The loving approach to raising children with empathy, understanding and positive communication is known as gentle parenting. Through respecting their need and feelings. this way of parenting aims to create a strong emotional connection between parents and children. In place of punishing or rewarding their children, parenting teaches parents to mentor and instruct their kids with affection and patience, helping them in becoming self-reliant and emotionally sensitive kids. 

The philosophy of gentle parenting focuses on the cultivation of empathy, respect, and understanding in children. This technique of parenting places a high value on parents and their children developing a solid and trustworthy relationship. This method encourages parents to treat their children with kindness and patience, seeing them as unique individuals with their own needs, wants, and feelings. 

Why gentle parenting? 

When we start punishing children, whenever they make any mistake, it will create a gap between the parents and children. They cannot rely on they’ll start hiding stuff and their emotions. “Too much love won’t spoil. Kindness doesn’t provoke poor behaviour. Respect doesn’t invite disrespect. This backward thinking has caused us to feel trapped into being too harsh for too long. Generations of children are still searching and longing for unconditional love.” says Rebecca Eanes, the creator of www.positive-parents.org and author of The Newbie’s Guide to Positive Parenting. 

Respect 

Children have independent thoughts, emotion, and choices. However, we often forget this simple fact while following the daily humdrum of life. Respect is the practice of treating your child as you would like to be treated. Interact with them in a manner that you would like to be spoken to. Instead of saying them to ‘Be quiet’ when you’re busy, tell them to wait and you’ll listen to them in few minutes. 

Understanding 

Children can become aware and understand their own behavior with gentle parenting. For example, when your child throws something, you tell them that it is wrong and make them value the privilege they have. 

Empathy 

Recognize the needs and feelings of your child. Your child is acting a certain way for a reason. Be available for them. If they are old enough, try to find some common ground. Show them that you value the same things that they do.  

Reduce Anxiety 

According to a study, gentle parenting method ‘may promote regulated responses in social contexts’ for toddlers who are shy, as a child does not fear talking to his family about any topic. 

Supports Brain Development 

Gentle parenting positively impacts the brain development of children. Positive interactions and responsive caregiving facilitate the development of neutral pathways supportive of learning, emotional control, and stress management.

Challenges of Gentle Parenting 

Gently parenting has its own challenges, just like any other parenting style. Few possible difficulties while practicing gentle parenting: 

Patience and Consistency 

It takes a lot of patience and consistency to respond to children’s emotions and behaviours in a gentle manner. Although, it can be difficult to maintain calmness and affection, especially in stressful situations. 

Parental Frustration 

When challenging behaviors persist or when children do not immediately respond to gentle techniques, parents may become frustrated. This frustration may put their dedication to gentle parenting to the test.

Society and Cultural Pressure 

Parenting styles that are traditionally or culturally associated with authority, obedience, and discipline may not be compatible with gentle parenting. A gentle approach to parenting requires patience and consistency, which could be challenging at times. 

Through empathy, respect, and constructive communication, gentle parenting fosters a loving relationship between parents and children. This helps children and families form strong, trustworthy connection ad improves their emotional intelligence. This requires your patience and consistency from parents, which could be difficult ult for parents.