Hi there!

As a new dad, I bet you explored different parenting styles to find what works best for you and your child. One approach you’ve probably heard of making a buzz in this generation is gentle parenting.

According to the Children’s Health Council, gentle parenting is about recognizing your child as an individual and responding to their needs. The tools of gentle parenting are connection, communication, and consistency.

Naturally, there are many things to unpack and consider when considering applying this approach. I will not advise you to try any specific parenting approach because I believe that parents can learn on their own through their daily experiences and many other factors.

But, I want to highlight what gentle parenting emphasizes: empathy, respect, and communication.

Having empathy to understand your child’s emotions will be a path to navigate. This might mean pausing before reacting to a tantrum, acknowledging their feelings, and guiding them toward expressing themselves calmly. This requires a lot of patience- believe me- but I think the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Of course, setting boundaries is necessary. Your child must understand your role as their dad, that you set clear, fair boundaries, and that you do so with respect. You can involve your child in discussions about rules, helping them understand why they exist. This collaboration encourages mutual respect and accountability.

Lastly, model the behavior you wish to see in your child. It’s a universal fact that children copy what they see grownups do, and as they learn from observing, demonstrating patience, kindness, and empathy in your daily interactions is vital.

Fatherhood and parenting are different journeys for everyone. My hope is that you find the approach that's sustainable and works for you.

Til the next one,

Alex

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