This is a bonus episode from a Facebook Live I did on the main Hand in Hand Parenting Facebook page.

Have you ever doubted your gentle approach to parenting?
Ever been told that you are too soft on your kids?

Science says it’s impossible for kids to focus on our teaching moments when they are already upset or angry. It says that shouting and punishment is more likely to reinforce the difficult behaviour.

Ignoring it does not make it go away, it makes it worse.

And yet parents treading this new path often wonder if they are being too soft on their kids. Or they are told they are spoiling them, and question if, somehow, they will ruin their kids by parenting this way.

I would like to offer some reassurance and in this episode I talk about:

• Why it's ok to respond to our children's needs, and why doing that actually helps your kids develop kindness, confidence, and resilience - even if they struggle right now with anxiety, sensory issues, sensitivity or are strong-willed.
• Why punishing 'bad' behaviour leads to more problems, because it does not address the feelings behind the behaviour.
• Why being respectful and meeting our children's needs is not the same as being permissive, and is, in fact, proven to form the basis for strong, lifelong relationships.

Listen in as I explain why you can never ruin your children if you are trying to parent without punishment, rewards, or consequences.

Thanks for joining me. If you’re ready to get your kids listening so you don’t have to shout, and instead you can start enjoying being a parent, then get signed up to my next virtual Peaceful Parenting Masterclass.