Modern Day Parenting

Parenting: Then and Now
A Personal Reflection

Growing up in the 1970s and '80s, parenting felt like a deeply rooted institution. It was shaped by clear hierarchies, well-defined roles, and a strong moral compass. Our parents weren’t trying to be our friends—they were guides, protectors, and sometimes stern teachers. A "no" meant "no." Questioning decisions was rare and often discouraged, not because our voices didn’t matter, but because our elders believed they knew better—and often, they did.

There was a strong sense of discipline in the everyday. Eating together at the dinner table wasn’t a luxury, it was routine. No TV blaring in the background, no mobile phones buzzing. Conversations happened face-to-face. Even basic manners—like standing up to greet elders, offering guests a seat and a glass of water—were second nature. These weren't enforced rules; they were part of the culture, quietly passed down by watching, imitating, and being gently corrected.

Children back then played outdoors, got scraped knees, learned conflict resolution in real-time, and developed resilience through experience. There were no GPS trackers or nanny cams, yet somehow, children made it home on time, knew not to talk to strangers, and respected boundaries—both physical and social.

But the world has changed, and with it, so has parenting.

In 2025, the approach feels drastically different. Many parents, perhaps reacting to the rigidity of their own upbringing, have swung the pendulum the other way—striving to be their children's confidants, allies, and equals. While this openness has allowed for more emotional expression and closeness, it has sometimes blurred the lines of authority. Parents hesitate to say “no,” afraid to be seen as too strict or “old-fashioned.” The once-sacrosanct family meal is now often a screen-filled scramble, with each member in their digital silo.

Social media has dramatically amplified the sense of fear. Every rare but tragic incident is replayed endlessly on our screens, feeding an inflated sense of danger. As a result, many modern parents, despite living in arguably safer times than decades ago, are more anxious and overprotective. Children are chauffeured everywhere, constantly monitored, and rarely given space to fail, fall, or figure things out on their own.

Ironically, in trying to shield children from the world’s risks, we may be underpreparing them for the world’s realities. Many grow up with less resilience, more anxiety, and a fragile sense of self-worth that is often tied to likes, followers, and online validation.

This isn’t to romanticize the past or vilify the present. Every generation of parents does what it believes is best, responding to the challenges and information of its time. But somewhere in this shift, we may have lost some valuable ground—particularly the balance between love and discipline, freedom and boundaries, openness and authority.

Maybe it’s time to reclaim some of those old-world values—not rigidly, but thoughtfully. To bring back unhurried conversations, moments of stillness, unstructured outdoor play, and yes, the occasional, firm but loving "no."

Because in the end, parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, perspective, and passing on the values that help our children stand tall—even when we’re not around.