You're not a hot mess. You're just a Type C parent.

If you thought you'd heard it all when it comes to parenting styles — 'helicopter', 'free-range', 'lighthouse', 'tiger', 'lawnmower' — think again. There's a new style on the block, and this one you might actually recognise when you look in the mirror. Welcome to the latest buzz word in the world of parenting. The 'Type C parent'.

And I have never felt more seen.

Influencer Ashleigh Surratt coined the term "Type C parent" in a now-viral TikTok video, playfully riffing off the well-known Type A and Type B personality categories we've all heard about. You know the types.

Watch: Type C Parents @ashleighsurratt. Post continues below.

Type A is your stereotypically organised, high-achieving parent who's a little bit intense, with spreadsheets and meal plans for days. They never forget a school event and probably have a dedicated craft cupboard that actually contains craft supplies (not just random junk).

Then there's Type B — those laid-back, go-with-the-flow parents who occasionally forget to sign permission forms, can't remember when the cupcake stall is on, and exude a little bit of that hot mess energy. (No judgement here — I lean this way personally).

I used to label myself a hot mess parent. But something about it felt off. Like it somehow implied 'I don't care enough'. But I do, very much. Which is why the Type C parent spoke to me.

What is the Type C parent? They're a slightly different breed. A hybrid if you will.

According to Surratt, Type C parents are neither meticulously organised nor totally relaxed. Instead, they're a unique blend: chaotically consistent.

Think of the mum who forgets library day three weeks in a row but never misses a bedtime story. Or the dad who can't find matching socks for love nor money but always remembers to pack a snack for every single outing.

And the reason it resonated with me so much is that it encapsulates my two parenting mantras of 'pick your battles' and 'don't sweat the small stuff'.

It's not that I don't care about my kids, it's quite the opposite. But there are some things that are important, and the rest? I prioritise my time elsewhere.

For instance, their clothes are always washed, but they are likely sitting in the 'clean washing pile'. And I always know which stage of the washing cycle they are in, which pile.

And there are things I really care about. Like that, they are good humans, kind to their friends and take the rubbish out and do the dishes.

But if it's freezing cold on a Thursday night and my 10-year-old is overtired and doesn't want to go to training? I don't push it. At the same time, I'll make sure he turns up to help his team at the game on Saturday.

It's about prioritising connection over perfection. And that is a parenting trope I can get behind.

The telltale signs you're a Type C parent:

• Organised in chaos: Your house might look like a tornado hit it, but somehow you know exactly where your child's favourite toy is hiding.

• Flexible routines: Yes, there's a bedtime in your house, but it's more of a friendly suggestion and depends on what is on the next day, rather than a non-negotiable military operation.

• Connection comes first: You might not have a colour-coded calendar on the fridge, but you're always up for a spontaneous adventure and turn up to sport on time.

• Perfectly imperfect: You've embraced the messiness of parenting and aren't afraid to admit when things go completely off-script. Because they always do, don't they?

Why is this resonating so much?

The Type C parent concept has struck a serious chord, especially amongst millennial and Gen Z parents who feel they don't quite fit the extremes of Type A or Type B. It's a celebration of the in-between — of parents who are doing their best, even if it doesn't look Instagram-perfect.

TikTok and Instagram users have responded with gratitude, with many parents self-identifying as Type C.

Most claim to feel relief to finally have a label that acknowledges the reality of modern parenting: sometimes you're nailing it, sometimes you're completely winging it, and most of the time, you're somewhere in the messy middle.

"All the plans, all the ideas, none of the organisation," one user commented.

"Type C: everything is meticulously labelled, but there is banana smushed into the car upholstery," another added.

One brilliant comment read, "The shoe racks are immaculate, the drawer bins are organised, the go bags are on point, but the dining room table is an absolute catch-all, and I don't remember the last time I washed my kids' hair. Also, the homework may or may not have food stains on it and don't look in my car."

It's safe to say that parents are really vibing this trend.

"How'd you describe me perfectly? I care too much about SOME things and remain unbothered about other things. And there's no rhyme or reason," one commented.

"I've literally never seen anything more accurate. I truly thought I was just on a crazy island by myself, but apparently there are more of us!" another added.

And another with just a very simple, "I FEEL SEEN."

Why it actually matters.

While parenting labels can sometimes feel limiting, the Type C parent concept is refreshingly honest and inclusive. It gives us all permission to embrace imperfection, laugh at the chaos, and focus on what really matters: raising happy, loved kids.

The "Type C parent" is the new, relatable label for the perfectly imperfect parent.

So, thanks to Ashleigh Surratt, parents everywhere are feeling seen, celebrated, and a little less alone in the beautiful mess of family life.

And honestly? It's about time.

Feature Image: Supplied.