“That Didn’t Work in My House”: Deion Sanders Reveals Why He Isn’t Fond of Gentle Parenting

February 23, 2026 - 19:14

Hall of Fame athlete and University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has openly shared his traditional views on raising children, stating he is not a proponent of the popular "gentle parenting" approach. As a father of five, Sanders advocates for a stricter, more disciplined style rooted in respect and immediate obedience.

In a recent discussion, Sanders emphasized that permissive techniques simply did not align with the values in his household. He described a parenting philosophy where directives from a parent are followed without debate or prolonged negotiation. The core of his method is instilling a fundamental respect for authority, which he believes gentle parenting sometimes undermines by allowing too much child-led discussion.

Sanders argues that his approach, often seen as a more old-school or authoritative style, prepares children for the realities of the world, where rules and consequences are not always open for discussion. He credits this structure with helping his own children understand boundaries and accountability from a young age. While gentle parenting focuses on empathy and collaborative problem-solving, Sanders maintains that clear, firm expectations delivered with love have been the most effective path for his family, ensuring his children grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and discipline.