Musings from a coach #6

Ah, the school holidays. You cheer louder than the children on the last day of school. “We’re going to have so much fun!” There you are picturing picnics by the river, family hikes, beaches, sandcastles and beautiful tousled, sun-kissed children.

Then reality kicks in…

If you’re a parent staring down the barrel of six weeks of summer with your little treasures, you might be thinking:
“Is gentle parenting even compatible with school holiday survival?”

Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: Yes, but only if you’ve got caffeine, a support group and noise-cancelling headphones.

Gentle parenting is all about respect, empathy and setting boundaries with kindness instead of yelling things like, “Because I said so and I’m the adult!” (which, let’s be honest, we do have to remind ourselves of occasionally).

But when your 6-year-old is having an existential crisis because the blue cup is in the dishwasher and “WATER DOESN’T TASTE THE SAME IN THE GREEN ONE,” your inner gentle parent may want to go upstairs and gently rock in the nearest wardrobe.

Here’s how to stay semi-gentle when the wheels start to come off:

1. Validate Feelings (Even Ridiculous Ones)
You: “I hear you. It’s hard when the cup you want is dirty. Feelings are real. Also, this is your 14th emotional monologue of the day and I haven’t visited the bathroom alone since 2020.”

2. Set Boundaries Like a Boss (But Nicely)
Try: “We’re not doing screen time until after lunch.”
Instead of: “If you ask me one more time about the iPad it will flung out with the recycling.”

3. Choose Your Battles
Matching socks? Optional.
Shoes on the correct feet? A strong suggestion.
Eating actual vegetables? Fantasy novel territory.

4. Pre-empt the Chaos
Gentle parenting is like being a calm flight attendant during turbulence. You smile, breathe deeply and hand out metaphorical pretzels while everything inside you screams, WHY ARE THEY JUMPING ON THE SOFA WITH MUDDY TRAINERS ON?!

• Snacks: For them and for you. Hide the good ones. Trust no one.

• Timers: Magical boundary-setting tools disguised as robots.

• A Locked Bathroom Door: You’re not hiding. You’re regulating your nervous system.

• Group Chats with Other Parents: For venting, memes and plotting mass escapes.

Gentle parenting doesn’t mean being a doormat in yoga pants whispering affirmations while your child trashes the living room. It means trying (TRYING!) to lead with empathy, even when you’re covered in suncream and glitter and wondering if 10 a.m. is too soon for an ice cream-based bribe.

You’re not failing. You’re just parenting in August.

And remember: Even gentle parents are allowed to swear and drink gin after bedtime.

Namaste and good luck.