Experts Warn Permissive Parenting Risks Emotional Dysregulation

Effective parenting balances gentle guidance with clear boundaries to foster emotional regulation and personal accountability in children. Experts emphasize that while gentle parenting is important, behaviors like hitting must be addressed firmly and consistently to teach children that such actions are unacceptable, regardless of triggers. Encouraging playdates and supervised social interactions can help toddlers practice coping skills and empathy in safe environments. Parents are advised to model calm emotional behavior, set consistent boundaries, and engage in open communication that validates children's feelings rather than dismissing them. Additionally, owning mistakes and guiding children to reflect on their actions promotes accountability and emotional intelligence. Avoiding permissiveness by maintaining authority without harshness helps prevent chaos and supports respectful relationships between parents and children.