Perceptions of Gentle Parenting

Authors: Mayan Amin, Dr.MaryBeth Apriceno, Kelly Willig, Vito Postiglione, Christopher Allocca

SUNY Campus: Farmingdale State College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 59

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Gentle parenting focuses on understanding, empathy, and respect to foster secure attachment between child and parent. Gentle parenting is often discussed as a shift away from traditional authoritarian styles toward approaches that emphasize emotional support and mutual respect. Parenting advocates, bloggers, researchers, and influencers have popularized this method, highlighting its potential for fostering trust and a strong parent-child relationship. However, social media trends suggest that Generation Z may view gentle parenting as a step too far, leading to a backlash of stricter parenting. Our study will examine how perceptions of gentle parent differ by generational cohort across four generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. We will also examine how cultural background, religious beliefs, and one’s personal experiences of being parented may shape an their parenting approach. We will recruit an age diverse sample of 250 participants through online parenting forums including on Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit. Participants will answer a series of questions on their parenting practices, personal experiences of being parented, generational cohort, cultural background, religious beliefs, and other relevant demographic information. Findings from our study will broaden the understanding of factors involved in parenting approaches and perceptions of those approaches across generational cohorts. These findings may provide context to potential conflicts between adult children parents and grandparents about raising children.