Explore the latest parenting trends – some you’ll want to try, and others you’ll want to skip!
It’s safe to say that parenting in current times is a bit of a whirlwind, with trends that seem to multiply as fast as the nappies you’re changing and the clothes your teenager’s outgrowing. From raising eco-conscious kids to adapting to homeschooling in a post-pandemic world, there’s no shortage of new parenting advice and lifestyle adjustments. The problem? These trends can quickly become overwhelming, making it hard to know what’s truly helpful versus what’s just the next viral idea. So, how can parents embrace these trends while keeping their sanity?
Quick Read:
- Try not to base your parenting on a specific trend – by its nature, a trend is temporary.
- It’s okay not to be up on every single current parenting trend. At the end of the day, what works for your family is a personal choice.
Green living
Climate change is real (super real!) and eco-living isn’t just for hipsters. Now that we know our world is rapidly cooling off AND warming up – we’re all racing to live greener. And actually, this is one of the better trends. What’s not to love? It’s all about leaving behind a livable world for your kids. As parents, you can set a good example for your children. Teach them the basics of being greener and instill eco-friendly habits that will last a lifetime. Start small; switching off lights when not in use, reducing plastic waste, or recycling can all make a difference. These little actions not only benefit the environment; they teach responsibility, empathy, and the importance of caring for the planet. After all, the world we leave behind is the one they’ll inherit. Go Team Green!
Minimalist parenting
Minimalism isn’t just a trend for clothes and house decor. It’s also about simplifying your approach to parenting. With this trend, the focus is on reducing the noise and stress of modern life and concentrating on what really matters. From fewer toys and more meaningful experiences to less over-scheduling and more family downtime, minimalist parenting is firmly centred on the idea that less is more when it comes to raising children.
Expensive parenting tools
The latest must-have parenting gadgets or designer baby clothes might seem tempting, but they rarely offer much practical value and can drain your budget. Focus on essentials that truly benefit your family instead of getting caught up in consumerism. Many basic, affordable tools do the job just fine.
Gender reveals
Love it or loathe it, this one seems to be hanging around. To be honest, it’s a puzzling one, but different strokes for different folks. Gender reveals can be fun, so get creative and inventive if you’re considering a gender reveal.
Homeschooling
Thanks to the boom in online learning, we’re realising that homeschooling might have its moments. Your kid sets up in a corner, you’re in your Zoom meetings and voila, school is in session. “Flexi-parenting” is about living in a post-COVID world where we’re all adapting to new rules and new norms.
Slogan clothes
From cheeky T-shirts to funny baby onesies, slogan clothes are a fun, if sometimes cringey, way to express a child’s personality. Parents often turn to witty or sarcastic phrases as a way to share their child’s character with the world. While not every slogan is a winner, there’s something undeniably adorable about seeing a little one with a shirt that reads, “I’m not a morning person.”
Positive discipline
Rather than relying on traditional “punishment” techniques, positive discipline focuses on teaching children self-regulation and problem-solving skills. The trend emphasises respect, empathy, and understanding, helping children learn from their mistakes without being fearful of severe consequences. It’s about using gentle guidance, setting clear boundaries, and promoting healthy emotional expression.
Social media parenting
Using social media to mark every milestone of your child’s life might feel tempting, but it can infringe on your child’s privacy. Oversharing personal moments can also set unrealistic expectations for parents and children alike. Instead, focus on quality time with your child rather than creating a perfect online image.
Images: Freepik
