Gentle Parenting Turned My Child into a Brat?
For nearly five years, I’ve embraced gentle parenting, researching discipline and emotional growth theories. I wanted a "better" approach than my parents’.
At first, it seemed to work—my child’s behavior improved. But in the past year, it’s worsened. Tantrums are constant, and defiance escalates when they don’t get their way.
I followed all the advice: firm but kind, letting them "feel" emotions, discussing improvements later. Nothing worked. Last week, I snapped during dinner—again, I’d made their favorite meal, but they screamed, "It’s gross!" I yelled, "I’m done with your attitude! No food, no snacks, no treats!" My husband agreed: change was needed.
We revoked privileges—screens, sugar, toys. Surprisingly, their behavior improved! They apologize now and follow rules better.
But I feel awful. My child calls me "mean," and I’m strict. Did gentle parenting fail? Would stricter methods have worked better? Am I damaging them? My husband says they’re adjusting. I just need reassurance I didn’t mess up...
#ParentingStyles #GentleParenting #DisciplineStruggles #ChildBehavior #ParentingDoubts
