Parents Weigh In On Gentle Parenting Approach To Say Yes To Their Children’s Outlandish Requests

Mar 09, 2023 by apost team

Raising children is no easy task, so it’s common for parents to turn to each other or other resources for advice. Everyone has their own parenting style, and it’s common that that style will evolve as children get older. While some people view parenting as a way to build a great friendship with their children while still teaching them life lessons, others consider it more of an authoritative role and are a bit tougher with their kids.

One approach that many parents are now taking is called “gentle parenting.” According to Cleveland Clinic, this style of parenting is used “to raise confident, independent and happy children through empathy, respect and understanding, and setting healthy boundaries.”

While traditional parenting usually focuses on giving your child a reward if they do something right and giving them a punishment if they do something wrong, gentle parenting instead “focuses on improving a child’s self-awareness and understanding of their own behavior.”

In July 2022, several parents took to Twitter to discuss their take on this type of parenting. Editor and writer Lucy Huber of Somerville, Massachusetts, ignited the conversation by talking about a post she saw on Instagram that said parents should say yes to activities their children ask them to do.

While there’s no doubt that this could turn into a bad idea and could easily result in some questionable outcomes, many people agreed with Huber that there was no harm in saying yes to their children’s silly and weird requests. Her post sparked a litany of heartwarming replies.

In July 2022, Huber posted on Twitter:

“I saw on a parenting Instagram you should always say yes to things kids ask for if they are a big deal to them but a small deal to you. Anyway, tonight my 2yo asked if we could ‘take Hot Wheels ramp into the bath’ and I’m pretty sure he’s a genius bc this is fun.”

The mom added:

“Literally a genius idea. Highly recommend. Made up by a human that’s been on earth for roughly 25 months.”

Other parents agreed. A mom named Mackenzie replied to Huber’s thread and wrote:

“Yes! I ask myself ‘why not?’ & usually there isn’t a very good reason not to do the toddler’s idea. Maybe it’s slightly inconvenient to me personally (like I have to sit on the floor not the couch) but it isn’t unsafe & won’t permanently damage our home so ok sure let’s do it kid.”

Other people weighed in that they wished their parents had acted like this. Another person named Cassie Carothers praised Huber for her parenting style. “This is the best, most succinct description of gentle parenting I have ever read. For all the books + experts, I think that’s what it boils down to,” the mom of two shared.

Writer Meg St-Esprit chimed in with her take and said, “I hate most parenting advice but this is a huge one for me. Say yes when you can.”

Others pointed out that this could be good advice for any relationship, especially marriage.

For folks who may not like this approach, psychologist Irina Matveeva offered advice. She told Bored Panda that if a child “offers something outstandingly weird,” then parents should “try to switch their attention to something no less interesting.”

apost.com

What do you think about parents who say yes to everything their children suggest? Do you like the gentle parenting style? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones so they can give their take as well.