The Babble List: Parenting Trends
10 that are in, 10 that are out.
by Madeline Holler
July 8, 2008
Come to Mama: 10 Parenting Trends That are In
1. First comes love, then comes . . . : Actually, the baby carriage. The number of couples who become parents before or without
marriage roughly equals those who are doing it the old-fashioned way.
2. The $1,000 stroller: Often used as a stand-in for decadent parenting
gone wild, the high-end, high-function stroller is the trend of trends.
They're gorgeous, light, convenient, their owners love them and they
last forever. As we turn our backs on disposable plastic everything,
we're looking more at lasting quality. Think the kids will cherish their
four-wheeled Stokke heirlooms?
3. Saying yes!: Whether it's a good or bad thing, parents are letting
kids drink booze, watch grown-up movies, go to nice restaurants, and
swear. Some say it's a sign of over-permissiveness, but others say
they're being realistic. Kids are a part of the family, and if you're a
group of wine drinkers, might as well teach your kids to be responsible
ones too.
4. Elective C-sections: Another non-trend used to describe the Type A,
entitled, modern mom. Sure, there's little evidence this is a growing
trend — or that "too posh to push" is behind the increasing rate of
C-sections — but elective cesarean is always going to be an option, as well it
should be. Now, if we could only get the medical establishment and state
governments on board with the rest of the spectrum of birth options.
Women should also be able to hire legal midwives, attempt a VBAC in a
normal pregnancy, and give birth at home — all without hassle from
insurance companies, hospitals, doctors and the law.
5. Daddy!: That's him wearing the baby! That's him changing diapers!
That's him on a playdate! That's him putting the career on hold/going
part time/leaving early for the soccer game. Dads as actual parents has
moved from trend to societal norm. For this, moms, partners, kids and
dads everywhere rejoice!
©2008 Babble
About the Author
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Madeline Holler is a writer and mother of two. She lives in Long Beach, California. |
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