3 Key Principles of Gentle Parenting

Principle of Gentle Parenting

Let us discuss the principle of gentle parenting. 

1. Respect

   An individual finds respect at the heart of gentle parenting. Respect is nothing but the central idea of gentle parenting. The children are treated and considered to be equal as compared to other children. They are not treated as second-class citizens. However, it does not mean that the children are ready for the same duties and responsibilities as carried out by the parents. Instead, it means that the children are also expected to be treated with dignity. 

   The parents treat their children as they wish to be treated by others. They do not disrespect them or expect them to be obliged simply because they are in power.

   Let us discuss why respect is important.

   • Respect is crucial because all human beings are equal. 

   • Respect shows the value of teamwork and kindness. 

   

2. Discipline

   Discipline is one of the core principles of gentle parenting. Parents who follow gentle parenting always step away from punishment. They do not apply the corporal type of punishment to the children. In addition, they consider punishment as payback for something that a person has done wrong. It is more like a revenge. A parent can never take any revenge on the children. That is why, the parent following gentle parenting do not punish their children. 

   Instead of punishing the children to teach them a lesson, they prefer to guide and disciple them. 

   Whenever a child does anything wrong, they simply tell or ask them to behave the way they want. The parents do this explicitly. For example, while asking the children to be seated on the chair, they say “Please be seated on the chair” instead of yelling and telling them, “Behave and sit on the chair”. However, if the children carry on with the same behaviour and do not pay heed to their request, the parents calmly impose the consequences. The parents focus on developing the children instead of penalising them for their behaviour. 

   When the parents impose the consequence for the repeated mistake of the children, they explain to them the reason behind it and calmly ask them not to behave like this in future.

   Let us understand why discipline is the core principle of gentle parenting. 

   • Discipline is important to show the children that every individual is responsible for the choices they make and the way they behave. 

   • Discipline is also important to guide children to become a responsible individual who should understand and know how to draw a difference between right and wrong. 

3. Empathise

   Empathy is the third core principle of gentle parenting. 

   The parents use empathy to understand the children emotionally. They observe the children and engage with them to have mutual trust. The parents try their to learn their children. They also understand that their children cannot remain happy 27/7. Therefore, they never hesitate to support them through their good and bad times. They coach them to deal with the issues they may face. 

   The parents create a culture to make the children feel normal when it comes to discussing their feelings. They make sure that the home is safe and that the children are accepted as they are. 

   Let us discuss why empathy is the core principle of gentle parenting. 

   • To develop maturity and emotional intelligence. 

   • Empathy is also crucial for building self-esteem. 

Wrapping Up!

Empathy, discipline and respect are the core principles of gentle parenting. These principles suggest why gentle parenting is better than other kinds of parenting.