And remember that you are still the parent. It is at the end of the day your job to teach them how to do all the things. Be it deal with their emotions, deal with conflict, tie their shoe or clean their room.

Being a gentle patent does not mean no boundaries. It means you will teach them without fear inducing techniques and with respect.

Watching as your kids go off the rails doesn't mean you are gentle parenting or nurturing their individuality. It means you aren't parenting. IMO.

Listen to your heart. But also your head. I try to raise my babies in a way I would like to be treated. But that also means you need to find that balance of what's best for them as a whole and not just what is best for you in that moment. And IMO a quick smack uses just as little effort as ignoring the behaviour or doing whatever needs to be done for peace and quiet. That is not teaching them anything. I try and use every opportunity be it positive or negative as a way to grow. For all of us.