When you were growing up, your parents probably had a different set of rules compared to your friends, classmates, or teammates.

There isn’t a set standard for parenting. There are several approaches, methods, and techniques that are recommended for new parents. Most of the time, parents take tips and tricks from their parents and childhood experiences.

If you’re a soon-to-be parent, have been a parent for a while, or are just interested in the different parenting styles, it’s not too late to learn and implement something new into your family dynamic.

Here’s what to know about gentle parenting and how to start practicing.

What Is Gentle Parenting?

Gentle parenting is a parenting style that focuses on a parent and child having a collaborative relationship with one another. In this dynamic, a parent and child will work together and form a partnership with one another. Gentle parenting is a softer approach to parenting.

While other parenting styles focus on a parent being the one making the rules and decisions, in gentle parenting, children will have a say just as much as parents will. The idea behind gentle parenting is that parents will help guide their children instead of forcing them just because they’re the head of the household.

The Pros

These are some benefits of gentle parenting that aren’t seen as often through traditional parenting methods:

Focus on Connection

The bond and attachment style that is formed between a parent and their child can be improved due to the large focus on connection. Parents are giving their children an appropriate amount of their time, love, and support in a safe and secure environment.

Builds Social Skills

With gentle parenting’s focus on empathy and respect, children can learn and apply these skills and traits on their own. This means that they’ll be more likely to be empathetic and respectful themselves. This parenting method teaches children how to be assertive, which can come in handy throughout their lives.

Self-Management

Gentle parenting allows children to learn how to manage their own emotions. This parenting technique allows children to make choices and decisions for themselves, set boundaries, and meet their own needs.

Welcomes Emotions

Emotions are welcomed with a gentle parenting approach. A child is more likely to manage their emotions accurately. They’ll also be able to express themselves, especially in challenging times.

The Cons

While there are many benefits to gentle parenting, it also has some negatives to it. Here are some of the downsides to this form of parenting.

Added Stress

Gentle parenting can make it extremely difficult to stick to a schedule and routine. Schedules are necessary, especially for young children. Sometimes it’s not always possible to stop everything and apply the technique of gentle parenting. This can lead to added stress, which can cause children to misbehave further.

Poor Behavior

Since children and parents work together through all scenarios with gentle parenting, when children act out to get their parents’ attention, gentle parenting may act as a reward for a child’s inappropriate behaviors. Gentle parenting can enable these types of unwanted actions and behaviors.

Difficult to Implement

Gentle parenting requires a lot of work, patience, and time. If you and your child are new to this parenting approach, it will require a lot more work for both of you. You and your child may struggle while you navigate and try to adjust to the lack of structure or discipline.

How to Start Practicing

If you want to get started with gentle parenting, here are a few of the different techniques to try to incorporate it in your daily life:

Be a good role model
Comment on your child’s actions, not your child
Encourage positive behaviors
Offer to work together for the responses you’re looking for
Practice patience

Gentle parenting could be a great option for you and your family. If you’re interested in child counseling to explore gentle parenting further, consider reaching out to discuss.

Gentle Parenting: What to Know and How to Start Practicing