How Parenting Has Changed – and Stayed the Same
For 50 years, FamilyWise has walked alongside and adapted with the families we serve, helping them navigate resources to support their safety, stability, and wellbeing. Looking back on the last five decades, our First Step Early Childhood Education Center staff reflected on just how much has changed for parents over the past five decades.
Child safety and wellbeing have improved through advances in research and updated guidelines on car seats, food safety and nutrition, and safe sleeping positions for babies, to name a few. There has been a rise in intensive parenting, with many parents prioritizing consistent support and involvement in their child’s life. Childcare Teacher Sienna Marks explains, “Parents have become more emotionally aware and accepting of their children’s individuality along with their wants and needs.” Technology has created new opportunities for virtual social connections and for parents to work from home to support family needs. The internet has given caregivers access to parenting tips and support at their fingertips.
Not all changes have made life better for families. Today’s parents are working more hours; the 2024 Surgeon General’s Report on parental mental health reported that the number of working hours has increased by 28% for mothers and by 4% for fathers since 1985. These increased work hours leave many parents feeling burned out and stretched for time. The Internet also poses a new challenge for parents. The report shares that nearly 70% of parents say parenting is now more difficult than it was 20 years ago because of technology and social media, with fears about the way it can impact the mental health and wellbeing of their children as well as their safety. Parents also report heightened concerns about the safety of their children in community settings, worrying that their child might be bullied, abducted, or attacked. “When I was growing up, it felt safer to be outside,” shares Childcare Aide Lauren Mabey.
As much as things have changed for parents over the past 50 years, parents’ hopes and wishes for their families have remained the same. They want to create safe and loving environments for their family as they navigate everyday life. They want to make memories with their loved ones and to share carefree moments of joy and laughter. At FamilyWise, we partner with families as they work towards their goals, and we help communities uplift and support caregivers so all families can thrive. Because no parent should feel alone.
At our 50th Anniversary Celebration of Family Wellbeing event last month, FamilyWise supporters offered these words of encouragement to parents:
- We support you! Parents and their children are the center of our communities. As hard as it is sometimes, we hope you enjoy every minute you spend with your kids!
- You are beautiful, you are strong, you matter
- Parenting takes love and courage. Say YES to support! Say YES to getting help and sharing your story. Keep going! We are so proud of your HARD WORK.
- May you know how important you are to the world! You are a blessing!
