What parents learned in 2021 and new parenting trends to watch out for in 2022

During the past two years, the pandemic-induced situation has proved to be a challenging one, especially for parents. Confined to their homes with work and school going online,  parents and children had a tough time coping with the new normal. However, in 2021 things improved and the chaos that one witnessed in early 2020 gave way to a sense of order. This was a result of parenting practices that were adopted foreseeing the challenges of these difficult times.

 Let’s take a quick look at those parenting practices that trended and were welcomed with open arms.

Dads rethink work-life balance

Although the pandemic proved to be a nightmare for many, in many ways it has been an unexpected gift for fathers as it gave them the family time they always craved for. New dads made better use of the situation and established a new approach to parenting.

This has resulted in fathers actively participating in raising kids and managing more household responsibilities than before.

The extra family time was not just rewarding but also an eye-opener for the men regarding the responsibility of childcare and household work. Earlier, it was usually the mothers who were given the primary share of those responsibilities but now it is being shared by both.

According to a study co-authored by academics at the University of  Utah, Ball State University and the University of Texas, the number of couples who split childcare duties rose to 56% during the pandemic in the US, while the percentage was only 45% before the pandemic.

This rethinking of responsibility and a step towards equality made 2021 less tiresome for mothers.

Mindful usage of the internet

Screen time has been a hot topic of discussion in these two years of the pandemic. The dependence, on technology due to work from home and online classes raised a lot of concerns about screen time and family time. In the beginning, when parents were juggling work and household responsibilities, they allowed relaxation on screen usage. Now when things have gotten better, reverting to those screen limits set before the pandemic has become difficult.

With almost everything online now, it’s difficult for both parents and kids to stay away from the digital space and community. While the amount of time children spend online is an important factor, what they surf and use is the key to understanding the reason for extensive screen use.

 As the UNICEF’s report, 'Growing up in a connected world,' sums it up, “The aim should not be to restrict children’s screen-time or forbid certain activities, but rather to improve their online experiences – by focusing on what children are viewing and doing, while helping them to become more critical and resilient internet users.”

Real support from virtual groups

Isolation and social distancing during the pandemic sparked the need for online assistance. Be it a quick call with the child's pediatrician or an engaging conversation on support groups for parents on social media, the existence of these virtual facilities and platforms is one of the main reasons for parents’ sanity during recent times.

ParentCircle and its social media handles became a go-to guide for parents as our team of experts helped them cope with new challenges.

Discussions on mental health became the new normal amid the pandemic-induced stress. With celebrity posts about depression and stress going viral online, many came out with their stories of mental health and found support as people empathized and did not attach the taboo tag that was hitherto done.

Parenting trends that may define 2022

Social media and unfiltered parenthood

With changing times, the type of content consumed on social media is also changing. Earlier, the content created on social media often showcased unrealistic and exaggerated perfection levels. This made it a fusspot and created anxiety within communities. However, with new apps and new features, there is a huge change in content. One can see a lot of unfiltered and realistic content from mommy bloggers and content creators. The parenting community has begun to open up more about the vulnerable side of parenting. From discussions around topics like miscarriage to talking about the needs of special children and support to special parents, social media has become a space for like-minded people who are finding solutions to similar issues they are facing.

New-age parents have realized that there is no good or bad way to raise a child, and it is okay to display emotions and vulnerabilities in front of the child. #Unfilteredparenthood vis-à-vis the quintessential pedantic role model parent may be among the new changes in 2022.

Knowing kids better

It’s not just parents who have had rough times in these two years of the pandemic. If parenting has been a challenge for them, growing in this uncertain and constantly changing world has been a real struggle for kids. According to researchers at JAMA pediatric, the global prevalence of symptoms of clinically elevated depression and anxiety has likely doubled among children during the pandemic. This stresses the importance of why working on a child's social and mental health should continue to be one of the important parenting practices this new year.

It’s about engaging, not just gifts

We all love gifts but we enjoy experiences more.  Remember, gifting children experiences will remind them that you are there for them. Your time is more rewarding than anything. Use the pillars of gentle parenting to give memorable experiences to your child. Start with acknowledging that it’s all about bonding with your child; use autonomy and choice and allow your child to be a part of the parenting process.

Kids have no gender

Gender-neutral parenting has been there for over a decade now. But in the past year, it has picked up and now we see more and more parents opting for it. Millennial parents no longer want to fit their children in predefined boxes of society but want to allow them to experiment, experience and express themselves without any pressure of conforming to gender roles.

Support beyond the virtual space

Technology has proved to be that loyal ally of parents in the past two years. However, as things are getting better, it’s high time to think beyond the virtual space and indulge in real-life experiences with children and loved ones. After all, nothing can replicate face-to-face interaction.

Saying yes to climate change

Raising eco-conscious kids is a real thing today. With climate change and environmental threats increasing by the day, parents have started to opt for natural products. Sustainability does not only mean using natural and chemical-free products for your kids but it’s about adopting a completely different lifestyle. It’s about becoming aware of environment-related issues and taking necessary steps as a family and moving towards a low waste lifestyle. Many families are moving towards this greener living and it is a trend that is here to stay.

And lastly, going back to school

Yes, omicron has forced shut the schools again. But once it’s all over, and it will be, children will return to the classrooms. The swings and see-saws will creak back to life, and the buzz will follow the morning prayer. But going back to school won’t be easy – a once-familiar routine will seem so new. There will be apprehension and discomfiture, and everyone involved – children, parents and teachers – will need time to get used to school life. Everyone will have their special needs, and amid all the energy, it will be empathy that will keep us together.