Genuine thoughts on Gentle Parenting?
This probably something discussed on this sub before, but I am genuinely curious to hear people’s honest opinions.
I’m a father of 3, one with very significant special needs, and have been a “professional” parent for the past 22 years, working as a youth/social worker with kids in care, developing care programs, training other youth/social workers and I now work as a behavioural support consultant with families and government agencies. I’ve worked with some of the most behaviourally challenging young people my country has to offer, and I’m here to say the most effective methods I’ve found (both anecdotally and through my training and education) all have their roots in the same place as gentle parenting.
It works so well, preserves your relationship with your kids/young people and gives them templates and guides for navigating challenges throughout their life.
My suspicions are it’s a lack of understanding around many of the core principles, particularly the common misconceptions that it means “no boundaries” and the fact that it can be HARD and emotionally draining, particularly at the start.
I’m interested to hear from those of who disagree and what your genuine and honest reasons are for that?