fayezor

I think “gentle parenting” is often implemented in too passive a manner, like with words alone. I’ve found that you need to actively support the behaviors you’re seeking – that means getting on their level, physically removing them from a space, physically redirecting them to an acceptable alternative, etc. I’ve seen this tactic be referred to as “scaffolding”. Gentle parenting without scaffolding is just words that toddlers often can’t do much with on their own without a little help.

Other than that, I think a lot of this age is just getting VERY comfortable with your child’s displeasure. It’s a division of labor: you set the boundary and rules, they decide how they want to feel about it. It depends on the child how to weather the tantrum as it’s happening – my preschooler does best when left completely alone, other kids might want a little presence or validation.

I am totally with you here. I felt the same way about “100 foods in the first year” for baby-led weaning. Clearly the metrics/targets help some people, as this thread attests, but I personally benefit from just… not worrying about a number and doing it as much or as little as suits the people in our family!