The freshness of Spring surrounds us and we’re grateful for it. Renewing, rebalancing and restorative, Spring brings new life. Gone is the harshness and “battle mode” of the winter months and forward comes a passage to a lighter, more appreciative feeling. 

This brings to mind the concept of gentleness expressed lately in the concept of ‘gentle parenting’. Although it was coined by Sarah Oxwell-Smith, a parenting expert in 2015, the term is relatively new to our tool box and lexicon. The concept of “gentling” involves parents, and others, trying to understand the world from their child’s perspective, treating the child as an individual with their own point of view and a unique approach to the world. 

A gentle parent holds respect for their child and open to hearing about their own experiences and feelings. The emphasis is not on permissiveness around poor behaviour but rather demonstrating good behaviour rather than forcing kids to behave via punishment, threats and exclusion.

Of course, when discussing the concept with one of my daughters and reading more about it, I couldn’t help but think of about a world where adult gentling became a thing. Could our family lives and our homes become spaces and places for calmer, compassionate living where instead of loud discourse, ugly news and arms ready interactions, thoughtfulness, tranquility, kindness and peace co-existed. 

Of course, I’m dreaming but doesn’t help but hope for gentler times.

Caroline Tapp-McDougall,
Editor-in-Chief
caroline@bcsgroup.com