A study of 1,000 parents with children aged 0-10 found Gen Z and Millennial respondents now prioritise the health and wellbeing of their child rather than focusing on more traditional discipline methods

Traditional childhood disciplines such as penning ‘thank-you’ notes and always clearing your plate even when full are fading away – 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 more traditional discipline methods.

Almost half opt for a ‘gentle’ parenting style, one which shuns punishments and instead cultivates a non-judgmental environment that avoids blame. Meanwhile, 58 per cent focus on emotional intelligence in their parenting approach – prioritising emotional awareness and connection and concentrating on aiding their children in managing their emotions.

Just 13 per cent are fine to let their children play outside alone(Image: Getty Images)

Simultaneously, modern parents are becoming increasingly protective, with only eight per cent adopting ‘latch key parenting’ – where children have their own key and are home alone after school, often due to parents being at work.

The term gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, when more households had dual-working parents or single-parent families. Merely 15 per cent of those surveyed, by Vitabiotics Wellbaby, will allow them to cycle to school unattended and only 13 per cent are comfortable with them playing outside alone.

Creating homemade purées for weaning, reward charts and allowing children to experience boredom are also among the trends that could soon be consigned to history as a result of the shift in parenting styles, reports the Mirror.

The findings showed 75 per cent of all parents surveyed believe those with youngsters currently under 18 have witnessed the most significant shift in trends, with 80 per cent attributing this to technology dramatically transforming approaches.

Additionally, 53 per cent believe social media is driving the transformation as parents become increasingly conscious of others’ practices, 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 characterised their parenting approach as ‘mostly modern’, yet 67 per cent of younger Gen Z parents experience ‘pressure’ to adopt contemporary parenting trends.

Interestingly, seven out of ten modern parents believe they have greater knowledge about what to feed youngsters compared to their own parents or grandparents. But, the findings showed some parents remain unaware of crucial guidance regarding vitamins for infants and young children.

NHS guidance advises all babies and children aged six months to five years old should be given daily supplements containing vitamin A, C and D, unless they have around one pint of formula milk a day – but 39 per cent weren’t aware of this.

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 supervisionMaking homemade purées for weaningLetting children play outside unsupervisedInsisting children clear their plate at every mealUsing reward charts or sticker systemsHelping children write handwritten ‘thank-you’ notesUsing physical calendars or planners for family routinesHaving regular phone-free or tech-free time as a familyLetting children experience boredom

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