Whatever you do, avoid committing to a specific parenting approach, such as being a “gentle parent.” As a parenting expert and mother, I advise against labeling your parenting style, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unexpected outcomes with your child.
In today’s diverse landscape of parenting styles—from “tiger” to “permissive,” “authoritative” to “feral,” or even the peculiar “lawn mower” or “koala” parent—choosing one can be overwhelming. Each child is unique, making a one-size-fits-all approach impractical.
While the “gentle” parenting trend, emphasizing empathy and understanding, has gained popularity, the reality may not always align with expectations. Parents often second-guess their every interaction with their child, questioning if it’s “gentle” enough. This self-imposed pressure, exacerbated by social media portrayals of perfect parenting, can be detrimental.
Rather than adhering to trends, I encourage parents to trust their instincts and embrace a more intuitive approach, reminiscent of our own parents’ methods. It’s essential to be flexible and adapt when a particular style proves ineffective. Parenting is a learning process, and it’s okay to seek guidance without feeling constrained by a specific methodology.
In the realm of parenting, perfection is unattainable. Parents should discard unrealistic expectations, such as never raising their voice or serving anything but gourmet meals. Empowering parents to find their unique path, make mistakes, and learn from them is key to navigating the complexities of modern-day parenting.
Parenting is not about fitting into predefined categories but about discovering what works best for your family. Embracing the notion of being “good enough” can alleviate the pressure to conform to unattainable standards and allow for a more authentic and fulfilling parenting experience.