I don't think anyone assumes that gentle parenting is supposed to be being a pushover, and it's certainly not presented that way by its proponents. But my observation is that it seems to ultimately end up as that, given enough time— and sure enough:

- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/parenting-is-not-a-f...

- https://lawliberty.org/the-case-against-gentle-parenting/

- https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/the-harsh-realm...

- https://anniethenanny.ca/why-gentle-parenting-often-results-...

In my limited experience, it's those who most loudly advocate for gentle parenting by name who are falling into these traps, burning themselves out and not properly holding boundaries. Those who have found a sustainable balance of being an emotional safe space while enforcing boundaries and retaining parental authority tend not to use the language of GP, and if pressed will say something vague like it "has some good ideas that they found helpful" but that they don't see themselves as being all-in on it.

At the end of the day I expect there's some no true scotsman stuff going on, where the believers will stay convinced that anyone for whom it isn't working is simply doing it wrong.