Tag Page gentleparenting

#gentleparenting
Maggiewosy

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

Gentle Parenting Turned My Child into a Brat?​
uking

When Grandparents Undermine Your Child’s Reality: My Struggle With Family Gaslighting

Lately, I’ve noticed my parents subtly gaslighting my child—dismissing her feelings, denying things they’ve said, and making her question her own experiences. It’s heartbreaking to watch her confusion and self-doubt grow, especially when I remember how this pattern affected me growing up. I want my daughter to trust her instincts and feel safe expressing herself, but it’s hard when those closest to us blur the lines of truth. I’m learning to step in gently, validate her feelings, and set boundaries with my parents, even when it’s uncomfortable. Has anyone else faced this challenge with family? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts below—let’s support each other through these tough moments. #ParentingJourney #FamilyBoundaries #EmotionalWellbeing #GentleParenting #Parenting

When Grandparents Undermine Your Child’s Reality: My Struggle With Family Gaslighting
Anthony Schmitt

When You Just Want to Tell Your Kid Off—But Don’t

Ever have one of those days where your patience is hanging by a thread and your child pushes every single button you have? I’ll admit, there have been moments when I’ve wanted to just yell, “Go away!” or worse. Parenting isn’t always gentle words and calm explanations. Sometimes, it’s about biting your tongue, taking a deep breath, and finding a way to respond with love—even when you’re at your limit. I’ve learned that those tough moments are when my child needs me most, even if my first instinct is to push them away. Have you ever felt this way? How do you handle it when your patience runs out? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear how you cope! #ParentingRealTalk #GentleParenting #FamilyGrowth #EmotionalResilience #Parenting

When You Just Want to Tell Your Kid Off—But Don’t
scottduarte

Breaking the Cycle: Learning to Love as a Parent Without a Map

Growing up without feeling truly loved can leave deep scars, especially when you become a parent yourself. I remember holding my newborn, terrified I wouldn’t know how to give what I never received. But I realized love isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you choose to create, moment by moment. I started by listening, hugging, and being present, even when it felt unfamiliar. Every day, I remind myself that my child deserves the warmth and security I longed for. It’s not always easy, but each small act of kindness helps heal both of us. If you’re on this journey too, know that you’re not alone. How have you learned to show love as a parent? Share your thoughts below! #gentleparenting #healingjourney #breakingthecycle #parentingwithlove #Parenting

Breaking the Cycle: Learning to Love as a Parent Without a Map
Katherine Rowland

My mom spanked my son today

This week shattered something inside me. While I was out running errands, my parents were watching my two-year-old. When I returned, my son was just being his lively, curious self. But instead of patience, my mom responded with anger—and worse, she spanked him right in front of me. I told her firmly never to lay a hand on him again.Instead of an apology, she and my dad turned it all back on me, blaming me for standing up for my son. It hurts deeply to realize that protecting my child means stepping away from people I once leaned on. But my son’s safety, both physical and emotional, is my only priority now.Setting boundaries isn’t easy, especially with family, but sometimes love means walking away. 💔Have you ever had to make a hard decision like this? Share your story with me in the comments! #GentleParenting #BreakingCycles #ProtectYourPeace #FamilyBoundaries #Parenting

My mom spanked my son today
langronald

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation?

My partner and I have always felt uneasy about baby clothes that say things like “ladies man” or “chick magnet,” or when people call our baby's daycare friends their “girlfriend.” To us, it sets expectations and messages we simply don’t want to introduce this early—or honestly, at all.The challenge? Our baby's grandparents often buy clothes with those sayings and make these kinds of jokes, even though they mean well. We’re struggling with how to explain our discomfort without making them feel attacked or defensive.It’s not just an “older generation” thing—we know that—but communicating our boundaries gently yet firmly has proven tough, especially with family members who get emotional easily.For those who feel the same way, how did you bring it up with your families? I’d love to hear how you handled it! #GentleParenting #RespectfulBoundaries #ParentingJourney #ConsciousParenting #FamilyCommunication #Parenting

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation?
Julie Thomas

Do you judge people who use phones or ipads out at restaurants with their kids?

Lately, I've seen so much chatter about "iPad kids" and how screens at restaurants are supposedly a sign of lazy parenting. At first, I nodded along—until our son hit 14 months. Now at 16 months, high chairs feel like enemy number one.I've tried everything: snacks, activity books, games, even laps around the restaurant (depending on the place). Yet sometimes, after exhausting every trick, the only thing standing between a peaceful meal and a full-on toddler meltdown is handing over a phone. It's just my husband and me—no nearby family to help—and we deserve a few minutes to eat, too.We keep screen time minimal at home with lots of parks, playdates, and adventures. But in those restaurant moments? I refuse to feel guilty anymore.I'm curious—what's your take on screen time specifically at restaurants? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #ParentingRealTalk #ModernParenting #GentleParenting #NoParentJudgment #LifeWithToddlers #Parenting

Do you judge people who use phones or ipads out at restaurants with their kids?
RadiantRaven

Why Yelling at Kids Hurts More Than Helps

I’ll never forget the look on my child’s face the first time I lost my temper and yelled. In that moment, I saw fear and confusion, not understanding. It broke my heart. Yelling might feel like a release for us as parents, but it only builds walls between us and our kids. It teaches them to respond to stress with anger, rather than calm and understanding. Since then, I’ve worked hard to pause, breathe, and choose gentler words—even when I’m frustrated. Our children deserve to feel safe and heard, not scared. Let’s strive to be the calm in their storm. Have you ever caught yourself yelling and wished you hadn’t? Share your experiences below—let’s support each other! #GentleParenting #ParentingJourney #FamilyGrowth #Parenting

Why Yelling at Kids Hurts More Than Helps