How to Be a ‘Gentler’ Parent
Gentle parenting promotes a relationship with your children based on willingness and choices rather than demands and rules made by a parent. It teaches children to do reasonably by using positivity and patience rather than fear or punishment.
Gentle parenting starts with the parent. Are you in control of your emotions? Do you have a healthy relationship and communication with your partner? Are you ready to raise a child using gentle parenting methods? Make sure to reevaluate your own behavior before you correct your child’s.
Parents should try to follow these four key principles of gentle parenting:
Empathy
Parent, while always being aware of your child’s feelings and needs. Difficult parenting situations typically occur when a child is misunderstood. Rather than dismissing a child as ‘manipulative’ or ‘naughty’, a parent should instead try to understand the cause of the child’s misbehavior.
Respect
Respecting your child as an adult is another key characteristic of gentle parenting. It requires respect to be earned through parents respecting their child’s feelings and personalities, and over time a child will learn to respect their parent.
Understanding
The gentle parenting technique of understanding that children have not fully developed and therefore do not have the same control over their behavior. This understanding also requires a parent to understand their own behavior. Modifying our own behavior is key to being a role model for children to follow.
Boundaries
Boundaries play a crucial role. Boundaries are not about endless lists of rules or regulations – boundaries are about teaching children a better way of doing things.
Parenting requires both physical and emotional support. Proper care for yourself as a parent is equally crucial for your wellbeing. Nurturing yourself nourishes the body and mind making you more understanding, patient, empathetic and sensitive to your children’s needs. This benefits both you and your children! Don’t be hard on yourself if you have a hard day parenting – we’ve all been there. You’re doing great!
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
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