I'm not a gentle parent, I'm realistic.
I’m not a gentle parent, and I’m not sorry about it.
My kids get love, respect, and a whole lot of patience, I play with my kids every day — but they also get rules, boundaries, and consequences.
I’m not raising kids who think the world will cater to their feelings. I empathize, sympathize acknowledge their feelings with so much compassion.. while also balancing that with hard cold tones they need to understand, to survive.
I’m raising future adults who understand that life doesn’t hand out participation trophies, that “no” means no, and that actions have consequences. This is monumental to their early development. I do not barter with my kids, I do not give treats for listening to me. It helps self regulation, time & place, & helps them understand themselves.
I believe in discipline — structure, accountability, and learning right from wrong. I hold myself accountable, I am not on my phone often at all in front of my kids to set that example that life is too important.
Because one day, they’ll have a boss, not a mom. They’ll have responsibilities, not reminders. They will have their own homes, goals, aspirations... And they need to be ready for that.
So no, I don’t sit down and dissect every tantrum. I don't give them a sticker for going potty. I don't coddle them if they bit someone for the 10th time & keep smiling about it.
Sometimes the answer is: “Because I said so.” And that’s okay.
I’m not raising perfect kids. I am far from it myself. But if my parents taught me anything... I am raising respectful ones who are confident, go getting, maybe even self aware — and in this world, that matters.
I keep getting compliments from parents on vacation this week how my kids are so behaved, at home they give us a run for our money & we are constantly working on redirection, appropriate discipline, boundaries etc. My kids do chores at 2 years old & that looks like picking up after themselves. But we also do not have touch screens in our home.
Raising kids, is so unique & individual for everyone. Not one child is the same, they can be similar but not identical. However, it's our philosophy to raise our kids. Raise them. Not sit on our phones & let them wreck toys etc. Engage, as hard as it is.. daily. No matter what. Answer, respond, play, discipline.
What's your take?.
