New research shows Irish mums parent very differently to how they were reared

A new survey by WaterWipes has revealed 53% of Irish mums’ parenting style is different from how their own parents raised them. 

39% of mums surveyed say the way they raise their children is quite different to how their parents looked after them, while a further 14% say it is completely different.

40% of Irish parents quizzed say their parenting style was very similar to how they were raised and just seven per cent say their parenting style was the same as that of their own parents.

Parenting styles can change from generation to generation for a number of reasons including technology and changes in lifestyle – just think, it was only 1977 when the Employment Equality Act was brought into Ireland so women could still work after they got married!

Experts believe this seismic change has largely come about because modern Irish parents are turning away from the ‘children should be seen, and not heard’ maxim to embrace more child-centric parenting.

Parenting Expert Kate Barlow said: “There is no right or wrong way of parenting and every mum or dad knows their own child and, most importantly, what is best for their own child, whether that’s the tried and trusted techniques your parents used with you, or a new and different approach of your own. Only you know what’s best for your own family, so trust yourself and do it your way, whichever way that is.

“Mums and Dads in every generation love their children and do their very best to be good parents.  Parenting has changed but what mums and dads want in 2015 isn’t very different from what parents wanted in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s – happy, healthy children.”

Of course there is a world difference between parenting styles and values. It’s entirely possible to have a completely different style of parenting from our own mums while still instilling their core values into our children.

Mums, we would love to hear your opinions on this. Do you find your parenting style dramatically different from how your own parents raised you? Why is that? And would you find you are instilling the same values your parents taught you into your own kids although your parenting style differs? Get in touch and let us know!