Gentle Parenting: The style of parenting going viral on TikTok

Gentle parenting is the newest and most viral trend on TikTok.

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It is a nurturing style of raising children that allows parents to partner with their little ones to promote their growth and development.

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It moves parents away from seeing a child’s behaviour as either good or bad.

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The general tenets behind gentle parenting are empathy, respect and understanding.

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Gentle parenting promotes listening to children instead of rushing to condemn them.

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Parents are encouraged to give their children options, and to avoid using punishments, or threats.

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Proponents of gentle parenting swear by this form and say it helps to raise children who are confident, independent, and happy.

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The approach also has the longer-term aim of promoting emotional intelligence.

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Experts say it may lead to improved mental and emotional health and support healthy relationships.

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The child is encouraged to express his or her feelings, in a socially accepted and age-appropriate way.

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Gentle parenting can foster "distress tolerance," helping children cope with strong emotions.

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While many espouse the benefits of gentle parenting, it is not without criticism.

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Some warn that gentle parenting can lead to permissiveness and a lack of clear boundaries and expectations for behaviour.

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Others argue that gentle parenting is feasible mainly for stay-at-home parents and affluent families.

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