A study of 1,000 parents with children aged 0-10 found Gen Z and Millennial respondents now prioritise the health and wellbeing of their child rather than focusing on more traditional discipline methods
Traditional childhood disciplines such as writing ‘thank-you’ notes and always clearing your plate even when full are dying out – thanks to relaxed modern parenting. A study of 1,000 parents with children aged 0-10 found Gen Z and Millennial respondents now prioritise the health and wellbeing of their child rather than focusing on more traditional discipline methods.
Nearly half opt for ‘gentle’ parenting style, one which avoids punishments and instead fosters a non-judgmental environment that avoids blame. While 58 per cent focus on emotional intelligence in their parenting style – prioritising emotional awareness and connection and concentrating on supporting their children in managing their emotions.
At the same time, modern parents are increasingly protective, with only eight per cent embracing ‘latch key parenting’ – when children have their own key and are home alone after school, often due to parents being at work.
The term became common in the 1970s and 1980s, when more households had dual-working parents or single-parent families. Just 15 per cent of those polled, by Vitabiotics Wellbaby, will let them cycle to school unattended and only 13 per cent are OK with them playing outside alone.
Making homemade purées for weaning, reward charts and letting children experience boredom are also among the trends that could soon be a thing of the past as a result of the shift in parenting styles.
It emerged 75 per cent of all parents polled think those with children currently under 18 have seen the biggest change in trends, with 80 per cent putting this down to technology drastically changing things.
Meanwhile, 53 per cent feel social media is fuelling the shift as parents become more aware of what others are doing, and 54 per cent think an increase in research into things like health and wellbeing is informing their choices.
A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellbaby said: “Trends are constantly evolving when it comes to raising children. But one thing that has remained a constant throughout the generations is the importance of good health and nutrition for babies and children.
“Who’s to say what trends might fade out – or even come back in another 30 years? Good health habits are not a trend, and what’s nutritionally optimal for a little one now, is likely to be more or less the same in years to come.”
The study also revealed 48 per cent of Gen Z parents described their parenting style as ‘mostly modern’, with 40 per cent claiming to be less traditional with their children than their own upbringing was.
Interestingly, 67 per cent of younger Gen Z mums and dads feel a ‘pressure’ to follow modern parenting trends. However, 87 per cent of all parents feel the behaviours they follow are constantly evolving.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, interestingly found 68 per cent feel one trend that has emerged more now than in previous generations, which is an increase in focus on the health and wellbeing of children.
Seven in ten parents today feel they have more knowledge of what to feed youngsters more than their own parents or grandparents did. Despite this, the results found there are parents who are still unaware of key advice around vitamins for babies and young children.
NHS guidance advises all babies and children aged six months to five years old should be given daily supplements containing vitamin A, C and D, unless they have around one pint of formula milk a day – but 39 per cent weren’t aware of this.
Melissa Cohen, head of nutrition at Vitabiotics, said: “Every generation has their own views on parenting.
“But what hasn’t changed is the desire to do what’s best – the difference now is that mums and dads have more tools, more science, and more support than ever before.
“This knowledge, and extra guidance that comes as a result of that, is allowing parents to make informed choices when it comes to their children’s health as soon as they born, like making sure they are getting all of the nutrients they need.”
PARENTING TRENDS THAT COULD BE AT RISK OF DYING OUT:
- Latch key parenting (children home alone after school)
- Letting children walk or cycle to school without adult supervision
- Making homemade purées for weaning
- Letting children play outside unsupervised
- Insisting children clear their plate at every meal
- Using reward charts or sticker systems
- Helping children write handwritten ‘thank-you’ notes
- Using physical calendars or planners for family routines
- Having regular phone-free or tech-free time as a family
- Letting children experience boredom