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.
At Mala we encourage gentle parenting with all of your clients, because it works.
