Top Ten Ways Parenting Changed in the Last Decade, According to Mom.com

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Marking the end of 2019, Mom.com, the premier online parenting resource owned by Wild Sky Media, has compiled a list of the top ten ways parenting has changed in the last decade. Sourced by the site’s experts and experienced parents, the list details transformations of greatest impact and significance, affecting how both moms and dads experience their roles as parents and their approach to raising children.

“The last ten years have brought extraordinary changes to the difficult and rewarding work of parenting,” said Laura Clark, editorial director of Mom.com. “From the influence of social media and digital devices to a stronger emphasis on inclusion and acceptance, parenting today exemplifies a new normal, reflecting big societal shifts and, for many, a reassessment of values.”

The top ten ways parenting has changed in the last decade, according to Mom.com, are:

1. Information overload. In granting instant access to unlimited information and perspectives, the digital revolution has allowed parents to easily research every conceivable parenting style and product, empowering and overwhelming them all at once. As a result, many parents find it extremely difficult to make simple decisions, from when to potty train to what household products to buy.
2. “Sharenting.” Parents now habitually turn to their online communities to share the latest about their children (photos, videos, milestones, etc.) – with both positive and negative results. Some parents have loved the instant feedback. Others have felt shamed by choices they’ve made, as conveyed in their posts, and are becoming wary of these forums for parental guidance and support.
3. Consent awareness. The #MeToo movement has fundamentally altered how children learn autonomy over their bodies, even as early as preschool. From saying no to tickling and unwanted hugs to pediatricians using appointments to explain where others aren’t allowed to touch, today’s kids are growing up with far greater awareness and understanding of bodily consent.
4. Enhanced focus on mental health. With school shootings terrifying communities and youth suicide rates climbing, our society has become more focused than ever on all-things mental health. In turn, parents have become increasingly attuned to issues like anxiety and depression, and some schools have begun excusing absences for mental health days.
5. Device addiction. Separating children from their screens has become increasingly challenging, spurring anxiety about digital dependency. To complicate matters, most parents recognize that it’s appropriate for children of a certain age to be permitted regular use of devices, even if it furthers device addiction.
6. LGBTQ+ acceptance. From marriage equality to drag queen story hours, children today are growing up in an age of historic acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, with greater numbers of parents teaching their children to challenge heteronormative stereotypes and assumptions, and expand their views of diversity.
7. Girl empowerment. Society’s emphasis on achieving gender equality has skyrocketed, with parents more focused than ever on raising their daughters to be confident, strong and brave. From tackling self-esteem issues to promoting interest in STEAM subjects, parents of both boys and girls are prioritizing girl empowerment.
8. Push for co-parenting. Parenting has become increasingly understood as a genuine partnership between individuals who are equally responsible for the everyday tasks of caring for children. This thinking holds true more than ever, both for married couples and parents who have divorced but remain determined to raise healthy, happy kids.
9. Zero tolerance for bullying. While once regarded as one of many unfortunate but unescapable aspects of childhood, bullying/cyberbullying is now a matter of grave concern. Schools today profess zero tolerance, with parents agonizing about helping children targeted by bullies, disciplining children for bullying behaviors, and even addressing bullying among parents.
10. Activism over apathy. As our nation has become politically polarized, parents on both the left and the right have been increasingly teaching their children the importance of being involved. Kids today are accompanying parents on marches, discussing current events and forecasting the 2020 election, influencing the future landscape of the country.

Clark adds: “While norms are evolving all the time, parenting remains deeply rooted in the fierce love that drives families to do all they can to support the growth and development of their children, and best ensure their bright future.”

About Wild Sky Media
Headquartered in New York City with offices in Bangkok, Wild Sky Media offers massive global reach through hyper-engaging content and multicultural audiences. A top-five parenting group according to ComScore, Wild Sky Media’s robust portfolio of parenting websites includes Mom.com, CafeMom, LittleThings, Revelist and MamásLatinas. The company is backed by private investment firm Centre Lane Partners, which acquired the assets in 2018 and has made strategic investments designed to enhance the portfolio.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191210005123/en/

Contacts: Marie Espinel or Katie Lewis
LAK Public Relations, Inc.
212-575-4545
[email protected] or [email protected]

Source: Mom.com

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