What Is Gentle Parenting (Really)?
It’s not permissive. It’s not passive. And it doesn’t mean letting your child walk all over you while you whisper affirmations through clenched teeth.
- ✅ It’s about empathy, boundaries and connection
- ✅ It values emotional regulation – for both parent and child
- ✅ It rejects fear-based discipline in favour of respect and guidance
Common Challenges of Gentle Parenting
- 🔥 Staying regulated when your child is not
- ⏳ Feeling like it takes more time than “traditional” parenting
- 💬 Lack of support from family who don’t get it
- 😩 The emotional labour of carrying everyone’s feelings
What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Failing
Let’s get one thing straight: you’re not failing. You’re parenting in one of the hardest, most intentional ways possible. But here’s what can help when your calm is gone and your nerves are fried:
Quick Wins for When You’re Touched-Out and Talked-Out
You don’t need a full life overhaul. Sometimes, a few small tweaks make a massive difference:
- 🫖 Make a “mum shelf” – a place for your cuppa and 3 minutes of silence
- 🎧 Use headphones and a calming playlist during chaos
- 📝 Have “scripts” for common moments (e.g. “You’re upset. I’m here. We can calm down together.”)
- 🙋♀️ Swap childcare with another mum for an hour a week, if possible
Real Words from Real Mums
“Sometimes gentle parenting feels like whispering into a hurricane. But when it lands – when they open up, or soften – it’s magic.”
– Rachel, mum of 2
“I didn’t grow up with gentle parenting. I’m learning it as I go, and unlearning so much. Some days it’s messy. Some days it’s magic.”
– Lina, mum of 1
You’re Not Broken – The System Is
Parenting in isolation, under pressure, with little support… it’s no wonder we feel like we’re not enough. You are. You’re doing something brave and beautiful – even when it feels hard.