Less-Gentle Parenting | How to be the calm leader your toddler craves

[@ashleesymcox]

This talk is so good. I really needed this perspective. I’ve loved the idea of gentle parenting and have really been trying to implement it with my 2 year old but one thing I’m realizing is that it’s extremely exhausting for me as the mom. It feels like we have to be 100% possible for their feelings at all times and I catch myself and my husband in a sense bowing down to him. It’s leaving me on E and such a pressure to feel that I’m responsible for him being happy at all times. It hasn’t felt right. This talk has been so helpful! Thank you!!

[@meriambenouis5318]

I'm so glad i got out of the 'gentle parenting' method. I initially started using the method with my son. By the age of 1.5 i realised that this boy needs more from me. I still use parts of it because some of it is great, but i enforce firmer boundaries and consequences as he needs it.

[@kayoss2306]

Thank you for saying this and in such a compassionate way. I agree with a lot of "gentle parenting" on paper, but in practice I just see a whole lot of permissive parenting with a new trendy label. Kids need boundaries and a confident leader to make them feel safe and secure ❤

[@DanielleNicolette]

I think maybe the term we need is “firm but gentle parenting”. Maybe for some gentle parenting folks the “firm” is implied, but some people are missing that part. If you are holding a boundary, that part has to be firm, but doing it with empathy is the gentle part. PS: For healthy red hair I highly recommend using pure Henna. It’s a very permanent dye, but it’s actually good for your hair. No harsh chemicals.

[@MonicaBeech]

Mom of a 4 year old here - 'gentle parenting' is not enough for us at this stage, thankful for this conversation and perspective.

[@danielleotten5219]

Would you be able to discuss reactive parenting? By that I mean, if my toddler does something they shouldn’t, I find it hard to pause and think before yelling and reacting. It’s something I’m constantly working on but I struggle with yelling too often. I’d love advice on how to stay calm in not so calm situations. How to pause before reacting and responding poorly to unwanted toddler behavior. Love this podcast by the way! Thank you ☺️ Edit: I just want to add that I don’t yell all the time and sometimes I handle stressful situations wonderfully. When I don’t handle them well and react by yelling I always apologize to my toddler and explain what exactly I’m sorry for. The problem is, I’m worried my apologies are becoming meaningless if I’m apologizing for the same behavior repeatedly. Just wanted to add this because I do think we, as moms, can be so hard on ourselves and it’s important we acknowledge that we are wonderful moms trying really hard to correct our not so positive behaviors for the betterment of ourselves and our families. I don’t expect perfection but I’m always striving for improvement.

[@LaJuera25]

Seriously, husband and I have been frustrated with our 3 year old all DAY today. My son is Arguing and talking back like crazy

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I can relate to this comment 💯. I yell more often than not sadly. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY TIPS for us please!!! 🙏

[@eleanor4759]

Try somatic work. It has TOTALLY shifted my state in the past couple years. Irene Lyon on YT is excellent.

[@danielleotten5219]

@@eleanor4759 thank you! I’ll definitely look at her channel. Is there a particular video you recommend or would all of her videos be applicable?

[@vasibitica7863]

How true this is. Being firm, is safe. I like that. Good reminder in these days where many want to " gentle parent "

[@abigail3817]

Starting at 32:21 - this explanation really resonates with me and I appreciate this explanation SO MUCH❤️

[@meriambenouis5318]

I like the rerm respectful parenting. It involves respecting the child as a respected parent.

[@Dana-mb1hd]

You ladies give me so much encouragement and inspire me to be a better mama. Thank you ❤

[@ThatDadCarlo]

Great video. I am finding the balance with parenting. I am really working on controlling my own emotions but still setting boundaries/structure. Parenting is no easy one way trip. I love hearing all perspectives

[@noellerohovit5908]

I absolutely loved every bit of this, especially the father/man bit! You ladies are my gurus and I absolutely love you guys💗

[@HelenLegoida]

Amazing episode thanks so much

[@eleanor4759]

Yes yes yes.