The Straits Times
Republished with Permission
1 February 2025

Ms June Yong, lead of Programmes-X at local Christian charity Focus on the Family Singapore, says there are ways to adapt gentle parenting methods to each family’s needs.

“If you are parenting a strong-willed child, it may help to dial up your assertiveness while maintaining an empathetic approach. Take time to listen to your child and understand what matters to him or her,” she says.

“Conversely, if you are parenting an easy-going child while you are more of a disciplinarian, you may need to dial down on your rigidity and be more warm and affectionate. Otherwise, your child may struggle to connect with you.”

In disciplining children, parents often neglect to control their own emotions and use harsh words or actions, which may backfire when their kid does not learn the desired lesson, she adds.

They may also focus on changing their child’s external behaviour, such as forcing him or her to say “sorry” for hitting a sibling. Instead, parents should try to help the child understand how he or she hurt his or her sibling’s feelings (other-awareness) and the trigger that provoked the action (self-awareness), she adds.

For the original article, please visit 7 ways to raise good kids without resorting to tiger parenting