When my son turned five, I took a deep breath of relief.
It felt like I’d finally made it past the tantrum-filled twos, threes, and fours.
I was saying goodbye to the endless cries over anything and everything, the dramatic collapses in the grocery store aisles, and the daily battles over bedtime.
In fact, I was ready to be the no-spit, no-spill, beige Insta-mum.
But little did I know, a new adventure was just around the corner, and I wasn’t packed!
Instead of a peaceful, tantrum-free zone, I found myself navigating a whole new set of challenges.
Suddenly, my occasionally easygoing toddler was replaced by a fiercely independent and highly impressionable little boy.
He was endlessly curious and incredibly opinionated, which brought about a new adventure every day.
From heated debates over not remembering the name of his 346th car to complex negotiations about bedtime routines, I had about 24 hours to master a new level of patience.
This marked the true beginning of my full-fledged gentle parenting journey.
However, this phase didn’t come without its challenges.
I faced a constant whirlwind of emotions and self-doubt, often questioning if I was doing right by my child.
Does this sound familiar, mummies?
Don’t worry.
If you are currently rowing the same boat-juggling the highs and lows of gentle parenting, know that you’re not alone.
Navigating Gentle Parenting: A Personal Journey
Gentle parenting, as I’ve experienced, is all about guiding our children with respect, empathy, and understanding.
It’s a commitment to connect with them and lead by example, rather than using fear and punishment.
For me, this journey meant swapping out the familiar “Because I said so” playbook for a “Let’s figure this out together” approach.
With my two kids, Layth and Rizqy, this shift has been both eye-opening and essential.
Facing the Bumps in the Road
Let’s be real – gentle parenting is HARD!
With Layth, my spirited 5-year-old, and Rizqy, my ever-curious 2-year-old, we’ve hit our fair share of bumps along the way.
Breaking Old Habits
As a new parent, I quickly realised that the old ‘tough love’ methods just wouldn’t cut it. Kids today are something else!
But with patience and consistency, I’ve discovered that gentle parenting is well worth the effort.
Dealing with External Pressure
There were times when people questioned whether I was too lenient with Layth’s bedtime battles or Rizqy’s push for independence.
I’ve had to stand firm and say, “We’re trying something different,” while staying true to our approach.
Handling Our Own Emotions
Testing limits is definitely a specialty of my kids.
Layth’s bedtime arguments can really test my patience, and Rizqy’s clinginess can be tough.
There have been moments when I needed to step away, take a deep breath, or reach out to fellow parents for advice—and that’s more than okay.
Through these challenges, I’ve learned that gentle parenting is a journey of patience, adaptation, and support, but it’s one that brings incredible rewards.
Breaking the Cycle
Gentle parenting isn’t just about how I interact with Layth and Rizqy today.
It’s about setting a new standard for the generations that follow.
On the toughest days, when I’m torn between choosing empathy and giving in to frustration, I remind myself that my goal is to reshape our family’s approach to discipline.
Here’s how I navigate this journey.
Self-Reflection
Understanding why I respond the way I do has helped me make more thoughtful choices in how I engage with them.
Seeking Support
Reaching out for support has been crucial.
Connecting with other parents, diving into parenting books, or having conversations with a therapist provides fresh perspectives and renews my energy.
It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this journey.
Celebrating Small Wins
I cherish every positive response from Layth and Rizqy.
Whether it’s Layth finding a new way to express his feelings or Rizqy adapting to a new routine, these small victories reinforce that gentle parenting is making a meaningful impact.
By focusing on these aspects, it is my genuine hope to create a more compassionate and understanding environment for my children.
The Journey Ahead
Where do I even begin?
Watching Layth and Rizqy grow into compassionate and confident individuals makes every struggle in the gentle parenting journey worthwhile—with all its ups and downs.
From one mum to another, remember, just in case you don’t hear it enough—you’re doing an amazing job!
Trust yourself and trust the process.
Know that every step you take towards gentle parenting is a step towards a brighter future for your children.
And on days when you don’t feel so gentle—don’t be too hard on yourself! You’ve got this, my fellow parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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