Parenting in the 21st century has
become more complex than ever before. Today’s children are heavily influenced
by global cultural shifts, making it increasingly difficult for parents to
identify the root causes behind changes in their children's character and
values.
Before I started working among young adults and teenagers, I often placed the bulk of the blame on parents whenever I observed children exhibiting destructive behaviors. However, after working in this field for several years, I have realized that no parent sets out to raise a "bad" child. Every parent I have encountered deeply desires to raise well-behaved, responsible children.
That said, there are several key
factors that parents must now consider when raising 21st-century children. I
will highlight a few of these factors here and will dive deeper into their
impacts in my next video.
1. Increased Emotional Sensitivity
One major difference I've
observed is that today's children are more emotionally sensitive than those of
past generations — some might even say too sensitive. They often appear
self-focused, concerned primarily with their own feelings rather than those of
others. A simple correction can feel like a personal attack to them. They are
quick to assume that they are being hated or mistreated, highly aware of how
others' actions affect them, but not equally mindful of how their own actions
impact others. They often react defensively and judge others harshly while
placing their own experiences at the center of every interaction.
2. Influence of External Cultures Over Local Values
Today’s youth are more influenced by global culture than by the culture of their immediate environment. Many would rather emulate a distant celebrity or an online influencer — someone they have never met — than embrace the positive values modeled by their own parents or elders. The rise of social media and easy access to internet-enabled devices have accelerated this trend, introducing children to a wide array of worldviews that can conflict with the values taught at home.
3. The Erosion of Community Parenting
Community parenting — the idea that a child is raised not only by their parents but also by a network of supportive caregivers like relatives, friends, and trusted community members — is rapidly disappearing. As Niki Foster defines it, community parenting involves additional caregivers who help nurture and guide a child’s development.
Today, many families are isolated, and the burden of parenting falls squarely on the shoulders of just one or two individuals. But no single parent can effectively raise a responsible child alone. Positive, value-driven adults around a child help reinforce the values parents are trying to instill.
I will be exploring the concept of community parenting and why it is more critical now than ever in my upcoming video series.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many factors that have made parenting today feel like being caught between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea — a tough, often overwhelming situation.
To be continued.
You can reach me via:
Email:
Ogunleyeayodele2@gmail.com
Phone: +2347037789306