Gentle Parenting vs FAFO on the School Run | Consequences & Safety Nets episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 17 MIN

Gentle Parenting vs FAFO on the School Run | Consequences & Safety Nets

from Hearts and Handlebars · host Anna Holligan

A misty, freezing school‑run parenting chat from our Dutch cargo bike in The Hague, all about gentle parenting, FAFO consequences and how kids actually experience our parenting styles. Missing gloves and damp curls kick off a conversation about the latest parenting “trend”: F‑around‑and‑find‑out parenting – the backlash to gentle parenting that says kids should simply suffer the consequences of their mistakes. From forgotten jumpers and smashed iPads to cold heads and hidden hats, we try out a softer version – “gentle FAFO” – where children still learn from their choices, but parents quietly keep a safety net. There are seagulls, mirror‑like canal water, surprisingly quiet roads and a very independent Zena, who has strong views on which parenting style really works. Zena’s question for kids this week: what kind of parenting do you think your parents do – super gentle, gentle FAFO, or full “sit on your blisters”? There’s even a special guest cameo from one of her favourite friends. 🎧 Tap follow, share with a friend who’s into real‑life kids & family chats about consequences and care, and come say hi on Instagram @heartsandhandlebars.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 18, 2026

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