April 16, 2025

Is Gentle Parenting "Too" Gentle?

Gentle parenting may strike some people as too permissive. But part of that stems from the fact that its definition has been warped by social media. Here's what gentle parenting originally meant and some useful parenting tips we can take away from it.

There's a reason "gentle parenting" has become synonymous in some circles—and on social media—with never ever telling a child "no," even in the most extreme circumstances. But where did "gentle parenting" begin, what does the research really say about it, and what can it actually offer parents in the way of making their lives easier?

 

Amy and Margaret discuss:

  • The original definition of "gentle parenting"—and how it leaves the door open for broad interpretations
  • What research has actually shown about the effects of gentle parenting—and how those who consider themselves gentle parents are faring
  • What the disagreements surrounding gentle parenting tells us about parenting in the modern world

 

Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode:

 

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/

 

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson.

 

mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid’s behavior, teenager, toddler, baby, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, gentle parenting, permissive parenting

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices