Has parenting in the 21st century changed totally from previous generations?

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   Kate Mc Brideposted 7 years ago

   Has parenting in the 21st century changed totally from previous generations?
   
   One problem with parenting today is that youngsters,especially teenagers expect and sometimes demand what they want instantly. They often can't separate their wants from their needs. How do we overcome this to raise good individuals for the next generation?
   
   

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2. 83

   Pam Morrisposted 7 years ago

   What an interesting question as I feel the answer is Yes. They change a lot and not for the best. Because they change the generation now are doomed with no hope. Unless they get a backbone and begin to enforce rules and raising children the way they were raised this generation are sure to fail tremendously.

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      Kate Mc Brideposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Cheers

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3. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 7 years ago

   
   
   Parenting in the 21st century is more democratic.  Many 21st century parents espouse the philosophy that children are people with their own feelings and perspectives that need to be nurtured and encouraged.  Parents also accept that children have their own personalities and respect that.  Children in the 21st century have a more participatory role in the home than in past eras.
   
   Children in the 21st century are given their own voice in the home and more choices.  They are given a sense of ownership as opposed to past generations where even though there was participation in one sort or other, the parent made the final and ultimate decision.  The premise in the past was mostly that children did not have much of a say because they were viewed as subordinate, even inferior to the parent thus what they said and/or felt have very little or no consequence.   
   
   
   Yes, there are some children who are mollycoddled, even infantilized by their parents.  Well-meaning parents want to shield them from the harsh world; however, they must teach their children that difficulties and adversities are an integral part of life which must be endured and overcome.  Parents also have to set reasonable limits in the home.

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      Kate Mc Brideposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      This is a very comprehensive, balanced answer and I appreciate you taking the time to add it here

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      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you!

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4. 82

   G.L.A.posted 7 years ago

   This is a very interesting question! Parenting has changed immensely throughout the last century. This is due, for the most part, to the many cultural transformations we have experienced. I would love to see a hub featuring the many changes in parenting. I wrote one that encompased the changes of childhood, which was an enlightening endeavor.

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   Bluemoongoddess1posted 7 years ago

   What a great question. Parenting has changed over the past few years and I think it is changing for the better, as long as we set clear goals and expectations for our children. I do agree that many of today's teenagers and younger children demand instant gratification. It is our job as parents to teach them to be respectful to self and others, be gracious and yes, experience disappointment sometimes to develop patience.
   
   These things can be taught by modeling with our own behavior and expecting the same from our children. I do not agree with physical discipline and do not think it is necessary to raise good kids as long as you develop a strong bond with them and there is mutual respect.
   
   Children become spoiled when they are given everything without any responsibility. Parents today work longer hours and often both parents work so they tend to be more permissive and allow the children more freedom because they feel guilty for the time they can't give them. It's when the parent-child bond is out-of-whack, that disrespect and resentment brews.
   
   Parents may not be able to change their work schedules because they need two incomes to make ends meet. The solution would be to use the time they have with their kids to their best advantage. Spend quality time with them, talk to them - let them talk to you about how they feel, what their doing, etc. And give them a good work ethic, teach them to earn money and contribute for the things they want; video games, phones, designer clothes. Things are always valued more when they took  effort to acquire.

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