The responsibility of raising healthy, well-rounded children can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents today. The recent trend in parenting has become much more diverse, which reflects the different cultures and backgrounds of “millennial children.”  Family structures are becoming more eclectic as children grow up in settings, such as both parents working, which can create the need for help from family, friends, and day-care.  There are also many single parents, blended families, or very young parents.  Although, these family dynamics have been present for decades, they are more prevalent in the 21^st century.

The new millennium poses increasing pressures for parents as they are bombarded with advice, ranging from child psychologists to internet bloggers offering the best parenting practices. The rise of the millennial parents also gives rise to labels such as “helicopter parents,” “tiger moms,” and “panda dads.” Parenting has indeed taken on a new level of diversity. Understanding these details is important so parents can stay current with the latest parenting approaches because each one effects home life differently.

Parenting Styles in the New Millennium

Identifying all the current parenting styles can be a difficult task due to the frequent addition of new ones. However, some key styles being utilized by parents in the new millennium fall under five broad categories, namely:

• Hyper-parenting: Parents using this style have set goals for their children and are determined for them to be successful no matter what.

• Hypo-parenting: More of a hands-off approach, this type of parenting allows children to have more control of their decisions, prioritizes individuality, and gives importance to children’s uniqueness.

• Traditional/neo-parenting: This style, which in many ways, follows the parenting style of the 50s and the 60s, leans on the traditional practice wherein one parent plays the role of the primary caretaker, while the other one is responsible for meeting the family’s financial obligations.

• Divergent parenting: This parenting style is not recommended, and is often present in many dysfunctional families. It can be characterized as an “anything goes” approach or striving to shun conventions.

• Millennial parenting: This category encompasses the major parenting styles. It reflects the complexity of modern American life where both parents work and use non-traditional ways for bringing up their children.

Parenting styles evolve over time and can change to meet the children’s needs, well-being and sometimes their demands. While at times there is the need to be stern with children, there are also occasions when parents can loosen the reins and adopt a more permissive approach. Millennial parents may subscribe to a particular style, but many tend to use an approach that provides more encouragement and can improve the children’s capabilities to achieve greater success. An empirical study suggests that a balanced parenting approach produces the best outcome for children to do well in life.

New Changes in Parenting and Family

Parents of every generation have always been embroiled in the complex activity of raising children with many specific behaviors that work individually or together. Compared to former parenting style models, change happens in millennial parenting faster, and parents do not seem to have enough time to catch their breath.

Some say that millennial parents are spoiling their children and have turned parenting into something that reflects their own identity. This may be another way millennial parenting differs from their own parents or grandparents. It is important to remember that today’s parents and families are also different in their very composition.

For example, in past generations most children traditionally grew up with two parents and several siblings, however today there are more families that are single-parent households or blended. Millennial parents are departing from the archetypal family structure to adopt a divergent style in raising children and cultivating their own identity.

Unique Challenges Faced by Millennial Parents

Millennial parents are said to be constantly connected socially on their devices. Their unceasing reliance on and rampant use of technology may have its benefits in improving parenting, getting things done quickly, and interacting or bonding with their family and friends when they are already burdened with so many responsibilities to juggle. As a result, opinions that their parenting suffers because of these distractions is understandable.

Added to the set of challenges is the desire of many millennial parents to attend or go back to school or vocational training despite having young children already. This can further complicate things in terms of time management, financial stress, fulfilment of household responsibilities, and childcare activities. After completing school and being immersed in debts, many millennial parents face the extreme difficulty of finding a job to supplement the family income. It can be an unfortunate reality to accept considering the sacrifices involved in the hope of providing a better life for the children.

Empowering Millennial Generation Parents

Parenting has changed over time. In the past, the roles and duties of parents were more clearly defined. As a millennial parent, you know how different it is today. The new challenges and changes facing millennial generation parents are not what your parents experienced. Each day can be an overwhelming task just to keep up.

Like other millennial parents, you may be confident in your abilities, yet you still worry about your family. You may want more knowledge to face the many challenges your own parents may not have had.

As a millennial parent, however, you may be reluctant to seek help for the difficulties you may be encountering. Know that asking for help is not a sign of failing as a parent, but a sign that you care about your family. Let the right fit professional independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Pinehurst, NC help you understand these challenges.

Amidst the many changes and challenges confronting families, you can remain strong as a unit through family counseling services and enjoy the 10 ways your family can benefit.  Call Carolina Counseling Services CCS – Pinehurst, NC today to schedule an appointment!