Awesome point about the physical things not being the be-all & end-all of gentle parenting.
I think of gentle parenting as being in-tune with my child's needs and parenting in an instinctive way - when it feels right, I'm probably on the right track. I don't force any issues, sleep, feeding, routine etc but go with the flow of my baby, while gently guiding her ie start the sleep routine at first sign of tiredness so that she doesn't get overtired, offer lots of different foods but don't stress if she doesn't eat them, play is just as important at this stage.
And to address the idea that Gentle Parents let their kids run feral, I don't think this is so. I think if you ascribe to the idea of "gentle parenting", you have probably done some research into the topic which means you are actively looking for tools that you can use to guide your children into adulthood in a way that suits your ethos. I take a lot of my parenting style from how I was brought up and how my sister parents. Their is no yelling or harsh punishments but there is discipline, done lovingly, and in-step with the needs of the child. A child needs to know the rules of society and a parent's job is to teach that child.
Also, do I think it's easy? Yes, a lot easier than listening to her cry or getting upset because she wont eat.
Ask me again when the tantrum stage hits!
