You had always struggled with finding the right balance between being a strong and loving parent. With your first child, you were very strict about everything they did.
“Don’t do that!” “Stop that!” “Because I said so!”
You always said these things to your oldest child. Eventually, your husband noticed that your child had become afraid of you because of this kind of parenting. So you made sure not to be overly strict with your next child.
Eventually, your family was blessed with another child. However, this time, as they grew up, you noticed that they were becoming spoiled. Tantrums here and there. They must always get what they want, or else your house will become a mess.
You and your husband realized that this was because you’d been too lenient.
Now you’re confused. What kind of parenting should you do? Is there a perfect parenting style? Is what we’re struggling with as parents normal?
Don’t worry, you are not alone. I, too, have been through this. I’ve been too strict and too lenient with my children. However, one day, I decided to do some research on different parenting techniques, and I came across the concept of strong parenting using gentle techniques.
I was surprised to read that type of parenting because “strong” and “gentle” are polar opposites. Neither did I know, though, that this was exactly what I needed to do since my oldest arrived in our lives.
Fortunately, it is not yet too late to apply these parenting techniques to my two children. After I implemented this, my family has been happier, healthier and more connected than ever before.
You’re now wondering what I read? How did I parent my children in a strong but gentle manner?
Don’t worry I’m about to tell you my secret. You don’t have to be like me who experimented with my first two children (haha just kidding!). So, let us find out what is a Gentle Parenting Technique?
What is the Gentle Parenting Technique?
Gentle parenting is a way of raising kids where instead of using strict discipline or punishment, as a parent you encourage active listening, empathy, open communication, and consistency. Additionally, you emphasize praising and rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Your goal here is to raise confident, responsible kids without being too harsh. It’s all about treating them with kindness and respect, and understanding that they are still learning and growing.
5 Strong Parenting Using Gentle Techniques
So now, for the part you’ve been waiting for. How did I parent my children in a strong but gentle manner? Here are 5 Strong Parenting Using Gentle Techniques to help you be the best parent you can be.
1. Ensure your child understands what’s going on:
Help your child understand what’s going on emotionally and logically.
2. Engage don’t enrage:
Tell your child why a certain behavior isn’t okay.
3. Get your kids to speak about their experiences:
Talk about what your kids have experienced so they can apply what they’ve learned.
4. Remind kids that feelings come and go:
Feelings are temporary, not enduring, especially negative feelings.
5. Let them view conflict as an opportunity to learn:
Don’t let them view conflict as an obstacle to avoid. Make it an opportunity to teach your kids good relationship skills.
By following these gentle techniques, you can become a more patient, understanding, and loving parent. Just remember that being a strong parent doesn’t have to mean being harsh. Furthermore, you can guide your children with nothing but love and care. In the end, practicing these can also make your family happier, healthier, and more connected than ever before.
To learn more about parenting, try reading this book, Raising Good Humans. This is what I used when I was just learning the insides of being a parent.
Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services, LLC, is a diverse therapy clinic that can meet the needs of anyone. If you’d like to talk about your mental health, feel free to message us here. In case of emergency or thoughts of suicide, please click on this link: https://www.sprc.org/states/georgia
