Things Millennials Are Teaching Their Kids That They Were NOT Taught & They’re Spicy About It!
On this episode the ‘Geriatric’ Mamas open the episode by momsplaining the new parenting style that’s making its way into the spotlight, how to teach children important life lessons before they think you’re uncool, and then they dive into the viral Instagram post by @mamapsychologists about what millennial parents are teaching their children that they were NOT taught. It’s no secret that millennials feel spicy about this topic, they probably all need therapy, most are a little bitter tbh, slightly emotionally unstable; and of course, paranoid about leaving a spec of food on their plates at dinner time; but overall, they’re doing okay. Enjoy!
Topics discussed in this episode:
(03:12) This Is Going To Be A Great Episode… With No Bloopers
(4:31) The New(Ish) Parenting Style That’s Gaining Momentum
(7:48) Start Teaching Them Before They Become Tweens!
(20:25) What Millennial Parents Were NOT Taught That They’re Making Sure They Teach Their Children
Sonia & Jessica with baby Hayden.
Mentioned in this episode:
There’s A New Parenting Style That Everyone Is Talking About…
When the podcast first started we did an episode on parenting styles based on documentaries we’ve watched and “lighthouse parenting" wasn’t used by any of the parents on the shows, however, the method has existed for a few years now, and it's recently started gaining traction.
Here’s a description of what it is from CBC News…
Lighthouse parents, according to Parents magazine, provide a stable source of guidance for their children — like a lighthouse — while also giving them the freedom to grow and learn. They are sturdy, reliable but not controlling, according to a recent piece in The Atlantic.
The lighthouse method is a balanced approach, and develops emotionally healthy children and adolescents "who go on to have deep, enduring relationships with their parents for their entire lifetime," says U.S. pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg in his upcoming manual, Lighthouse Parenting: Raising Your Child With Loving Guidance for a Lifelong Bond, scheduled for publication in March 2025.
In an earlier blog post, Ginsburg, a leading proponent of lighthouse parenting who is also the founder of the Center for Parent and Teen Communications, wrote that lighthouse parents are "a stable force on the shoreline [a] child can measure themselves against."
"I see it as my job to look down at the rocks and make sure they do not crash against them. I look into the waves and trust they will eventually learn to ride them on their own. But I will prepare them to do so," he wrote.
Millennial Parents Are Teaching Their Kids The Things They Were NOT Taught Growing Up… And They’re Spicy About It…
It’s no secret that so many millennial parents are making different parenting decisions than their parents did, seeking advice from the internet; juggling work and family obligations, and navigating conversations around mental health.
Here are some stats…
73% millennial parents believe their parenting style is better than past generations
3 in 4 millennial parents practice gentle parenting
Nearly half (46%) of millennial parents feel burned out
Navigating a digital world: 85% believe social media creates unrealistic parenting expectations and 1 in 4 don’t double check parenting advice from social media
80% believe discussions with children around mental health are very important
Work-life balance: 82% of millennial parents work and 4 in 5 prioritize children over career. (Read more)
This Episode Was Inspired by a beautiful @mamapsychologists Instagram post and the comments!
At What Age Should We Start Teaching Our Children About Relationships…
Children begin learning as infants, Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, tells UNICEF, “and we need to understand how much what happens early on can affect things later on.”
From a prevention perspective, then, it’s never too early to talk to your kids about what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like. You can ask preschoolers questions such as, “Who loves you? What do they do that shows they love you?” Elementary-age kids can answer, “What do you do that shows you respect someone else?”
Conversations with middle-schoolers can get a little more probing. Resist the urge to argue with the answer to a question such as, “When do you think you’ll be old enough to start dating?” When you’re asking questions like the following, be in listening mode:
How do you want your friends to treat you?
Are there any unwritten rules about dating?
Should a relationship have boundaries? What kind of boundaries do you have?
The Instagram Reel About Dating That Sonia Mentioned Applying To All Relationships…
Mom Reels For The Group Chat…
🤡 Violence Is... Usually Never The Answer!
🎃 Pumpkins Are Even More Useful Than We Originally Thought.
🙊 If Your Invite Has This Requirement, It’s A No For Me!
🤠 Need To Take A Little Moment Between Work Mode & Mom Mode?!
⏰ Tell Us It Wasn’t A Mom Who Made School Schedules Without Telling Us!
Reminder… Listeners can receive 20% off services at Ageless Medical Aesthetics in Westbrook, ME with Code: MAMAS2024 when you follow them on instagram!
Also… Receive a Free First Swim Class at Goldfish Swim in Portland, Maine with same code: MAMAS2024; you’ll need to call them to schedule your little one’s first class.
Thanks for listening!
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xx, Sonia and Jessica
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