In a stunning reversal of conventional wisdom, I embarked on a radical experiment: abandoning traditional parenting tactics in favor of gentle, empathetic interactions with my two miniature humans, ages 8 and 10. The notion of validating their emotions and leading with compassion resonated deeply, yet I harbored doubts about its feasibility in the midst of chaotic mornings and bedtime battles.
Nevertheless, I agreed to immerse myself in this uncharted territory for 48 hours, and the results were nothing short of astonishing. As I navigated the afternoon and evening with my tiny tornados, I discovered that gentle parenting wasn’t as arduous as I had anticipated. In fact, the relative tranquility of our movie night and subsequent activities made it surprisingly effortless.
However, the true litmus test lay in the bedtime routine… a time when my patience typically wears thin and my tone turns tart. Ordinarily, I’d unleash a cacophony of directives, punctuated by exasperated outbursts, “to hasten the process.” But on this occasion, “I opted for a seismic shift in approach.”.. instead adopting a serene and measured demeanor.
Source: Found here
Like most parents, I want to be kind, loving and patient with my kids (ages 8 and 10). Also like most parents, I regularly fall short—because there’s only so many times you can sweetly ask someone to brush their teeth before you start sounding…less sweet.
I’d heard about gentle parenting—today’s parenting trend du jour—and while the idea of validating emotions and leading with empathy sounds great in theory, I couldn’t help but wonder: is that really practical when you’re trying to hustle two distracted kids out the door before 8 a.m.?
