“When we are gentle to our children, we model and help create the inner voice that will accompany them through their lives. “— ALLISON ANDREWS, PSYD.
Gentle parenting has become more visible with millennial and Gen Z parents. Earlier on, children had to do what their parents said and had no room for objection. Punishment was handed over for every small mistake. The idea behind gentle parenting is to approach kids respectfully, offer choices rather than make demands and give space to a child’s feelings and emotions.
It is not a beautiful moment of gentle parenting, where parents must be empathetic during tantrums. In theory, it is easy, but so exhausting in reality. However, kids should be treated like humans to have kind and independent adults.
What is Gentle Parenting?
At its core, gentle parenting is about nurturing your child’s emotional development. This means treating your child with kindness, empathy, and understanding rather than using fear, punishment, or coercion to control their behavior. Gentle parenting is based on the belief that children are naturally curious, creative, and compassionate beings who want to please and connect with their parents.
Gentle Parenting is another way to describe an authoritative parenting style. The goal is to raise emotionally intelligent, responsible and confident kids. To achieve this, you have to build a strong parent-child bond.
How Does Gentle Parenting Work?
Gentle parenting is all about building a strong, trusting relationship with your child. This means listening to your child, understanding their needs and feelings, and responding with empathy and compassion. It also means setting clear and consistent boundaries that are age-appropriate and respectful of your child’s needs and abilities.
One of the main aspects of gentle parenting is choice. Rather than always saying no, offer alternatives to empower your child in decision-making skills. Sometimes a child may be too nagging by asking for other alternatives which are not available because they have been used to choices. At times resentment will inevitably breed on the parent’s side. Sometimes you are left wondering why can’t these kids be gentle on me and understand that some behaviors are hurtful. ‘Boundaries are supposed to be the central point of gentle parenting. Give rules and explain to your kids the reasons behind a rule and the consequences of not following the rules.
Rather than scolding your child for not getting ready on time, make it a habit of working as a team. Build a relationship that centers on the well-being of every family member rather than an approach that places one as better than the rest.
Kids, especially toddlers, will often annoy you for their inability to regulate their emotions, making it hard to build boundaries and structure. By understanding why they behave in a certain way, you can know how to respond to them. In gentle parenting, when toddlers cry, you comfort them rather than get upset. It teaches them empathy from a young age.
Becoming a gentle parent means adjusting your expectations on how you think kids should behave. Your toddler may fail to sleep throughout the night; rather than punishing them, you try to understand the root cause of sleepless nights and work towards a solution together.
Benefits of Gentle Parenting
Promotes Emotional Well-being
Gentle parenting prioritizes the emotional well-being of children. By responding to your child’s needs with empathy and understanding, you can help them feel secure, loved, and valued. This can lead to better mental health outcomes for your child, including decreased anxiety and depression.
Builds Strong Relationships
Research has proven that gentle parenting builds strong, trusting relationships with your child. By prioritizing respectful communication and consistent boundaries, you can create a safe and supportive environment for your child to grow and thrive. This can lead to stronger family bonds and more positive parent-child relationships.
Encourages Positive Behavior
It emphasizes positive discipline techniques that focus on teaching and guiding your child rather than punishing them. Using natural consequences, redirection, and problem-solving, you can help your child develop good decision-making skills and learn from their mistakes. This can lead to more positive behavior and fewer power struggles.
Supports Individuality
A gentle parent can recognize that their child is unique and has individual needs and abilities. By tailoring your parenting approach to your child’s individual needs, you can help them develop a strong sense of self and healthy self-esteem. This can lead to increased confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
Promotes Holistic Development
Gentle parenting emphasizes the importance of physical, emotional, and social well-being. By prioritizing your child’s overall development, you can help them grow into well-rounded and healthy individuals.
Final Thoughts
Gentle Parenting is based on the belief that children thrive when they are treated with kindness, respect, and understanding. Although there are different parenting styles, gentle parenting fosters a positive relationship between a child and parent while still enforcing boundaries. To achieve the goals of gentle parenting, be consistent and mold your child to positive traits. The rewards come later on when they input what you taught them into their lives. This is well explained with so many bitter adults in society who were not taught empathy when young.
FAQS
Is gentle parenting permissive parenting?
No, gentle parenting is not permissive parenting. While gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and understanding, it also involves setting clear and consistent boundaries and using positive discipline techniques to teach and guide your child.
Can gentle parenting work for all children?
Yes, gentle parenting can work for all children. However, every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Tailoring your parenting approach to your child’s needs and abilities is essential.
Is gentle parenting too soft?
No, gentle parenting is not too soft. It is a parenting style that values empathy, kindness, and respect, while still setting clear and consistent boundaries and using positive discipline techniques to guide your child’s behavior.