Parenting is the most challenging yet rewarding job in one’s life. But when it comes to parenting, there is no one rule that fits all. Every parent is different. And there is no incorrect technique to bring up a child. Although your parenting choices can really help and the love and support you give your children is critical to their future well-being.
Here are some parenting trends will be big in this year.
Kangaroo Care – i.e. Holding your newborn skin to skin. When your baby was in the womb, she didn’t need to regulate her own temperature. Since your skin is the same temperature as the womb, baby will find it easier to adapt to her post-birth environment. This will not only help breastfeeding easier, it will boost baby’s development.
Babywearing – is an ancient practice globally of wearing or carrying a baby in a sling or in another form of carrier. In North East India people carry their new borns in a sling until 3 years and do all the domestic chores, including bringing water from wells, getting wood for fire, preparing food etc. Babywearing gives both of the parent and the baby closeness, while also providing baby with numerous benefits to development, both physically and emotionally. In 2017 professional baby wearing will see an increase.
Development through play – in 2017 the emphasis will not be just on learning but also on activities to engage kids’ senses — touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing which in turn will help in early childhood development. Games that emphasize these qualities will prove popular in 2016.
Friendly Parenting – leaving behind helicopter parenting. Parents letting kids have a little space to breathe in 2017. Giving kids a bit more freedom to manage their lives and schedules will make for more independent kids.
Dad’s are more involved than ever – Right from pregnancy to delivery to being primary care givers after the baby is born, dads play an important role. Research also suggests that children whose fathers spend time with them do better in school, have more self-control, and are more ambitious and willing to embrace risk.
Downsizing your parenting role – this is perhaps the best news, 2017 will see parents letting go of the idea that they can do it all. Instead, they will focus on outsourcing, and asking family members and caregivers for help with day-to-day tasks.
Right Daycare Support – With nuclear families, dwindling domestic care support, increasing participation of women in the workforce, parents will invest time in discovering and deciding on the right daycare support for their children. Parents will be asking plenty of questions and will be more observant in choosing the right daycare center for their child. The best daycare centers will be which have structured schedules that include plenty of time for physical activity, quiet time (including daily reading sessions for groups and individuals), group programs, individual activities, meals, snacks, and free time.
Overall parenting trends for 2017 will see a loosening of parenting reigns, with less scheduling, more help around the house, and a greater use of technology and outsourcing.