Is FAFO parenting a new fad, or a useful long-term approach? And can you get burnout from gentle parenting? Gina*, a 36-year-old from Auckland, has a ‘gentle parenting’ approach with her three-year-old son and five-year-old daughter. “My parents did the naughty-step, wooden-spoon parenting, which made me determined to do things differently.” Her husband feels the same. Gentle parenting emphasises empathy, respect, and understanding toward children.