People Are Sharing Their Authentic Encounters With Gentle Parenting, And It’s Incredibly Candid
When I was growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, being scolded or physically disciplined was a common form of punishment in my household and among my peers. Despite not being a parent myself, I have been deeply intrigued by the abundance of gentle parenting content circulating online.
However, the portrayal of parenting on social media may not always reflect the complete reality. To shed light on genuine experiences, I reached out to members of the BuzzFeed Community to share their personal encounters with gentle parenting. Their responses were not only honest but also truly inspiring. Let’s delve into what they had to express:
“Embracing gentle parenting with my younger children has led to them exhibiting more confidence and assertiveness compared to my older children, with whom I followed a more authoritarian approach. While my older kids excel in task efficiency and social cues, they grapple with issues related to addiction and self-esteem.”
“I have adopted the principles of gentle parenting with my son, having grown up under the authoritarian upbringing of a father who believed in physical punishment and yelling. I firmly stand against any form of physical discipline, establish clear boundaries, and communicate the consequences of choices and behaviors to my child, allowing him to make decisions within a safe framework.”
“Navigating the realm of gentle parenting with our 2 and a half year old daughter and 9-month-old son has been a gradual process for me. I am also working on aligning my partner with this approach, as he was raised in an environment influenced by toxic masculinity. Breaking away from the ‘raise your voice and yell’ mentality ingrained in him is a journey I am actively pursuing.”
“Practicing ‘gentle parenting’ essentially involves treating your child with the same level of respect you expect from and give to others. It entails addressing misbehavior without resorting to shaming tactics. However, despite my efforts, my 30-year-old child mirrors the abusive traits of their father and has distanced themselves from me. Parenthood comes with its challenges.”
“The landscape of gentle parenting is inundated with a myriad of rules and interpretations across social media platforms. It’s crucial to acknowledge that each child is unique, and the outcomes of parenting styles may vary. I have encountered emotionally well-adjusted adults whose parents did not adhere to ‘gentle parenting’ but were nurturing individuals. Love and presence seem to be pivotal.”
“Over the past decade, I have embraced gentle parenting with my children, fostering kindness and respect in them. While the journey was arduous during their formative years, I now witness the positive outcomes. Dispelling prevalent myths surrounding gentle parenting is a challenge I face.”
“Though not a parent myself, I assume a caregiving role for my four siblings, aged 2 and above, for about 12 hours weekly. During this period, I strive to implement gentle parenting techniques. Remarkable progress, particularly in the behavior of my youngest sibling, has been evident compared to the rest.”
“Raising our three boys, aged 10, 8, and 6, in line with gentle parenting principles has been an uphill battle for my husband and me. Managing energetic boys necessitates patience and understanding. We prioritize communication over reprimand, acknowledge our mistakes, and actively engage with our children to foster mutual respect.”
“Despite my commitment to gentle parenting, moments of chaos and stress occasionally lead me to raise my voice, mirroring my mother’s approach during my childhood. My aspiration is to provide my child with a nurturing and compassionate upbringing distinct from my own.”
“In my brief stint with gentle parenting a 2.5-year-old, I have come to realize that personal growth and emotional maturity are fundamental. By addressing my own childhood traumas and developing emotional intelligence, the framework of gentle parenting can serve as a valuable guide.”
Are you currently incorporating gentle parenting techniques in your parenting journey? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.