What is Gentle Parenting?

A: Gentle parenting (also referred to as positive parenting or conscious parenting) is an evidence-based approach to raising happy, confident children. This parenting style is composed of four main elements: empathy, respect, understanding, and boundaries.

Gentle parenting focuses on fostering the qualities you want in your child by being compassionate and enforcing consistent boundaries. Gentle parenting also encourages discipline, but in an age-appropriate way. Discipline methods focus on teaching valuable life lessons rather than punishments.

Gentle parenting is about:

• Guiding instead of controlling
• Connecting instead of punishing
• Encouraging instead of demanding

Gentle parenting is about listening, understanding, responding, communicating, and respecting the child as an individual. Those who practice gentle parenting encourage working together as a family to teach their children to express their feelings in a socially acceptable, age-appropriate manner. Gentle parenting is viewed as a beneficial method for raising happy, independent, and confident children.

Here are some ways to incorporate gentle parenting in your home:

• Instead of saying “Let me show you how” try: “I’m here for help you need me.”
• Instead of saying “Don’t hit!” try: “You are so angry, come here, let’s calm down and see what’s going on..
• Instead of saying “Stop it!” try: “Let’s try another way.”

For more scenarios, please visit malafamily.org/what-is-gentle-parenting. Dr. Hasti Raveau is a child and family psychologist and the founder and owner of Mala Child and Family Institute. Mala’s mission is to support the mental and emotional health of children and families through high quality, evidence-based, holistic mental health services.