From family computer gaming to ‘period parties’ for girls reaching puberty, these are the trends that will define the way children are raised in the next decade, according to parents.
Some 2,000 parents from across the UK were asked for their thoughts on how family life will change over the next 10 years in a survey by Channelmum.com.
Results show a shift towards more progressive parenting ideas, including encouraging child activists like Greta Thunberg and a rise in co-working nurseries where parents can catch up on emails while their children play.
Unsurprisingly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also set to be an influence, with more parents looking to follow their lead by having fewer children as a way to reduce their family’s carbon footprint.
As we officially welcome 2020, a look at the parenting trends to come suggest an influx of environmentally-friendly led movements (stock photo)
The Greta Effect
Dubbed the ‘Greta Effect’, named after the teenage activist Greta Thunberg, the organisers claim more adults will encourage their children to become activists in the new decade.
They added: ‘Activism has been turned on its head and instead of listening to adults, children are becoming increasingly vocal about causes they believe in.
‘2020 will see more youngsters defying convention to teach adults, such as the recent climate strikes.’
Research found 85 per cent of parents would be ‘proud’ for their child to campaign for a cause they care about, and teach adults at the same time.
This is causing a power shift in families as parents are increasingly listening to their children’s concerns about the environment and mental health, and responding by altering how they behave, according to the parenting website.
The ‘Anti-natalist’ movement
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they’d limit themselves to two children after the birth of their son Archie Harrison in May. Pictured on 8 May, two days after Archie was born in Windsor
‘Harry and Meghan generated headlines around the world by announcing they will stop at two children to help save the planet, but the Anti-Natalist movement is pressing people to volunteer to stop having kids at all,’ the website explained.
‘One extremist in India has gone even further, attempting to sue his parents for giving birth to him ‘without his consent,’ they added.
Family gaming
ChannelMum.com said: ‘British teenagers spend an average of 12 hours a week gaming while eight to 10-year-olds game for 10 hours.
‘The old tradition of sitting down to watch TV together is increasingly being replaced by a multi-player, bonding family gaming session.’
The study found 47 per cent of parents are planning to try gaming together in 2020, instead of sitting down to watch TV or a film.
Natural pregnancy
‘No scans, no painkillers and minimal medical appointments, will be one of the biggest trends to happen,’ according to the popular parenting website.
‘The trend is gaining ground with eco-mothers wanting to get right back to nature.’
Co-working Nurseries
According to the site, ‘ONS figures show eight in 10 mothers now work and since the 2008 downturn, 58 per cent of the newly self-employed have been female.’
The website went on to explain that co-working space were the future: ‘Co-working spaces like Cuckooz Nest and Mama Works are responding to demand by providing offices where mothers can meet, network and share childcare in a very modern ‘mum village’.
Plastic-Free Parenting
‘Wooden toys are no longer enough,’ they wrote. ‘The top eco-trend is to remove all family plastic, from nappies to bathing products to clothing and buggies.
‘It can be expensive and difficult to do but with 93 per cent of families trying to use less plastic, brands are beginning to respond with the right products,’ it went on.
Everyday Take 20
‘A fitting trend for 2020, parents are setting aside 20 minutes every day to simply sit with their children and listen to them,’ channelmum wrote.
‘This mindful antidote to a busy world lets children know their feelings are important and validated, and brings families closer together.
Micro scheduling
‘8am dishwasher goes on, 8.05am write shopping list, 8.10am check emails before school run while kids pack their bags: an increasing number of modern mother tightly plan their entire day minute-by-minute to cram in everything,’ channelmum wrote.
‘Downloadable micro scheduling templates are now available online. However, some psychologists have warned the trend is ‘self-bullying’ and can damage children’s creativity by limiting free play,’ they added.