Gentle parenting - where to start?

[lady_neon]

I've always been a big believer in following ones instincts, and my instincts have led me here. I think I fall under the 'gentle parenting' label. I'm not 100% sure what it entails, but I'd like to know. And after discussing all things children with my own parents, I'm pretty sure I was raised under this label too. And to be honest I struggle to fault my parents or be traumatized by what they did so far DH and I have yet to disagree about something parenting related, so I'm feeling well supported... And I've just lost my train of thought LOL

Anyway, what are the key ideas (ethos? points?) of gentle parenting?

Can anyone recommend a book or 2?

[onthefly]

Get to know your child, listen to them, give them what they need (not always what they want)

[PumpkinZulu]

Listen to your child, respect them and treat them as your equal, be completely available to them, physically and emotionally. There are more structured definitions, but like MadB that's pretty much mine. Follow your instincts and not what feels wrong.

[Rouge]

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.