'Twas the night before the start of the new year, and all through the house not a creature was stirring, save for the parents who were busy planning and dreaming of the best ways to raise their children. As the clock struck midnight, a new set of parenting trends emerged that would shape family life in 2021 and beyond.
First up was a trend towards more mindful parenting. Parents looked to decrease their stress levels, as well as their children's, by creating intentional family moments and enforcing healthier digital boundaries. This meant setting aside time for quality family time, limiting device usage, and encouraging healthy habits like exercise and outdoor activities.
The second trend was a shift towards giving children more freedom and autonomy. Parents looked to develop their children's independence by providing opportunities for self-reflection, and allowing them to make decisions that could impact their lives in positive ways. This meant encouraging kids to take on responsibilities around the house, such as cooking dinner or doing laundry, as well as giving them more control over how they spend their free time.
Thirdly, parents began to prioritize wellness in 2021. This meant helping children build positive habits that kept them healthy and happy. Parents took steps to instill good nutrition, encourage physical activity, and promote mental resilience in their children. They also looked for ways to reduce toxic stress in the home by creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations and teaching healthy coping skills.
Fourthly, parents sought out educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. This trend included homeschooling, virtual learning, and even micro-schools – small groups of children taught by one or two teachers in a home environment. Parents chose these alternatives to give their children more personalized learning experiences that could better meet their individual needs.
Finally, parents looked for ways to make learning fun in 2021. This meant incorporating more play-based activities into their children’s routines such as art projects, outdoor exploration, music lessons, and educational games. It also included introducing technology into learning such as coding classes or robotics workshops.
These five parenting trends demonstrate that 2021 is an exciting year for families looking to find new ways of growing together and making positive changes in their lives. As you look ahead to the coming months, consider how you can incorporate these trends into your own family life to ensure everyone is happy and thriving throughout 2021!
Take action now: Spend some time this week reflecting on how you can bring these parenting trends into your own home—and get creative!