've never related more. It's called balance!' the top comment on Surratt's video read. 'Ummmm no you didn't make it up… you just helped us define it!!! NEVER FELT MORE SEEN!' another said. Groskop said: 'Structure tells kids, 'You're safe. I've got you.' Emotional flexibility tells them, 'You're allowed to be human.' When you blend both, kids learn they don't have to be perfect to be loved, and that builds real trust.' 'The balance teaches kids that the world can be unpredictable and still safe. You're not raising a robot. You're raising a human who knows how to adapt, feel and stay connected, because they saw you do it.'
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
Are you a Type C parent? It's the trendy new way to raise your kid — but experts say it's ‘messy'
Are you a Type C parent? Coined by mom-of-three Ashleigh Surratt, this tongue-in-cheek term is resonating with millions of parents who say they juggle structure with a dash of chaos. Type C parenting blends the discipline and organization of Type A with the relaxed spontaneity of Type B. Advertisement 'She's got the planner, but also the mystery sock pile,' Surratt quipped in a viral TikTok video that racked up over 4 million views. 5 Type C parenting is a combination of Type A and Type B styles. Getty Images/iStockphoto Surrat said 'C' moms are the type with labeled bins and piles of laundry. The ones who schedule nap time down to the minute—but somehow can't find their debit card. Advertisement 5 These are the moms with labeled bins and piles of laundry. The ones who schedule nap time down to the minute—but somehow can't find their debit card. JenkoAtaman – 'You're not a mess. You're not failing,' Surratt reassured fellow moms in her trending TikTok explainer. 'You're actually in really, really great company.' 'I think a strength of ours is we've learned to hold what's important and kind of let go of the things that don't matter.' Parents across the globe chimed in with their own 'Type C moments': using the dryer as a dresser, reheating the same cup of coffee four times, or creating a chore chart next to a forgotten pile of socks. Advertisement Type C offers a refreshing dose of realism. It's structured yet flexible, capable yet forgiving. In short, it's a parenting style for modern life. 5 The parenting style blends the discipline and organization of Type A with the relaxed spontaneity of Type B. insta_photos – Explaining this parenting style, marriage and family therapist Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, told Good Morning America: 'You're choosing to loosen up in certain areas — maybe the house isn't spotless, maybe dinner's frozen — because you've realized that connection matters more than control.' 'You still care. You're still showing up, just in a way that actually works for your real life. If you're still connecting and responding with care, even when it's messy, that's Type C,' Groskopf said. Advertisement So if you've ever balanced a packed calendar with a pantry full of half-eaten snacks —you just might be a Type C parent. 5 It's about holding onto what truly matters—and letting go of the pressure to be perfect. – And according to the internet, that's exactly where parents belong. 'It may be made up, but I've never related more. It's called balance!' the top comment on Surratt's video read. 'Ummmm no you didn't make it up… you just helped us define it!!! NEVER FELT MORE SEEN!' another said. 5 Type C offers a refreshing dose of realism. It's structured yet flexible, capable yet forgiving. In short, it's a parenting style for modern life. Dmytro Hai – Groskop said: 'Structure tells kids, 'You're safe. I've got you.' Emotional flexibility tells them, 'You're allowed to be human.' When you blend both, kids learn they don't have to be perfect to be loved, and that builds real trust.' 'The balance teaches kids that the world can be unpredictable and still safe. You're not raising a robot. You're raising a human who knows how to adapt, feel and stay connected, because they saw you do it.'
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
Why Type C parenting is taking over TikTok and what it says about parenting today
If you've ever found your kid's favorite shirt in the dryer, rinsed a single fork for dinner or scheduled nap time like your life depended on it while forgetting where your debit card is, you might just be a Type C parent. The term, popularized by TikTok creator Ashleigh Surratt, is resonating with millions of parents online. Her viral video capturing the chaotic-yet-capable nature of this parenting personality has racked up over 4.5 million views, with other creators jumping in to share their own "Type C" moments. One mom confessed she was already planning her 3-month-old's first birthday party, while another showed off her well-stocked first aid kit, right before admitting she was too tired to make the bed. It's content that feels incredibly real for modern parents trying to balance it all, without pretending to have it all together. What is a Type C parent, exactly? Most of us are familiar with the classic Type A and Type B personality types. Type A is highly organized, structured and punctual. Type B tends to be more relaxed, spontaneous and flexible. Type C parents? They're a mashup of both, often juggling the intensity of Type A energy with the messy realities of everyday life. "Being a Type C mom is the worst because in your soul you're Type A but life never lets you get there," one commenter joked. Marriage and family therapist Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, told "Good Morning America" this parenting style is intentional, not accidental. "You're choosing to loosen up in certain areas -- maybe the house isn't spotless, maybe dinner's frozen -- because you've realized that connection matters more than control," Groskopf said. "You still care. You're still showing up, just in a way that actually works for your real life." Why so many parents identify with it Tara Clark, podcast host and creator of Modern Mom Probs on Instagram, told "GMA" the Type C trend resonates deeply with her. "I can proudly say that I am a Type C because it's a more realistic approach and allows us to be human," she said. "No parent is perfect. No child is perfect. Being Type C allows for that flexibility. Of course, we have high standards but not at the cost of our child's mental health or our own." Clark added that she's experienced both ends of the spectrum. "When my son was a toddler, I was a total helicopter mom," she said. "Over time, I realized that it wasn't sustainable or healthy for either of us. Now, I am more laid-back in my approach and prioritize empowering my child. My favorite motto is 'step back, so they can step in.' It really strengthened our relationship and improved my confidence as a parent." She admitted she still experiences moments of uncertainty. "I've always had a strong handle on my son's schedule and commitments, but I definitely feel like I'm winging it when it comes to puberty, the tween dynamic, and that middle school life," she said. Type C vs. burnout: What's the difference? It's easy to confuse a laid-back parenting approach with being overwhelmed or checked out, but Groskopf said there's a critical difference. "This comes down to one thing," she said. "Are you letting go on purpose, or because you're out of fuel?" She continued, "Type C parenting is about choosing what matters and letting the rest be good enough. Burnout, on the other hand, is when you're so emotionally and physically depleted that even the basics feel impossible. You're not lowering the bar for peace, you're barely keeping your head above water." The simplest way to tell? "Can you still show up emotionally? If you're still connecting and responding with care, even when it's messy, that's Type C," Groskopf said. "If you feel numb or like you're disappearing, that's burnout." Why structure and emotional flexibility work Groskopf said the magic of Type C parenting lies in balancing consistency with compassion. "Structure tells kids, 'You're safe. I've got you.' Emotional flexibility tells them, 'You're allowed to be human.' When you blend both, kids learn they don't have to be perfect to be loved, and that builds real trust." Too much structure without empathy can lead to shame or anxiety. Too much flexibility without predictability can create confusion. "The balance teaches kids that the world can be unpredictable and still safe," Groskopf said. "You're not raising a robot. You're raising a human who knows how to adapt, feel and stay connected, because they saw you do it." What to do with that 'Type A in a Type C World' tension Feeling like you're stuck between who you want to be and who you actually are as a parent? That's normal. And according to Groskopf, it's something to honor, not fight. "If you're someone who thrives on order and control, parenting can feel like constant failure," she said. "But you're not failing, you're in a new season that requires different tools." Her advice? Grieve the fantasy of what you thought parenting would look like. "Letting go of that fantasy doesn't mean you're giving up," she said. "It means you're making space for what's real in the moment." That doesn't mean giving up your strengths. "Your Type A side doesn't have to disappear," she said. "Let it help where it helps, making systems, solving problems, but don't let it run the whole show. Blend it with compassion and flexibility." Type C parenting isn't a failure or a fallback, it's often the most balanced approach of all. It's about creating safety without rigidity, showing up without burning out, and giving your kids (and yourself) room to be real. As Groskopf put it, "Think of it as a mix of intentional structure and emotional flexibility, which, by the way, is basically the holy grail of good-enough parenting." So if your laundry is still in the dryer, your kid's bedtime is nonnegotiable, and you're surviving on snacks and grace? Congratulations. You might just be a Type C parent, and you're doing better than you think.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Type C parenting is taking over TikTok and what it says about parenting today
If you've ever found your kid's favorite shirt in the dryer, rinsed a single fork for dinner or scheduled nap time like your life depended on it while forgetting where your debit card is, you might just be a Type C parent. The term, popularized by TikTok creator Ashleigh Surratt, is resonating with millions of parents online. Her viral video capturing the chaotic-yet-capable nature of this parenting personality has racked up over 4.5 million views, with other creators jumping in to share their own "Type C" moments. One mom confessed she was already planning her 3-month-old's first birthday party, while another showed off her well-stocked first aid kit, right before admitting she was too tired to make the bed. It's content that feels incredibly real for modern parents trying to balance it all, without pretending to have it all together. Most of us are familiar with the classic Type A and Type B personality types. Type A is highly organized, structured and punctual. Type B tends to be more relaxed, spontaneous and flexible. Type C parents? They're a mashup of both, often juggling the intensity of Type A energy with the messy realities of everyday life. "Being a Type C mom is the worst because in your soul you're Type A but life never lets you get there," one commenter joked. Marriage and family therapist Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, told "Good Morning America" this parenting style is intentional, not accidental. "You're choosing to loosen up in certain areas -- maybe the house isn't spotless, maybe dinner's frozen -- because you've realized that connection matters more than control," Groskopf said. "You still care. You're still showing up, just in a way that actually works for your real life." Tara Clark, podcast host and creator of Modern Mom Probs on Instagram, told "GMA" the Type C trend resonates deeply with her. "I can proudly say that I am a Type C because it's a more realistic approach and allows us to be human," she said. "No parent is perfect. No child is perfect. Being Type C allows for that flexibility. Of course, we have high standards but not at the cost of our child's mental health or our own." 'Maycember' is real: Here's how parents are surviving the chaos Clark added that she's experienced both ends of the spectrum. "When my son was a toddler, I was a total helicopter mom," she said. "Over time, I realized that it wasn't sustainable or healthy for either of us. Now, I am more laid-back in my approach and prioritize empowering my child. My favorite motto is 'step back, so they can step in.' It really strengthened our relationship and improved my confidence as a parent." She admitted she still experiences moments of uncertainty. "I've always had a strong handle on my son's schedule and commitments, but I definitely feel like I'm winging it when it comes to puberty, the tween dynamic, and that middle school life," she said. It's easy to confuse a laid-back parenting approach with being overwhelmed or checked out, but Groskopf said there's a critical difference. "This comes down to one thing," she said. "Are you letting go on purpose, or because you're out of fuel?" She continued, "Type C parenting is about choosing what matters and letting the rest be good enough. Burnout, on the other hand, is when you're so emotionally and physically depleted that even the basics feel impossible. You're not lowering the bar for peace, you're barely keeping your head above water." The simplest way to tell? "Can you still show up emotionally? If you're still connecting and responding with care, even when it's messy, that's Type C," Groskopf said. "If you feel numb or like you're disappearing, that's burnout." Groskopf said the magic of Type C parenting lies in balancing consistency with compassion. "Structure tells kids, 'You're safe. I've got you.' Emotional flexibility tells them, 'You're allowed to be human.' When you blend both, kids learn they don't have to be perfect to be loved, and that builds real trust." Too much structure without empathy can lead to shame or anxiety. Too much flexibility without predictability can create confusion. "The balance teaches kids that the world can be unpredictable and still safe," Groskopf said. "You're not raising a robot. You're raising a human who knows how to adapt, feel and stay connected, because they saw you do it." Feeling like you're stuck between who you want to be and who you actually are as a parent? That's normal. And according to Groskopf, it's something to honor, not fight. "If you're someone who thrives on order and control, parenting can feel like constant failure," she said. "But you're not failing, you're in a new season that requires different tools." Her advice? Grieve the fantasy of what you thought parenting would look like. "Letting go of that fantasy doesn't mean you're giving up," she said. "It means you're making space for what's real in the moment." That doesn't mean giving up your strengths. "Your Type A side doesn't have to disappear," she said. "Let it help where it helps, making systems, solving problems, but don't let it run the whole show. Blend it with compassion and flexibility." Type C parenting isn't a failure or a fallback, it's often the most balanced approach of all. It's about creating safety without rigidity, showing up without burning out, and giving your kids (and yourself) room to be real. As Groskopf put it, "Think of it as a mix of intentional structure and emotional flexibility, which, by the way, is basically the holy grail of good-enough parenting." So if your laundry is still in the dryer, your kid's bedtime is nonnegotiable, and you're surviving on snacks and grace? Congratulations. You might just be a Type C parent, and you're doing better than you think. Why Type C parenting is taking over TikTok and what it says about parenting today originally appeared on
