12 Parenting Tips From Baby Boomers You Shouldn’t Follow and 5 That You Should

grandma hugging grand daughter and smiling

Parenting has changed quite a bit since baby boomers were raising kids. Some of the things the older generations used to do as parents now make us cringe. Just look at these 12 terrible parenting suggestions from baby boomers, and you will see exactly what we are talking about. While you may want to avoid these nuggets of bad advice, we also have 5 classic parenting tips that you may want to take into consideration. Parenting is an ever-changing journey, and learning what to do and what not to do is essential!

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Children Should Be Seen, Not Heard

Photo credit: Canva Pro

This old adage emphasized the importance of children being quiet and well-behaved, often at the expense of their self-expression. Today, encouraging children to speak up and voice their opinions is recognized as vital for their development. While good manners are important, fostering open communication and confidence in kids is equally crucial.

Spare The Rod, Spoil The Child

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Corporal punishment was once a common disciplinary method. However, we now know that physical punishment can lead to emotional and psychological issues. This is why it is illegal in plenty of countries across the world. Positive reinforcement and other non-violent disciplinary strategies are more effective and nurture a healthier parent-child relationship.

Children Need To Toughen Up

Photo credit: Canva Pro

We often believed that letting kids face hardships without much intervention would build character. While resilience is important, so is providing emotional support and guidance. Striking a balance between allowing independence and being there when needed is key for their development as adults. Just imagine how you would have felt if your parents were never there for you.

Boys Don’t Cry

Photo credit: Canva Pro

This phrase reinforced harmful gender stereotypes, discouraging boys from expressing their emotions. Today, we understand the importance of allowing all children, regardless of gender, to express their feelings openly. In little boys, emotional intelligence is now seen as a strength, not a weakness. So, yes! Boys do cry, and there is nothing wrong with it!

Finish Everything On Your Plate

Photo credit: Canva Pro

We grew up enforcing the clean plate rule to avoid waste. This might cause your child to develop unhealthy eating habits and taint their relationship with food with negative emotions, suppressing their natural hunger. Teaching children to listen to their bodies and understand portion control is healthier. If there is extra food, simply store it in the fridge and tell your kid he can finish it the following day.

Stranger Danger

Photo credit: Canva Pro

While teaching children to be cautious around strangers is important, this tip often ignores the fact that harm comes from familiar people, too. Educating kids about appropriate boundaries and consent and trusting their instincts provides a more comprehensive safety approach. To teach them that harm can only come from strangers might affect their ability to set healthy boundaries with everyone.

Children Can’t Question Authority

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Respecting authority figures was a cornerstone of our parenting, but it sometimes stifled critical thinking and self-advocacy. Encouraging children to question and understand the reasons behind rules fosters independent thinking and moral development and ensures that they aren’t taken advantage of, even as kids. It has nothing to do with lacking respect.

Punishment Over Explanation

Photo credit: Canva Pro

In the past, immediate punishment was often favored over explaining why a behavior was wrong because we needed kids to understand right from wrong. Discussing the reasons behind rules and the consequences of actions helps children understand and internalize proper behavior more effectively. Otherwise, they will probably make the same mistakes over and over again.

Comparing To Others

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Comparing your kids to their peers or siblings (especially when using examples during punishment) was a common motivational tactic. However, it can lead to low self-esteem and sibling rivalry. While we’ve all been guilty of this in the past, try to avoid it as much as possible. Focusing on each child’s unique strengths and progress encourages a healthier self-image and personal growth.

Career Before Family

Photo credit: Canva Pro

We often emphasized the importance of a stable career and finding a specific work route before starting a family. While financial stability is important, this mindset sometimes delays personal happiness and family fulfillment. Balancing career aspirations with personal life choices is now seen as a more holistic approach. So, no. You don’t need your dream job to start a family.

Babies on Bellies

baby sleeping in crib on a belly
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Parents used to put babies on their bellies to sleep at night, but this has been proven to be very wrong. Putting babies on their bellies to sleep can increase the risk of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. Sure, that cute little baby may look cozy on their belly, but it is simply not safe. No matter what baby boomers tell you about how a baby should sleep, always listen to your pediatrician’s current, up-to-date advice.

Gender Stereotypes

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Boys need to play sports and be tough, while girls need to play with dolls, dress in pink, and act shy and demure. This is some of the worst parenting advice a baby boomer can give. Children should be allowed to participate in activities that they enjoy, regardless of gender. They should also be allowed to express their emotions and feelings in their own unique way.

Unstructured Playtime Is Essential

Photo credit: Canva Pro

This is one timeless piece of advice that holds true to this day. Giving our kids the freedom and space to play unstructured can help their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social abilities. Encouraging kids to explore and play without rigid schedules fosters well-rounded development. Plus, it can help them deal with boredom more effectively.

Family Meals Together

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Another gem of wisdom that is still as true as ever is the value of family meals. Sharing meals together strengthens family bonds, promotes better eating habits, and provides an opportunity for open communication. Despite busy schedules, making time for regular family meals at least once a week remains a cornerstone of strong family relationships.

Lead By Example

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Leading by example is crucial as children learn by imitating what they see. This means that if you still smoke, drink a bit too much during the weekend, or engage in other unhealthy behaviors, it’s time to stop right now. The perfect example? If you don’t want your kid to waste their time on social media platforms, stop staring at your phone whenever you have nothing to do.

Independence

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Children used to enjoy much more independence than they do nowadays. While this is not always positive, a bit of autonomy is surely positive for your kids. So, let them choose their outfit for the day or which activities to join after school. Don’t always go to the rescue whenever they need your help with homework. Instead, encourage them to try again on their own!

Importance of Bedtime

Photo credit: Canva Pro

Implementing a strict bedtime may seem like tough love, but kids thrive with structure, especially when it comes to sleep. Kids need a certain amount of sleep to grow and develop properly. If they don’t get the sleep they need, it can greatly affect their mood and how they behave throughout the day. Your baby boomer parents would tell you that a strict bedtime is essential for the mental and physical development of your children. They are completely correct!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *