What It Is Not

Let's clear up the biggest myths:

• It is NOT permissive — gentle parents say no frequently and enforce boundaries consistently
• It is NOT never raising your voice — the goal is connection, not silence; frustration is human
• It is NOT negotiating with a toddler — you set the limit; you empathize with their reaction to it
• It is NOT sacrificing your needs — a burned-out parent cannot be gentle; self-care is required
• It is NOT anti-consequences — natural and logical consequences are central to the approach

The biggest myth is that gentle parenting means endless patience. It does not.