A Parenting Journey, Meeting Mama Gator:
Mama Gator was born from my girls love of Alligators and my frustration of the misunderstanding of "Gentle Parenting." Mama Alligators are often misunderstood with the misconception they eat their young, or as reptiles don't take care of their young. They will protect their young fiercely. Mama Alligators use their mouth as a way to move and protect their young., not eat them. The Phrase "Parenting with a tough skin, but gentle underbelly" was also born from this imagery. Alligators are know for their tough skin, as a "gentle parent" we often have to armor ourselves against the push back/misconceptions of this parenting style. As "Gentle Parents" we also learn to stand calm in the midst of our children's emotional storms, we often need a tough skin to see our child as "having a hard time" vs "giving us a hard time." However we also have to be able to soften and offer love, support, and connection. Being able to armor and soften is a huge part of parenting, particularly "Gentle Parenting."