If you were raising a kid 10 or 20 years ago, you’d hardly recognize today’s parenting world. From TikTok moms to toddler mental health, here are 17 ways parenting has done a complete 180 in the last few decades.
Screen Time Evolved from “Not at All” to “Here, Have an iPad”
Remember when parents swore their kids wouldn’t be glued to screens? Yeah, that lasted five minutes. Now, handing a toddler an iPad is just basic survival. You’re either a Pinterest-perfect craft parent, or you let Cocomelon raise them—there’s no in-between.
Gentle Parenting and “The “Because I Said So” Period”
Boomer parents’ single grand principle: Do it my way, or else. Today? There must be a reason for little Timmy not to have a mouthful of marbles. Gentle parenting is about acknowledging feelings and not punishing them. Lovely in theory… but when you’ve to negotiate with a two-year-old for 30 minutes over not eating a mouthful of Play-Doh.
Kids Have an Online Presence Before Crawling
Remember when embarrassing baby photos sat in dusty albums? Today, kids have social media profiles when they can hardly even crawl yet. There have been “bumpdates,” and then “fashion hauls” for toddlers, and Gen Alpha is growing up in a state of documentation. Cuteness, or a virtual nightmare for private lives? Time will tell!
Google Has Replaced Grandma’s Advice
Back in the day, new parents relied on their own parents for advice. Today? Google is your expert of first recourse. Having a 3 AM parental dilemma? Easy: enter “Why won’t my baby sleep” in your search field and sit down for a 500-piece meal of conflicting guidance.
Raising Kids Is Basically a Full-Time Side Hustle
Ten years ago, parenting just… happened. Today? It’s a content marketing strategy. Mom-fluencers build brands, make trending Reels, and make six figures selling matching family pajama sets. If you’re not at least thinking about monetizing your kid’s cute moments, can you even claim to be a 2024 mom? But is it okay? Only time will reveal.
Gender-neutral parenting Is on the Rise
Pink for girls, blue for boys? Forget it. Today’s parents are disregarding gender conventions and letting kids make their own choices. That’s changing toy aisles. Anyone can have dolls and dinosaurs, but boomers definitely find it confusing.
Social Media Exposes Everything
In the 2010s, a horrible mom’s day at home happened in your living room. Today, a mom melts down in Target, and, in an instant, she’s trending on TikTok. Parenting failures happened in private—now they’re a form of content.
Parenting Books Are Out, TikTok Moms Are In
Ten years ago, parents read books to figure things out. Now? They turn to TikTok. Need baby sleep advice? A random influencer has you covered. No credentials, just vibes.
Baby Names Became Even Stranger
In 2013, Harper and Jaxon, for a baby name, seemed hip. Today? If your child doesn’t have a one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired, or vintage name, are you even trying? Good luck finding a Madison or Jake anymore—it’s all Orion, Juniper, and Wilde now.
Mental Health Takes a Higher Priority
Ten years ago, nobody even discussed kids’ mental well-being. Today? Parents tune in to a child’s sensitivities, anxiety, and feelings, and that’s great, but a whole lot to navigate.
Kids’ Clothes Are More Stylish Than Yours
Twenty years ago, kids wore whatever was on sale at the supermarket. Today, there are fashionable toddlers with wardrobes better than most adults: mini leather jackets, designer sneakers, and matching family outfits.
Helicopter Parents Give Way To ‘Free-Range’ Kids
Remember when parents shadowed over everything? Today, everyone wants kids who can make their own choices. Sounds fabulous, but sometimes they choose to snack on dirt.
Food Is a Science Experiment
Feeding kids was simple in the past. Today? Parents agonize over baby-led weaning versus purées like it’s a national election. And, of course, if your child munches on processed snacks, stand ready for criticism.
Playdates Require Background Checks
Playdates used to be a no-brainer: Go play at the neighbor’s house and be back for dinner. Now, modern parents practically require a full FBI screening before letting their kids hang out at someone else’s home. What’s their parenting style? Are there allergens? Screen time rules? What’s the snack situation?!
Birthday Parties are a Full-Bloated Production
A decade ago, a birthday party included a homemade cake, a balloon, and a crew of kids in your backyard. Today? It’s theme, it’s planned, it’s Insta-fitting, and it’s in the range of several hundred dollars. Your birthday boy won’t remember his Encanto-themed extravaganza, but your Instagram followers will.
“Mom Guilt” Hits an All-Time High
It used to be “Am I a good parent?” Now, it’s “Am I doing enough enrichment activities? Is my child stimulated? Did I respond to their emotional needs while balancing a perfect work-life routine?” The mental load is HEAVY, and the internet never lets parents forget it.
The Pressure Is Insane
Parents today are exhausted trying to keep up with EVERYTHING. From organic food to screen time limits to social-emotional learning, the standards are sky-high. And let’s be real—sometimes, you just need to hand them a cookie and call it a day.
Children Who Struggle with Friendships May Have These Unique Strengths
Not every child is a social butterfly, and that’s perfectly okay! While some kids find it hard to make or maintain friendships, they often shine in other ways. Let’s explore 12 incredible qualities these children usually possess!
Children Who Struggle with Friendships May Have These Unique Strengths
18 Things Your Parents Taught You That Were Totally Wrong
From outdated life lessons to straight-up myths, there’s a lot we were taught as kids that turned out to be total nonsense. It is time to unlearn the lies and upgrade your mindset (like a real grownup). Here, we’ll call out 19 things your parents told you that were completely wrong.
18 Things Your Parents Taught You That Were Totally Wrong