Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Why gentle parenting doesn't work?

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Gentle parenting can lead to permissiveness and behavioral issues if not balanced with clear boundaries.
  • Helicopter parenting is linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety in children due to diminished independence.
  • Millennial parents need to strike a balance between empathy and authority to provide the structure children need.

Millennials, often characterized by their desire to break away from the traditional norms of previous generations, have approached parenting with the same innovative spirit. They have embraced gentle parenting and helicopter parenting, hoping to foster emotionally healthy and well-rounded children. However, despite their best intentions, many millennial parents are finding that their children are exhibiting behavioral issues, leading to a growing concern: why are their kids turning into little monsters?

Gentle parenting, a method that emphasizes empathy, respect, and understanding, has become a popular choice among millennial parents. This approach encourages parents to validate their children's feelings and help them navigate their emotions without resorting to punishment. Proponents argue that this method produces children who are emotionally attuned and self-possessed. However, the reality is more complex.

Gentle parenting can sometimes lead to permissiveness and overindulgence. This can result in children who lack self-discipline and exhibit aggressive or antisocial behavior. Anna Lussenburg, a child-behavior interventionist, notes that "emphasizing a child's feelings can magnify minor problems and effectively puts the child in the driver's seat when what they really need is adult guidance".

The Pitfalls of Helicopter Parenting

Helicopter parenting, another trend among millennials, involves parents being overly involved in their children's lives, often to the point of micromanaging. This approach stems from a desire to protect children from harm and ensure their success. However, it can have unintended consequences.

Research published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that high parental involvement is linked to rising rates of depression and anxiety in children and teens. The study suggests that diminished childhood independence, a hallmark of helicopter parenting, contributes to these mental health issues. Additionally, permissive parenting, which often accompanies helicopter parenting, is associated with "high levels of aggressiveness, antisocial behavior problems, and lack of self-discipline".

Striking a Balance

Millennial parents are caught in a challenging situation. They want to avoid the authoritarian parenting styles of the past, which often involved strict discipline and limited emotional support. However, in their efforts to be more empathetic and involved, they may be overcorrecting and creating new problems.

One millennial parent shared on Reddit that while they strive to be attentive and involved, they often feel overwhelmed by the demands of modern parenting. "Between work, financial stress, stress at home, and just the overwhelming amount of stuff on my plate, I am not patient or loving towards my kids most of the time" . This sentiment is echoed by many parents who find themselves struggling to balance their ideals with the realities of daily life.

The Need for Adult Guidance

Experts suggest that while empathy and understanding are crucial, children also need clear boundaries and guidance. Lussenburg emphasizes that "when you stop doing whatever it is you are doing and you let your day be dictated by their behavior, you stop leading, which makes children very uncomfortable". Children need to know that their parents are in control and can provide the structure they need to thrive.

Millennial parents are navigating uncharted territory, trying to improve on the parenting methods of previous generations while facing unique challenges. While gentle and helicopter parenting have their merits, they can also lead to behavioral issues if not balanced with appropriate boundaries and guidance. By finding a middle ground, millennial parents can raise children who are both emotionally healthy and well-behaved.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Read More

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMay 9, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Indonesia shifts fuel imports from Singapore to US amid tariff negotiations

[WORLD] Indonesia is preparing to reroute a portion of its fuel imports from Singapore to the United States as part of broader negotiations...

In Trend World
Image Credits: Unsplash
In TrendMay 9, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM

Positive prospects in May 2025 for the Snake month

[WORLD] As May 2025 arrives, Chinese astrology places us in the month of the Snake, a time traditionally associated with wisdom, stealth, and...

In Trend World
Image Credits: Unsplash
In TrendMay 9, 2025 at 3:30:00 PM

All you need to know about ginger

[WORLD] From ancient medicine to modern kitchens, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been cherished for its distinctive flavor and myriad health benefits. This article...

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMay 9, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

Pope Leo XIV holds first Mass

[WORLD] Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, celebrated his inaugural Mass as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church today,...

Tech World
Image Credits: Unsplash
TechMay 9, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

China’s U.S. exports tumble as tariffs escalate

[WORLD] China's exports to the United States experienced a significant downturn in April 2025, plummeting by 21% year-on-year. This sharp decline follows the...

Leadership World
Image Credits: Unsplash
LeadershipMay 9, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

Manager-employee disconnect undermines workplace morale

[WORLD] A growing number of managers report a more negative outlook on their teams' performance and overall morale than their employees themselves. This...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceMay 9, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM

Bursa Malaysia rises on banking and AI sector optimism

[MALAYSIA] Bursa Malaysia rebounded at the opening bell on Thursday, recovering from the previous session’s losses, driven by renewed buying interest in select...

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMay 9, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM

Trump optimistic about US-China trade talks

[WORLD] US President Donald Trump stated yesterday that he expects meaningful trade discussions between the US and China to take place this weekend,...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceMay 9, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Bank Negara signals policy shift

[MALAYSIA]

Finance World
Image Credits: Open Privilege
FinanceMay 9, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Ringgit rises on trade optimism amid US dollar strength

[MALAYSIA] The ringgit opened stronger against the US dollar today, buoyed by improved market sentiment stemming from recent developments in global trade tariffs...

Politics World
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsMay 9, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

The unraveling of the Western world order

[UNITED STATES] The West stands at a pivotal moment in history. The trajectories of civilizations—rising, falling, and evolving—are often shaped by the choices...

Politics World
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsMay 9, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Hong Kong must become aware of the perils of US port and maritime concerns

[WORLD] As U.S. President Donald Trump escalates tariffs on Chinese imports, concerns of a deepening trade war cast a shadow over the global...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege