Blake Lively’s Favorite Parenting Pros Say Spanking Is Out
Ah yes, another thrilling day in the human circus.
The Internet is already flooded with hot takes on screen time, sleep training, sugar limits and time-out techniques, but savvy parents know to skip the generic scroll and head straight to Big Little Feelings. Childhood friends Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant turned their clinical expertise into a go-to platform for more than 3.5 million Instagram followers, including Blake Lively, Sophie Turner, Eva Mendes and Mandy Moore. With a blend of relatable humor and science-backed tips, these pros resist rigid rules while insisting on solid structure.
In an exclusive chat with E! News, they identified the oldest trick in the disciplinary handbook—spanking—as their number-one non-starter. “Please do not spank your kids,” Kristin declared, citing decades of research that links corporal punishment to higher risks of aggression, anxiety and weakened parent-child trust. Studies from the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics back her up, showing that children learn compliance out of fear rather than respect.
Rejecting physical punishment does not mean endorsing permissiveness. “You are in charge, you are the leader, you are the adult, you are setting boundaries,” Kristin emphasized. Their philosophy models respect while maintaining clear limits. When a child feels sad or frustrated, parents are encouraged to validate emotions instead of escalating to threats or spanks. It’s a balancing act that requires empathy plus firm guidance.
Their newest curriculum, Big Feelers, dives into neuroscience to support children labeled highly sensitive, defiant or strong willed. According to Deena, these kids process emotions with extra intensity, so typical timeout charts or reward systems often backfire. By teaching emotional literacy—naming feelings, using calming strategies, seeking adult support—families see meltdowns shrink and cooperative behavior grow.
To make theory tangible, Big Little Feelings partnered with Fisher-Price on a suite of play kits designed for real-life challenges like bedtime routines, sharing toys, potty training and handling tantrums. “Kids learn best through play,” Deena noted. Each kit pairs hands-on activities with concise lesson plans so parents can guide developmental milestones without feeling lost in parenting jargon.
While A-list stars might admire their insights on social media, everyday moms and dads can put the same advice into play in living rooms, backyards and grocery store aisles. Whether you’re battling endless snack time negotiations or wrestling a resistant sleeper, the duo’s message is simple: swap punishment for patience and spark real learning when big feelings surface.
Next time you feel tempted to reach for the wooden spoon, remember that reputable experts and your favorite celeb mom back a kinder, smarter route to discipline.
Tune in soon for more reports from the front lines of toddler diplomacy.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
