Traditional vs. New Parenting Styles - Essay Example

Traditional vs. New Parenting Styles The economic, social, political and cultural changes have been observed throughout the world. The evolving temperaments, attitudes and behaviors have changed the course of human life. People no longer wait for others to change or alter a trend but believe in changing the society by their individual and collective efforts. The changes that have occurred have also influenced the people’s behaviors towards each other, their relationships, values, priorities and daily life procedures.

The changes in the relationships of married couples, parents and their children, teacher and students, children and grandparents etc. carry an important position in the social renovation of today’s environment. The impacts of parents on children, their nurturing techniques, attitudes and behaviors strongly influence children and their future habits. This paper, hence, is aimed to discuss the changes that have been encountered in the parenting styles giving a brief account of how those changes impact children’s behavior and the society.

Parenting styles have been changed significantly from past till today. Today’s parents are more inclined towards teaching their children about independence, free thinking, autonomy and open mindedness (Talay-Ongan et al., 2005 p. 31). They are given the confidence of taking their decisions by themselves and stepping towards their brighter future without interruption from or influence of others. This new parenting style, however, is efficient in making the children bold, confident, self esteemed and determined; yet lacks in a few areas.

These parenting behaviors may end up making children overconfident. The new values of children give them the power to proceed with their life leaving their parents and other relatives behind. The independence and concept of sovereignty given to them affect their behaviors negatively, at times. Hence, these concepts, although necessary for the children’s upcoming life, may not always be beneficial for the children. Traditionally, parents used to obtain the parenting guidance from their elders like parents and grandparents and use that guidance or wisdom words to raise their children.

However, today parents usually rely on the books, research paper and different organizations to gather information on successful parenting techniques. Traditionally, the basic aim of parents was to teach their children lessons of respect, care, love and good manners. These traits were supposed to be the most evident proof of good nurturing by parents. On the other hand, today good academic results, high achievements in sports, self-sufficiency in material things and high social status are highly appreciated.

The traditional parenting style upheld love and sympathetic attitude towards others. Today, parents have involved their children in such a competition with others that they hardly get sincere feelings for them. Parents have taught them to participate in the race of life, compete and win the race whatever it costs. This new way of parenting has, somehow, made the children selfish and self-centered. It leads to good results in their professional career but their mentality stays at the level of competition for the rest of their lives (Biller, 1993 pp. 163-167). The new parenting techniques are not ineffective but they lack highlighting moral values, affection, love for others, sympathy and emotional development which is required for a healthier society.

The society today, needs parenting techniques which involve both old and new concepts. The autonomy and self-determination of the new generation accompanied with the traditional social, cultural and religious values may aid the society and the world at large.Bibliography:Bottom of FormTop of FormBiller, Henry B. Fathers and Families: Paternal Factors in Child Development. Westport, Conn: Auburn House, 1993. Print.Talay-Ongan, Ayshe, and Emily A. Ap. Child Development and Teaching Young Children.

Southbank, Vic: Thomson Social Science, 2005. Print.Bottom of Form