Gentle parenting is a contemporary approach that focuses on recognizing and validating children's emotions, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. In contrast to older generations that might have used physical punishment or time-outs, many parents today choose to sit alongside their children during tantrums, helping them process their frustrations. Although this method seeks to promote emotional intelligence and respectful dialogue, it is now facing criticism, as some question whether it places too much pressure on parents.
Recent studies indicate that gentle parenting can cause burnout for some parents. A survey in the journal PLoS ONE found that one in three parents using this approach experienced burnout and self-doubt. Experts say the pressure to always stay calm, acknowledge feelings, and avoid traditional discipline can be too much to handle. This all-or-nothing mindset, where parents believe they must always be gentle, can be both stressful and unrealistic.
Critics of gentle parenting often make fun of it, saying that it allows too much freedom and that parents don’t set boundaries or raise their voices. However, experts like Julie Romanowski argue that this viewpoint is mistaken. Gentle parenting does include setting limits and discipline, but some parents might misread the approach and think they should never have conflicts. This misunderstanding can cause frustration for both parents and their children.
Experts agree that balance is key. Gentle parenting should involve not only validation of emotions but also firm boundaries. Children need opportunities to disagree with their parents to learn how to navigate conflicts and solve problems. As parenting coach Jennifer Miller puts it, parents can't always be the "good guy" - sometimes they need to be firm so children can learn to handle tough situations.
Picture: A child having a tantrum in the supermarket (Designer)
