Gentle parenting: Are we setting our kids up for success in the real world?

We're all in this world of gentle parenting now, where giving out hugs is the norm, and raising our voices feels like a thing of the past ish. And that's wonderful, right? 

But, let's be real, navigating this new terrain comes with its own unique challenges. It feels like we've flipped the script on the old "do as I'm told" approach, only to find our kids dealing with a whole new set of issues—like finding their drive and finding their way through mental health ups and downs. And don't even get me started on the whole screen time saga. Yikes Wazowski!

Here's the real talk: Our goal was to be these super understanding, nurturing parents, but it kinda feels like we're stuck in this odd middle ground. It's like, we definitely don't want to come off as overly strict, but then again, are we being too lenient? Are we accidentally signaling to our kids that a big enough meltdown gets them a free pass?

And this leads us to some pretty crucial questions: How do we strike that perfect balance between being their comfort zone and also prepping them for the big, wide world out there? Enter the concept of what I like to call "HeartCore parenting". Think of it as blending all that kindness and understanding from gentle parenting with a sprinkle of "you've totally got this" encouragement to help our little ones navigate life's hiccups. It's the heart of caring and kindness with the heart of knowing when to be firm even in that kindness.

Finding that balance is the way. 

It's hard seeing our kids face challenges, but honestly, how will they learn to deal with life's hurdles if we're always swooping in to save the day? We need to move from being overprotective to empowering them—helping them handle setbacks, learn from those little mishaps, and make those hard calls on their own.

As we explore this journey of HeartCore parenting, it's time to get serious about setting some limits, sometimes being the bearer of HeartCore tough love(see what I did there?), and stepping up as their guide. It's not just about them making it through; it's about helping them thrive—equipping them to be emotionally savvy, face life's challenges head-on, and find their own footing.

Parenting is far from a walk in the park. More like a walk in the jungle lol (Alexa play Eye of the Tiger)

It's this incredible journey that's shifted from the "because I said so" mindset to a more collaborative learning experience. It's about growing right alongside our kids, showing them that life can be tough, but together, we can tackle anything that comes our way. 

Let's embrace this ride, not just for the victories but for all the beautiful, messy growth that comes with it.