June 1st is Global Day of Parents, and here at Naija UK Connect, we’re using the moment to celebrate the heart of our community — our Naija mums, dads, aunties, uncles, and guardians raising children with love, discipline, and faith in a different culture.
But let’s talk about something we often hear thrown around — gentle parenting.
In many Nigerian homes, the term can feel foreign, even suspicious. Some think it’s just “oyinbo nonsense,” or assume it means raising spoilt children without rules. Others are afraid it means losing control or letting kids run wild.
But gentle parenting isn’t about being soft—it’s about being strong enough to lead with empathy, not fear. It’s a style rooted in connection, respect, boundaries, and understanding, not shouting or beating.
This isn’t your typical list of parenting hacks. Below are 5 subtle signs you’re actually practicing gentle parenting — maybe without even realising it. These are quiet, powerful clues that your children are growing up with love and emotional safety, even in a world far from home.
1. You Apologise When You’re Wrong — Even to Your Child
Many of us were raised in homes where adults were never wrong. But when you say “I’m sorry” to your child, you’re teaching accountability, not weakness.
✊🏾 Gentle parenting means modelling the behaviour you want your children to learn—even when it humbles you.
2. You Pause Before Reacting in Anger
Instead of lashing out, you take a breath. You step away. You calm down first.
This shows your child that emotions are valid, but they must be managed—not dumped on others. In a world full of stress, this is a powerful lesson.
3. You’re Teaching, Not Threatening
Rather than shouting, “If you do that again, I’ll beat you!”, you say, “I know you’re upset, but hitting isn’t okay. Let’s talk about what’s really going on.”
👶🏾 This shift from fear to understanding is the core of gentle parenting—and it takes strength.
4. You Respect Their Voice, Even If They’re Young
You let them express disagreement without feeling disrespected.
🗣 You let them say “I don’t like that” or “I’m sad” without shutting them down.
That’s not raising a rude child — it’s raising a future adult who knows how to communicate.
5. You’re Actively Unlearning What You Grew Up With
You’ve said things like, “I want to raise my kids differently.”
You may still slip up sometimes — shout when you’re tired, threaten consequences when you’re frustrated — but you’re conscious of it. And that awareness alone is growth.
💡 Gentle parenting is not perfection — it’s intention. It’s choosing connection over control, every day.
✨ Final Thoughts: Gentle Doesn’t Mean Weak
Gentle parenting doesn’t mean giving in. It doesn’t mean you don’t discipline your child. It means you discipline with purpose, not punishment. It means you lead with love and teach through trust.
On this Global Day of Parents, let’s honour the parents who are unlearning, relearning, and parenting with heart — whether they’re in Lagos, London, or Leicester.
You are doing deep, quiet work that matters. Even if no one claps, even if your kids don’t fully understand yet — keep going.
💬 Are you a Nigerian parent in the UK trying to balance tradition and modern parenting styles? We’d love to hear your story. Drop us a message or comment below!
Happy Global Day of Parents!
📖 Read more reflections on Naija parenting in the UK here:
👉🏾 https://naijaukconnect.co.uk/2025/06/01/uk-healthcare-jobs-with-visa-sponsorship-especially-for-naija-folks/
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