Gen Z and Millennial parents embrace gentle parenting – and focus on health | UK | News

Traditional childhood disciplines such as writing ‘thank-you’ notes and always clearing your plate even when full are becoming extinct – due to more relaxed modern parenting. A survey of 1,000 parents with children aged 0-10 revealed that Gen Z and Millennial respondents now prioritise the health and wellbeing of their child over traditional discipline methods.

Almost half choose a ‘gentle’ parenting style; one which avoids punishments, and fosters a calm, non-judgmental environment that avoids blame or shame. Meanwhile, 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.

Simultaneously, 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. Only 15 per cent of those surveyed, by Vitabiotics Wellbaby, will let let their kids 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.

Research revealed 75 per cent of all parents surveyed believe those with youngsters currently under 18 have witnessed the most dramatic shift in approaches, with 80 per cent attributing this to technology.

Additionally, 53 per cent believe social media is driving the transformation as parents become increasingly conscious of others’ what other parents are doing, whilst 54 per cent consider growing research into areas such as health and wellbeing is shaping their decisions.

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 research also showed 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 study showed 68 per cent of believe there is a greater emphasis on children’s health and wellbeing now than in previous generations.

Today, seven out of ten parents feel they are more knowledgeable about what to feed their children compared to their own parents or grandparents.

However, despite this increased awareness, the survey found that some parents are still not fully informed about essential advice regarding vitamins for infants and young children.

The NHS recommends that all babies and children aged six months to five years should receive daily supplements containing vitamins A, C and D, unless they consume approximately one pint of formula milk a day – yet, 39 per cent of parents were unaware of this guidance.

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.”