why gentle parenting doesn’t work
Gentle parenting has been gaining popularity in recent years as a more compassionate and empathetic approach to raising children. It emphasizes on building a strong, healthy relationship between parents and children, rather than using punishments and rewards to control behavior. However, there are many who argue that gentle parenting doesn’t work and may even have negative consequences on children’s development. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this argument and whether or not gentle parenting is truly effective.
First, let’s understand what gentle parenting is all about. At its core, gentle parenting is based on the principle of treating children with respect and empathy. It encourages parents to listen to their children, validate their emotions, and respond with kindness and understanding. This approach also promotes setting boundaries and limits, but in a gentle, non-punitive manner. Proponents of gentle parenting believe that it helps children develop a strong sense of self-worth, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence.
However, critics of gentle parenting argue that it is a flawed approach and may not be suitable for all children. They believe that children need structure, discipline, and consequences for their actions to learn how to behave appropriately. Some even go as far as to say that gentle parenting is permissive and leads to entitled and spoiled children. So, why does gentle parenting not work for some families? Let’s delve deeper into the reasons.
1. Misinterpretation of Gentle Parenting
One of the main reasons why gentle parenting may not work for some families is that the concept is often misunderstood and misinterpreted. Many people assume that gentle parenting means being permissive and not setting any boundaries. This is not true. Gentle parenting does involve setting limits, but it focuses on doing so in a respectful and compassionate manner. Parents who are not familiar with the approach may struggle to implement it correctly, which can lead to ineffective results.
2. Lack of Consistency
Another reason why gentle parenting may not work is the lack of consistency. Just like any other parenting approach, consistency is key to making it effective. Children thrive on routine and predictability, and if gentle parenting is not consistently applied, they may become confused and act out. For example, if a parent allows their child to express their emotions in a gentle way most of the time but suddenly yells at them for the same behavior, it can be confusing and send mixed messages to the child.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
Some parents may also struggle with gentle parenting because they have unrealistic expectations. They may expect their child to always behave perfectly and never have any outbursts or tantrums. However, this is not realistic, and children are bound to have moments of anger and frustration. Gentle parenting does not promise to eliminate all challenging behaviors, but rather teaches parents how to respond to them in a compassionate and respectful manner.
4. Difficulty with Setting Boundaries
As mentioned earlier, gentle parenting does involve setting boundaries, but it is often done in a different way than traditional parenting. Instead of imposing rules and punishments, gentle parenting focuses on building a strong relationship with the child and guiding them towards better behavior. This can be challenging for parents who are used to using punishments and rewards to control their child’s behavior. It may take some time and practice for parents to learn how to set boundaries gently, which can lead to frustration and the belief that gentle parenting doesn’t work.
5. Child’s Personality
Every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Some children may respond well to gentle parenting, while others may require a stricter approach. A child’s personality, temperament, and past experiences can all play a role in how they respond to gentle parenting. For example, a child who has experienced trauma or has a strong-willed personality may not respond well to gentle parenting and may require more structure and discipline.
6. Lack of Support from Others
Another challenge that parents may face when practicing gentle parenting is the lack of support from others, including family members, friends, and even professionals. Many people are still not familiar with the concept of gentle parenting and may criticize or question a parent’s choices. This can be discouraging and make it difficult for parents to continue with this approach. It is essential for parents to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who understand and support their parenting style.
7. Time and Patience
Gentle parenting is not a quick fix or a magic solution to all parenting challenges. It requires time, patience, and dedication to building a strong relationship with your child. Some parents may not have the luxury of time due to various reasons, such as work or other responsibilities. Additionally, children may not respond to gentle parenting immediately, and it may take time for them to understand and adapt to this approach. For parents who are looking for immediate results, gentle parenting may not work.
8. Lack of Understanding of Child Development
Gentle parenting is based on the understanding of child development and how children’s brains work. It takes into account that children are still developing and learning how to regulate their emotions and behaviors. However, some parents may not have a good understanding of child development and may expect their child to behave like an adult. This can lead to frustration and the belief that gentle parenting is not effective.
9. External Influences
Another factor that can hinder the effectiveness of gentle parenting is the influence of external factors. Children are exposed to various influences outside of their home, such as media, peers, and societal expectations. These influences may not align with the values of gentle parenting, and children may struggle to understand and adapt to this approach. Additionally, parents may also face criticism and judgment from others, which can make it challenging to continue with gentle parenting.
10. Personal Challenges
Lastly, gentle parenting may not work for some families due to personal challenges that parents may be facing. Parenting can be stressful, and many parents struggle with their own emotions and mental health. It can be difficult for parents to practice gentle parenting when they are dealing with their own issues. In such cases, it is important for parents to seek support and take care of their well-being before trying to implement gentle parenting.
In conclusion, gentle parenting is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it may not work for every family. It requires a deep understanding of the principles and consistent effort from both parents and children. It is essential to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. As parents, it is important to find a parenting style that works best for our family and to always strive towards building a loving and respectful relationship with our children.
12 emojis parents should know
In today’s digital age, emojis have become an integral part of communication. These small, colorful icons have revolutionized the way we express ourselves, adding tone and emotion to our messages. While they may seem harmless and fun, there are certain emojis that parents should be aware of, as they could have hidden meanings or be inappropriate for children. In this article, we will explore 12 emojis that parents should know about, and how to talk to their kids about using them responsibly.
1. ๐ Eggplant Emoji – This seemingly innocent emoji is often used to represent a penis. It has become a popular symbol for sexting among teenagers. Parents should be aware of this emoji and monitor their child’s use of it, as it could lead to inappropriate conversations.
2. ๐ Peach Emoji – Similar to the eggplant emoji, the peach emoji is often used to represent a butt. It is frequently used in a sexual context and could be a sign that your child is engaging in inappropriate conversations.
3. ๐๐ Combo – If your child sends you a text with the eggplant and peach emoji together, it could be a sign that they are trying to tell you something sexually explicit. This combination is often used to represent sexual acts, and parents should address this with their children if they come across it.
4. ๐๐๐ฅ Combo – This combination of emojis is even more explicit, as it represents a sexual encounter or a desire for one. It is important for parents to educate their children about the implications of using such emojis and the consequences it could have.
5. ๐ Pill Emoji – While this emoji may seem harmless, it is often used to represent drugs. It could be a sign that your child is involved in drug use or is being exposed to it. Parents should discuss the dangers of drug use with their children and monitor their online activity to prevent any potential risks.
6. ๐๐ Combo – If you see this combination of emojis, it could be a sign that your child is involved in drug dealing or is being exposed to it. Parents should have a serious conversation with their child and seek professional help if necessary.
7. ๐ Red Circle Emoji – This emoji is used to represent something that is only appropriate for individuals over 18 years of age. It could include sexual content or graphic violence. Parents should discuss the importance of age-appropriate content with their children and monitor their online activity to prevent exposure to such content.
8. ๐ธ Money Bag Emoji – This emoji is often used to represent illegal activities, such as buying or selling drugs or engaging in prostitution. Parents should have a conversation with their children about the dangers and consequences of getting involved in such activities.
9. ๐ค Money Mouth Emoji – This emoji is often used to represent greed or materialism. It could be a sign that your child is excessively focused on material possessions or is being influenced by materialistic values. Parents should discuss the importance of balance and the dangers of materialism with their children.
10. ๐ Maple Leaf Emoji – This emoji is used to represent marijuana, and its use is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. Parents should educate their children about the dangers of drug use and monitor their online activity for any signs of drug-related conversations.
11. ๐ฅ Cocktail Glass Emoji – This emoji is often used to represent alcohol or partying. It could be a sign that your child is engaging in underage drinking or is being exposed to it. Parents should have a conversation with their child about the dangers of alcohol and the importance of responsible drinking.
12. ๐ฉ Pile of Poo Emoji – This emoji may seem harmless, but it is often used to represent something gross or disgusting. It could also be used to bully or harass someone. Parents should educate their children about the consequences of cyberbullying and monitor their online activity to prevent any involvement in such behavior.
In conclusion, emojis have become a popular form of communication, and it is important for parents to be aware of their meanings and implications. By monitoring their child’s online activity and having open and honest conversations, parents can ensure that their children are using emojis responsibly and are not being exposed to inappropriate content. It is also essential for parents to educate their children about the potential dangers of using certain emojis and to seek professional help if necessary. Let’s continue to use emojis to enhance our communication, but let’s do so responsibly.
how to cancel amazon kids+
Amazon Kids+ is a subscription-based service offered by Amazon that provides access to a vast library of kid-friendly content including books, videos, games, and educational apps. It is designed to provide a safe and age-appropriate entertainment experience for children between the ages of 3 to 12 years old. However, there may be instances where parents or guardians may want to cancel their Amazon Kids+ subscription. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to cancel Amazon Kids+ and the important things to consider before doing so.
Why Cancel Amazon Kids+?
There can be various reasons why parents or guardians may want to cancel their Amazon Kids+ subscription. Some may have found other sources of entertainment for their children, while others may have financial constraints that make it difficult to continue the subscription. Additionally, some parents may feel that their child has outgrown the content offered by Amazon Kids+ and may want to explore other options. Whatever the reason may be, it is essential to understand the process of canceling the subscription to avoid any inconvenience or unexpected charges.
How to Cancel Amazon Kids+?
Canceling an Amazon Kids+ subscription is a straightforward process, and it can be done in a few simple steps. The method may vary depending on the device or platform you are using. Let’s take a look at the steps to cancel Amazon Kids+ on different devices and platforms:
1. On Amazon Fire Tablets
If you have an Amazon Fire Tablet, you can easily manage your Amazon Kids+ subscription through the Parent Dashboard. To cancel the subscription, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Parent Dashboard by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping on the “Settings” option.
Step 2: Tap on the “Parental Controls” option and enter your Amazon account password.
Step 3: Scroll down and select the child profile for which you want to cancel the subscription.
Step 4: Tap on the “Manage Subscription” option and then click on “Cancel Subscription.”
Step 5: Confirm the cancellation by tapping on “Yes, Cancel Subscription.”
2. On Amazon Fire TV
If you have an Amazon Fire TV, you can cancel your Amazon Kids+ subscription by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Parent Dashboard by selecting the “Settings” option from the home screen.
Step 2: Select the child profile for which you want to cancel the subscription.
Step 3: Click on “Manage Subscription” and then select “Cancel Subscription.”
Step 4: Confirm the cancellation by clicking on “Yes, Cancel Subscription.”
3. On Android or iOS Device s
If you have an Android or iOS device, you can cancel your Amazon Kids+ subscription through the Amazon Appstore or Google Play Store. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Amazon Appstore or Google Play Store and go to the “Subscriptions” section.
Step 2: Find the Amazon Kids+ subscription and tap on it.
Step 3: Tap on “Cancel Subscription” and then confirm the cancellation.
4. On the Amazon Website
If you subscribed to Amazon Kids+ through the Amazon website, you can cancel it by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to the “Your Memberships and Subscriptions” section on the Amazon website.
Step 2: Find the Amazon Kids+ subscription and click on “Manage Subscription.”
Step 3: Click on “Cancel Subscription” and then confirm the cancellation.
Important Things to Consider Before Canceling
Before canceling your Amazon Kids+ subscription, there are a few things you should consider:
1. Remaining Subscription Period
When you cancel your Amazon Kids+ subscription, you will still have access to the service until the end of the current billing cycle. It means that you can continue using the subscription until the next billing date, even if you cancel it in the middle of the month.
2. Content on Child Profile
Once you cancel the subscription, the child profile will no longer have access to any content downloaded from Amazon Kids+. If you want your child to continue using the content, you can either purchase it or subscribe to Amazon Kids+ again.
3. Automatic Renewal
By canceling your Amazon Kids+ subscription, you are stopping it from automatically renewing at the end of the billing cycle. It means that you will not be charged for the next billing period, and your child’s access to the service will end.
4. Alternative Options
If you are canceling your Amazon Kids+ subscription because you have found other sources of entertainment for your child, it is essential to evaluate those options. Make sure that the content is age-appropriate and safe for your child to consume.
5. Impact on Amazon Prime Benefits
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, canceling your Amazon Kids+ subscription will not affect any of the Prime benefits. However, if you have subscribed to Amazon Kids+ through a Prime account, canceling it will also cancel your Prime membership.
In Conclusion
Amazon Kids+ is a great service that offers a wide range of age-appropriate content for children. However, if you have decided to cancel your subscription, make sure to consider the factors mentioned above before doing so. The process of canceling is simple and can be done through various devices and platforms. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can easily cancel your Amazon Kids+ subscription and explore alternative options for your child’s entertainment.