The Big Story cover image

The Big Story

Gentle parenting: Is it too rough for parents?

Apr 12, 2025
Join Dr. Shimi Kang, a psychiatrist and best-selling author known for 'The Dolphin Parent,' as she dives into the complexities of gentle parenting. She discusses the mental health strains of modern parenting, highlighting factors like technology, financial pressure, and societal expectations that contribute to burnout. Dr. Kang also explores balancing authority with empathy and introduces the concept of dolphin-style parenting, which harmonizes different approaches. Tune in for insightful advice on navigating the challenges of raising emotionally healthy children.
17:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Gentle parenting, while focused on empathy and child development, often leads to burnout for parents due to overwhelming modern stressors.
  • Dolphin parenting provides a balanced approach that encourages healthy relationships and self-regulation, benefiting both parents and children alike.

Deep dives

Understanding Gentle Parenting

Gentle parenting, a contemporary approach in child-rearing, emphasizes empathy and collaboration between parents and children. Although it promotes beneficial practices, such as nurturing behavior, it has not been thoroughly validated by empirical studies. Many parents practicing gentle parenting report experiencing burnout and uncertainty, suggesting that while the method may support child development, it does not necessarily benefit the parents' mental health. This interconnectedness between parent and child highlights the complexities of maintaining a parenting philosophy that prioritizes both parties' well-being.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner