Gentleness is essential because it is a character quality with the unseen intent of kindness, consideration, thoughtfulness, and an attitude of a calm presence.

Often, we tell children what not to be rather than what to be. Don’t be rough, don’t be cruel, don’t be difficult, don’t be harsh, don’t be nasty. 

It’s important to tell children what behaviour you want to see.

When your child plays with a sibling, takes care of a family pet, or interacts in the playground, they must understand what behaviour is encouraged and what behaviour is discouraged.

A misconception about gentleness is that it could be a weakness rather than a strength.

Showing gentleness is an act of control. Allowing emotions to rule is a weakness.

As a parent, it’s helpful to name emotions when they come up, whether yours or your child’s. Help children identify emotions and learn that they can control them. Not the other way around.

Talk to children about opposites and what the opposite of an emotion can look and feel like, and there are many options between the two opposing sides.

Discuss how thoughts impact emotions and behaviours. Chat about how their thoughts determine their actions and how they respond to certain things or people.

Also, remember to discuss perceptions and how they can cause disagreements.

However, when there is an attitude of gentleness, any conflict can lead to curiosity.

What’s essential about gentleness is going into disagreements with an open mind and seeking to understand another’s perspective rather than causing further friction.

Raising a child and teaching them about gentleness helps their emotional regulation and impacts their future relationships. Their social skills increase because of their ability to connect with others.

As stated earlier, gentleness doesn’t mean someone is a pushover. Think of someone good at conflict resolution; that person gently but firmly sets boundaries around the conflict. That’s a skill and strength that only some have.

In today’s world, there is a lot of conflict, chaos, and concern about the future for so many people.

Raising children to be gentle, kind and thoughtful who seek to understand and accept views different from their own can only be positive.

Please help your child be the best versions of themselves so that their future, and the world’s future, is a more peaceful, gentle, loving environment.

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