Parenting is an art, and a parent will always be a parent, whether in the past or present. But since change is a necessary part of existence, nothing stays the same for long. Additionally, parenting has changed over time.
In former eras, having more than three children was typical. But in modern times, from debating whether to prepare for a second child to choose not to have children at all, what stands out is the reality that priorities are altering along with progress and tolerance. Numerous millennial parents want to take the safe route if they are not emotionally and physically prepared for parenthood.
Why is there such a considerable disconnect or evolution between the parenting ways in the 70s to now? We’ve seen a variety of shifts in parenting, from conventional to trendy, conservative to liberal. Let’s examine the past, present, and future of Indian parenting!
The Past Generation Of Parenting
When you were a kid in the 1960s or 1970s, you didn’t have just one parent. The grandparents or grandmothers, typically the family’s leaders, shared a home with numerous aunts and uncles. There was lots of drama but no television. It was really rigid in terms of parenting. Children hardly ever received any kind of gift. No matter how well-behaved the child was, beatings were unavoidable.
Although there were no traces of isolation among children, the parents were much more difficult than the times. They rarely accepted their kids defying them and would beat them up at the first quarrel.
The Present Generation Of Parenting
But slowly we saw a change in this parenting style due to the rise of nuclear families. A father, a mother, two or three kids, and a lot of affection made up the typical family. Joint families’ demands were no longer on them, but they also missed them. Although the parents were fair, they didn’t always make an effort to teach their children a lesson. Last but not least, they gave their children as much freedom to pick what they wanted to eat and dress as they pleased, within the bounds of decency.
The kids were more honest about themselves since they could now voice their opinions without fear of getting in trouble with their parents. While children’s exceptional skills were not discouraged, they were typically expected to work towards a career in a field with clear-cut job descriptions, such as that of a doctor, engineer, architect, etc.
But with technology, there is a gap again between parents and children. But wait, it’s not that the parenting has gone wrong. It’s the children’s exposure to myriad things. Plot Twist!
There is a chasm between the parents and the kids once more. However, this time the gap is on the kids’ side rather than the parents. Although the parents have acclimated to the new technology well, the kids have the advantage of being raised in it. So in this time period, the tables have finally been turned. Today, parents behave the same way as children in the past. Parents are now the ones who are always making fruitless attempts to learn what is happening in their children’s life. However, they are unable to catch up since their minds cannot process a large amount of information.
Over the years, the concept of money and finances has also changed. Younger children were aware of the worth of money. On holidays and other occasions, getting anything at all was a delight. Children now frequently want pocket money. Kids’ needs and demands have significantly increased along with market expansion and growth. But according to a study, Gen Z students are more likely than kids from earlier generations to spend their money wisely.
The Future Generation Of Parenting
The adage “spare the rod, spoil the child” will no longer be a point of distinction. So how should the future of parenting be? Parents need not rely on their conventional wisdom for parenting guidance. They can consume every piece of information they can find about the subject online and on social media. The parents have long since transcended gender norms. They encourage their child’s artistic ability rather than impeding them. To them, becoming a writer or an artist is on par with becoming an engineer or a physician. They have a calm disposition and are sensitive and talkative. Every generation has wished to have parents like them.
The youngsters now enjoy all the things that past generations yearned for. They have countless opportunities, sources of information, and amusement. However, they are also highly unsatisfied and aimless in addition to this. It is why teaching your kids to work hard for their wishes and the importance of good deeds is imperative for their all-rounded development. It’s time we change our outlook from “Badi” to becoming our child’s “Buddy”.
The interaction between parents and children is fairer and close than ever. Even after their children reach maturity, parents still assist. They now concur with the adage, “To be in your children’s lives today, you must be in their memories tomorrow.” With this lingering thought, which parenting style do you identify yourself with? As parents, there’s no right or wrong way of parenting. It’s just how much you adapt to your child’s needs that will count.
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