A mother has powerfully countered critics who claimed her chosen parenting method would create 'entitled brats', by sharing a tender video of her two-year-old daughter consoling her upset older brother.
From Skepticism to a Parenting Revolution
Kelly Medina Enos first encountered the concept of gentle parenting when her son, George, was just 18 months old, after a suggestion from a user on TikTok. Initially dismissing the idea as 'ridiculous', Kelly's perspective changed after she decided to research the evidence-based approach herself.
This method focuses on building a partnership with children through patience, empathy, respect, and understanding, while still maintaining consistent and compassionate boundaries. Instead of relying on strict discipline or punishment, it guides children towards positive behaviour by acknowledging their emotions.
For Kelly, adopting gentle parenting meant removing the word 'don't' from her vocabulary and allowing space for her children to feel their feelings. She has now raised both her six-year-old son, George, and her two-year-old daughter, Ariella, using this philosophy.
A Cushion Fort Crisis Leads to a Heartwarming Moment
The now-viral clip originated in the family's living room in York. It began after little Ariella accidentally demolished a cushion fort that her older brother had meticulously built. The footage shows a visibly upset George retreating to the sofa to be alone with his disappointment.
What happened next captivated viewers online. The toddler, showing remarkable awareness for her age, toddled over to check on her distressed sibling. When George kicked a pillow and told her 'stop, don't climb on it', Ariella was undeterred.
She quietly approached her brother and began gently rubbing his leg, offering silent comfort. 'She stays present but doesn't say a word, just quietly watches him as he feels his emotions,' observed mum Kelly from behind the camera.
The Empathetic Gesture That Says It All
The touching interaction continued as Ariella fetched a book from the sofa and offered it to George, asking 'want to read a story?' George's grateful 'thank you' was the perfect conclusion to the scene.
Kelly reflected proudly on the moment, stating, 'And that's on a two-year-old having empathy... so proud of my children and so grateful for true gentle parenting.' She directly addressed the sceptics, saying, 'You know how they say when you're doing gentle parenting that these children are entitled brats and they have no idea of other people's emotions, and feelings? I'm going to show you a clip.'
An Outpouring of Admiration from Fellow Parents
The video, shared in January 2026, sparked widespread praise and recognition from other parents online. One impressed viewer commented, 'Tell me you have raised your children well without telling me.'
Many shared their own similar experiences, with one parent writing: 'My two-year-old is exactly the same. She is always concerned if someone else is upset normally the first one to check on you and give you a cuddle.'
Another added: 'This is adorable and a sign of real gentle parenting rather than what people think it is. Great job Mama. My daughter used to bring us a cuddly toy if we were poorly or sad when she was two.'
The overwhelming response highlights a growing appreciation for parenting styles that prioritise emotional connection and empathy, proving that for this family, the gentle approach has nurtured compassion, not entitlement.
