Every generation struggles with how to raise children and who will grow up to be respectful, capable and caring members in society. The gentle parenting style has been around for some time, but in the age of social media and internet advice, the concept has become more popular.
According to Sarah Ockwell-Smith, author of “the Gentle Parenting Book” and “The Gentle Discipline Book” gentle parenting is defined as “having high standards for your children while also showing a high level of support for them,” caretakers use the concept of setting boundaries and tack on nurturing aspect, with gentle parenting.
Pediatrician Andrew Garner says that parenting style acknowledges children, which needs connection such as warmth, gentleness, kindness, responsiveness, routines, skill-building and expectations. Those who practice gentle parenting also consider the child’s age when determining the type of discipline to use and how to approach behavioral issues.
When children fight with their siblings, a gentle parenting technique would be to help them identify their feelings. So, the parents should find something which is interesting for the child to calm down.
Parents should not constantly shout at children, since stress can adversely affect neurological growth. When parents get angry, it creates a stressful environment in the house, where children are unable to control their emotions.
The children will be in survival mode, if the caregivers are in survival mode, says Garner. And the part of the brain which deals with complex functions like creativity, working memory abstract thought and socializing will be inhibited.
Pediatrician Syeda Amna Hussain says that, no matter what the parenting style is, the individuals who are around the child should follow the same rule if not the method won’t have the intended effect.
Garner says that, if you are trying to bring up children who are emotionally intelligent, self-motivated, empathetic, self-regulated and curious then a parenting style which begins with regulation, capitalizes on connection and culminates with the building of new skills is just what is needed.
Children who are exposed to gentle parenting are less likely to have low confidence or anxiety and are less likely to suffer from substance abuse. This method is easier to parent teens, since over the years they have learnt to respect and regulate their emotions.
