The study found that the ‘gentle’ parenting style is popular among modern parents, who are increasingly focused on the health and wellbeing of their children
Classic childhood rules like writing ‘thank-you’ notes and being told to clear your plate are on the way out, as modern parents embrace a more relaxed approach, a new study reveals. A survey of 1,000 parents with children aged 0-10 found that Gen Z and Millennial mums and dads are ditching old-school discipline in favour of prioritising their kids’ health and wellbeing.
Nearly half now opt for ‘gentle parenting’ a style that avoids punishments, fosters calm, and encourages open, judgement-free communication. Meanwhile, 58 per cent focus on nurturing emotional intelligence, helping children manage their feelings rather than simply enforcing rules.
The research, commissioned by Vitabiotics Wellbaby, also found today’s parents are more protective than previous generations. Only 8 per cent allow ‘latch key parenting’ – where children have their own key and are left home alone after school – a common practice in the 1970s and 80s. Just 15 per cent let their children cycle to school unattended, and only 13 per cent are comfortable with kids playing outside alone.
Other traditions at risk of disappearing include making homemade purées for weaning, using reward charts, and even letting children experience boredom.
Three-quarters of parents believe those raising children today have seen the biggest shift in parenting trends, with 80 per cent blaming the rise of technology. Over half say social media is fuelling the change, while 54 per cent point to increased research into child health and wellbeing.
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 study also found 48 per cent of Gen Z parents describe their approach as ‘mostly modern’, and 40 per cent admit they are less traditional than their own parents. However, 67 per cent of younger Gen Z parents feel pressure to keep up with modern parenting trends.
Interestingly, 68 per cent say there’s now a greater focus on children’s health and wellbeing than ever before. Seven in ten parents feel they know more about child nutrition than their own parents or grandparents did, yet 39 per cent were unaware that NHS guidance recommends vitamin A, C, and D supplements for children aged six months to five years.
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.”
PARENTING TRENDS THAT COULD BE AT RISK OF DYING OUT:
- Latch key parenting (children home alone after school)
- Letting children walk or cycle to school without adult supervision
- Making homemade purées for weaning
- Letting children play outside unsupervised
- Insisting children clear their plate at every meal
- Using reward charts or sticker systems
- Helping children write handwritten ‘thank-you’ notes
- Using physical calendars or planners for family routines
- Having regular phone-free or tech-free time as a family
- Letting children experience boredom
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