Parenting labels..why do we use them?

[Inanna]

I am sure whoever it was who first coined the term gentle did not wake up one morning and go "oh, lets find a name for parenting that will make other parents feel like crap".

I think its really important to remember what Astrid says above. Its a way to describe an ethos. I follow in part a Buddhist philosophy doesn't mean I don't stand on ants but I subscribe to parts of that philosophy. It helps to define who I am (good luck there as I find it hard to define myself! ) It also differentiates between a hindu philosophy etc. I gentle parent will tell you that I aim to be as gentle as possible. I fail miserably when I am screaming like a hyena... I succeed beautifully when I sit on the floor & explain things...

People don't say they "follow in part a Buddhist philosophy" to stick it to Christians or Hindus. They say it as it's what they are. It helps to define a person's ethos, thoughts, ideas, values...

For someone to say I have a happy marriage is saying they have a happy marriage. Not to stick it to me who is about to be divored... YK?

PND is a crippling affliction but we have to remember always, through all of our challenges that statements of individuals beliefs/ethos are about the person persons it's about. Not about putting down others...

[sneakysparkle]

People don't say they "follow in part a Buddhist philosophy" to stick it to Christians or Hindus. They say it as it's what they are. It helps to define a person's ethos, thoughts, ideas, values...

For someone to say I have a happy marriage is saying they have a happy marriage. Not to stick it to me who is about to be divored... YK?

I think this was a really lovely way of putting it