Just last week, experts revealed the top baby names that are set to prove popular in 2016, and now they are focusing on the mums and dads.
Childcare site and service Care.com has forecasted the top parenting trends set to pop up in 2016, and they certainly provide food for thought. Predicted trends include:
‘Third-child style’ parenting
While we’ve been hearing a lot about ‘helicopter parents’ of late – those mums and dads who tend to micro-manage every aspect of their kids’ lives – 2016’s parents will be taking a different focus. Swinging to the other end of the scale, millennial parents of 2016 will be adopting ‘third-child style’ parenting, taking a more relaxed approach to their kids’ lives and focusing on giving them more independence.
Enlightened parenting
2015 was the year when gender specifications and ‘rules’ came tumbling down, and 2016’s parents are set to be led by this liberated view of life when it comes to their children. Enlightened parenting will focus more on acceptance of a child’s uniqueness, allowing them to take the lead, and avoiding instilling certain norms when it comes to gender, toys, clothes, etc.
Hybrid names
This was the year of the unique and inventive baby name, but things are about to get even more creative in 2016. Next year will see the rise of combined or ‘hybrid’ names, joining together words or monikers that hold special meaning to Mum and Dad.
Outsourcing
The modern mum and dad recognise that ‘doing it all’ is just not possible, and so 2016 will be the year that parents finally ask for and accept more help. According to Care.com, 2016’s parents will be outsourcing help with their kids, and will be asking nannies to do tasks such as accompanying their little ones to parties and taking them to after-school activities.
What are your thoughts?
