Image: Shutterstock
The word ‘parenting technique’ has become a fancy word for expressing individual preferences and approaches to raising kids. But in reality, parents have done it well before the word was even coined. Parenting styles have changed through hundreds of years, and each era has fitted its needs and circumstances to come up with a technique that works best for them. The ironic part is, what might work for you now will probably get you exiled in another timeline. So there is no saying that one parenting technique is perfect and right. Here in this article, we have discussed some parenting techniques practiced through the generations and how they impacted society. Read on to know them all.
1. The Silent Generation
Image: Shutterstock
This was the generation from 1927-1946 approximately. They were parents who believed in hard work and were forced into finding economic stability while raising their own families at a tender age. They showed their love for the family by supporting them financially and being engrossed in work all day. Their hectic life schedule did not leave them any time to spend with the family or kids. But the parents instilled strong determination in their kids through their own example, which flowed through generations. These were probably the parents of your grandparents and even your grandparents who really liked this parenting style and believed it to do an excellent job on the kids.
2. The Boomer Parents
Image: Shutterstock
The generation that followed was approximately from 1947-1964. These were the parents who emerged as an expert in micromanagement. Although this resulted from their overprotectiveness, this parenting style was probably not that great for a child’s upbringing. This was when parents tried to control kids at home, in public places, in the playground, and even at school. They decided what the children should eat, what they will wear, and whom they will talk to. The parents almost tried to program the kids so they wouldn’t think of following anything else even when they grew up. Also, the kids never grew up according to their parents! This was our grandparents’ generation, and for some unlucky souls, even parents!
3. Individualistic Parents
Image: Shutterstock
Generation X parents took over the baby boomers around 1965-1980. They witnessed more changes in parenting styles than anyone else. From spiking divorce rates to stock market crashes, they had to deal with setbacks like relationship problems and financial crunches. This generation prioritized safety and education for the kids. Having more than a couple of toys was a luxury, and they were never spoiled or over-pampered with material gifts. The Generation X parents worked on instilling the kids with values like social awareness and unselfishness. This was our parents’ generation, and some new parents have also taken up this to bring the children up with simplicity.
4. Technology-Driven Parenting
Image: Shutterstock
This is the generation of the millennial parents of 1981-1996, and the advancement of technology reflects strongly in their parenting styles. This generation was driven more by technology than emotions, and the kids are thrust with technology for everything, including entertainment. This begins as early as the toddler phase when parents took the help of videos and songs played on the screen to get the attention of the little ones. But they got addicted to these devices and soon became inseparable from them, which later threatened their upbringing. This does not just stop at addiction and can take deep roots in mental and health problems.
The tech-driven parents are very concerned about mental health and social problems like bullying. But, unfortunately, this is the generation we live in and the parents we become. Its accurate technology makes work way more accessible, and it’s hard to resist the videos that will keep your child playing on their own for hours. What’s essential is you teach your kids to limit the use of technology and use it only when necessary and responsibly.
5. Millennial Parents
Image: Shutterstock
The modern-day parents fall into the millennium parenting style. It is pretty similar to the tech-driven parenting timeline. They are also driven towards technological advancements, but the children are also exposed to an environment with socio-economic changes. As a result, parents are more involved in their children’s lives and health. The kids are taught to grow open-minded and have an independent fighting spirit. This is what helps them prepare for the real competitive world.
To sum it up, what matters is bringing up children who are an excellent contribution to society. Each generation has mounded their parenting techniques according to their circumstances and surroundings. Each generation wishes the children don’t face the hardships they did, and hence everything parents do is to shield and protect kids from the real world. So, which of these parenting techniques intrigued you the most? Let us know in the comments section.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
