A viral TikTok mom, Mia Thompson, was recently the subject of mockery from Whoopi Goldberg on The View over her insights on gentle parenting.
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you might have stumbled upon the latest viral trends, unusual challenges, or innovative health and beauty tips. But parenting styles are also a hot topic, particularly the concept of gentle parenting, which has sparked intense discussions across various platforms.
The reality is that parents shouldn’t be judged for their chosen parenting methods, provided they genuinely believe it’s in the best interest of their children. Yet, here we are, witnessing the controversy unfold. Gentle parenting has become a focal point of misunderstanding, leading to everything from Goldberg’s laughter on national television to online defenses from others.
Parenting expert and author of multiple books on the topic, Emma Collins, defines gentle parenting as, “treating your children the way you wish to have been treated as a child.” It sounds benign enough, but Mia Thompson learned just how contentious this approach could be after sharing a TikTok video meant to help other parents. In her clip, the 31-year-old gentle parent advised against the constant use of “no” throughout the day. “Hope this helps, it’s helped us tremendously!” she wrote, paired with a hashtag promoting support among mothers.
In her video, she suggested alternative phrases for parents tired of saying things like “No, get down from there.” Instead, she recommended saying, “Feet on the floor, please!” or asking, “How do you plan to get down from there?”
With over 200 comments sparking debate, Whoopi Goldberg caught wind of Mia’s TikTok and couldn’t resist addressing it on her show. She reacted with laughter, questioning the practicality of Thompson’s advice when children misbehave. This moment reignited discussions about gentle parenting both on and off the air.
Collins believes much of the heated discussion stems from a misunderstanding of what gentle parenting truly entails. “The term ‘gentle’ can make it seem like there’s no discipline involved,” she explains. “This isn’t the case at all.”
Despite the misconceptions, Thompson chose to respond with grace. She shared a thoughtful message for Goldberg, expressing that there’s often confusion about gentle parenting. “I understand that people hear ‘gentle’ and think there’s a lack of authority. That’s simply not true,” she stated. “We still discipline our child, but we do so with love and respect rather than yelling.”
Collins finds Goldberg’s reaction disrespectful and sees it as a missed opportunity for constructive dialogue on parenting. “Mocking mothers isn’t right, regardless of differing opinions,” she stated.
Thompson expressed disappointment at being ridiculed on a national platform. “I was just trying to share helpful tips that have worked for me and my child,” she said. “At the end of the day, I’m just a mom trying my best.”
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In summary, TikTok mom Mia Thompson faced criticism from Whoopi Goldberg regarding her gentle parenting methods, which sparked a larger discussion about the misconceptions surrounding this approach. While Thompson aimed to provide helpful advice, Goldberg’s mocking reaction highlighted the ongoing debate about parenting styles in today’s society.