Half of parents think they work harder raising kids than previous generations

Half, 51 percent, of today’s parents think that raising children is more difficult today than it was for previous generations. They feel they face more demands and more criticism from outsiders, partly due to digital developments and social media, EenVandaag found in a survey among nearly 2,000 Dutch parents with minor children.

A slightly smaller group, 45 percent, thinks that there’s not much difference with previous generations. Every generation has its own challenges, this group feels. But both groups agree that things have not become any easier for parents.

Several parents said that the vast amount of parenting information and knowledge available these days is both a blessing and a curse. Parents set high standards for themselves and their children’s upbringing, but information is so plentiful that they often cannot see the forest for the trees.

Some parents also mentioned that due to all the different theories about parenting, they face more criticism and comments from outside. “These days, everyone has an opinion about how to raise children. It used to be barely discussed, but now people are very quick to say whether something is good or not,” one mother said. 60 percent of parents said they were annoyed by unsolicited opinions from in-laws, other parents, or even strangers on the street and social media.

Screen time is also a concern for most parents. 59 percent think their children spend too much time in front of screens, rising to 72 percent for teenagers. Yet many find it difficult to limit their children’s screen time. Parents of teens worry about social media being addictive and harmful to their child’s self-esteem. Parents of younger kids more often see screen time as a tool for when they need a quiet minute.

Many parents feel that they are more lenient than their parents were. While 53 percent said that their parents were strict or very strict, only 29 percent described their own parenting style that way. Parents say they don’t want to force their child into a rigid mold and give them room for their own choices. One mom said that she prioritizes her child’s needs in how she parents. “That doesn’t mean she always gets her way, but it does mean that I recognize her needs and discuss them.”