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Parenting Today Research Paper

Understanding the nature of children in the twenty-first century necessitates in-depth

parenting knowledge. Children's lives and daily experiences are substantially shaped by their

parents and caregivers, and this has a significant impact on their cognitive, academic, and

psychological development in addition to their health and well-being. Parenting is still

demanding and complex, as it has always been. Family life has evolved over time, posing new

obstacles for parents, and the question of how children should be brought up has evolved as well,

and many parents are unsure how to master the parenting challenge. On numerous digital

platforms, blogs, campaigns, parenting programs, and other services, a large range of support

services and information about parenting is now available both offline and online. This paper

seeks to explore the transformation of parenting today and the challenges that come with it.

The world has changed dramatically in the previous half-century, resulting in a shift in

expectations and experiences on how parents raise their children. Fertility and marriage rates

have declined in recent decades, while divorce rates and the number of single-parent households

have risen. According to Mills‐Koonce et al. (640), same-sex marriage is becoming more legal in

several OECD countries. As a result, family structures and living arrangements have changed,

with an increase in single and divorced families, as well as unmarried or divorced couples. The
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majority of children, both inside and outside of the OECD, live with two parents, whether

biological, step, adoptive, or foster, married or single, with just 17% of children under the age of

18 living with one parent (Mills‐Koonce et al. 640).

As family stability has diminished, many children have been exposed to a variety of

family living situations throughout their childhood. For instance, shared custody agreements

have many children move from one household to another frequently. More mothers are also

working nowadays and raising their children at the same time. In many nations, migration has

also resulted in unprecedented cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity, as stated by Lantsburg,

(65). Many families in modern societies feel they are cut off from their relatives, neighbors, and

towns. This has eroded many families' informal social support and safety nets, forcing more

families to take full responsibility for their children's well-being rather than relying on extended

family and community members to help with kid supervision, protection, and nurturing.

However, today's parents receive more public assistance compared to the past. Even

though raising children is still largely a private concern, and parents have a lot of latitude in

raising children. However, municipalities and governments are increasingly focusing on

parenting in public provision and policy within legal constraints. Schools and early childhood

education and care institutions in many countries have boosted their provision and work with

parents. Families frequently receive financial assistance as well as educational and hands-on

support through various initiatives and parenting programs (Lantsburg, 65).

According to Bjorklund (n.p), parenting today has evolved substantially to the extent that

parents prefer to consult the internet first before consulting a professional or asking family

members or neighbors for any parental help. However, as more parents turn to digital platforms,
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chat groups, and other less regulated outlets for information and support, new challenges

develop. Misinformation and deception have always been easy targets for parents, especially

insecure ones. While incorrect and manufactured information is nothing new, the magnitude and

complexity of information pollution in our digitally linked world pose an unprecedented

challenge.

A vast amount of knowledge is given by a variety of sources, not all of whom are

parenting specialists and all of whom have a genuine interest in assisting challenged or anxious

parents. Although there has always been a desire to misrepresent information for political, social,

or economic benefit, digital content is duplicated and amplified at an incredible rate. Parents,

unsurprisingly, complain about such information pollution. It is nearly hard to avoid public

arguments over the relative benefits and drawbacks of various parenting methods. They are

depicted in surplus stories, parenting advice books, blogs, and articles. Without any evidence or

with evidence that is selectively given, debates are frequently polarized. Colorful, descriptive

titles like "Free-Range Kids" or "Buddy Parents" are used to enliven conversations and highlight

points of view (Bjorklund, n.p). A thorough review of current evidence-based parenting research

is required to counteract such vehement public arguments and the associated fears.

The ideal way to describe and analyze parenting and its impact on child development is

still up for debate. Parenting is a difficult task that entails a variety of particular activities that

have an impact on a child's growth both collectively and individually. However, much of the

empirical evidence suggests that the overall approach to parenting is more accurate in predicting

child outcomes than the specific acts of parents (Holden, n.p). Instead of focusing on specific

behaviors, research has focused for decades on global, consistent, and stable methods to child-

rearing across contexts and domains. As a result, these methods became the foundation of a
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parenting framework. A categorical approach, which categorizes parenting techniques into

different styles, and a dimensional approach, which characterizes parenting approaches along

with numerous aspects, can be broadly distinguished (Capaldi, n.p).

Parenting is divided into many styles, according to a popular approach. The paradigm

that describes parenting styles along two orthogonal dimensions: parental responsiveness and

parental demandingness, remain the most influential (Bornstein, 198). Parental responsiveness

refers to how accepting, supportive, sensitive, and warm parent-child relationships are. Parental

demandingness, on the other hand, describes the consistency and demandingness with which

parents discipline and govern their children. The classical parenting style framework

differentiates four parenting types based on these dimensions: authoritative parents, authoritarian

parents, permissive parents, and neglectful parents. Parents that are authoritative are both

demanding and responsive. They establish clear, reasonable norms and directions that are

appropriate for the age and skills of the children. Authoritative parents clarify their perspectives

and are willing to discuss expectations, even if they are firm in their enforcement. They are also

warm, kind, and sympathetic to the needs of children.

Authoritarian parents are demanding but unresponsive. They demand kids to follow rigid

rules and adhere to high standards without taking into account their needs. Authoritarian parents

are harsh and unyielding. They prohibit any engaging interaction with their children and have a

distant, chilly relationship with them. Permissive parents, often known as indulgent parents, are

attentive but not overbearing. These parents are typically kind and welcoming of their children's

instincts, as well as sensitive to their needs. They make minimal demands, give little direction

and advice, and rarely expect norms or standards to be followed. Uninvolved parents, sometimes

known as neglectful parents, are neither demanding nor responsive. They are frequently absent
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from their children's lives, have no expectations for their actions, and provide minimal

supervision, affection, and support (Bornstein, 198).

In general, authoritative parenting is thought to be the most advantageous for child

development, but authoritarian and permissive parenting styles are thought to have less favorable

consequences. Neglectful parenting is thought to be detrimental to children's health. However,

these broad generalizations are still debatable. It is also debatable whether a dimensional method

is more informative because it breaks down diverse styles into their constituent aspects, allowing

researchers to analyze their unique, independent effects on child development. In contrast to

parenting styles which define the parenting approach along distinct dimensions and consequently

their cumulative effect on child development, the dimensional approach uses parenting

dimensions as descriptors of the parenting approach.

Individual parenting techniques such as warmth and monitoring can be identified using

the dimensional approach, which allows for the identification of their distinct contribution.

Another advantage is that rather than dividing parenting styles into different categories, all

variations throughout the parenting continuum are considered. According to the self-

determination theory, parents who provide their children and adolescents with high levels of

parental warmth, autonomy support, and parental structure meet their three basic psychological

needs for relatedness: feeling connected to others, having caring relationships, and belonging to a

community (Swanzen, 130). These requirements are universal and necessary for individual

development and well-being throughout life.

Although the research did not comprehensively cover both ends of the parenting

spectrum, self-determination theory highlights the distinction between need-thwarting and

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unsupportive parenting (Şiţoiu, 179). For example, forcing children or adolescents to perform

things against their will can cause autonomy frustration, competence frustration by pointing to

children's failures and inadequacy, and relatedness frustration by exhibiting hatred and dislike

towards children. In contrast, parents who provide little love, stability, or autonomy to their

children may cause need dissatisfaction but not necessarily active need irritation.

Using self-determination theory as a parenting framework also enables the organization

of the various concepts and terminologies utilized in parenting research. Most research, for

example, look at the differences between behavioral and psychological control in terms of child

development. Communication of norms and clear, consistent expectations, as well as giving and

enforcing regulations through supervision and monitoring, are all examples of behavioral

control. As a result, it can be interpreted as a parent's attempt to offer structure. Internal pressing

strategies such as shaming children and generating guilt, as well as conditional acceptance

through withholding and withdrawing love, are used to impose parents' agendas. This form of

parenting falls under the category of parental pressure since it undermines children's demand for

autonomy. Aspects of coercive control, such as verbal hostility such as threats and harsh,

physical discipline, are also frequently highlighted in the research, which thwarts autonomy

demands by imposing external pressure on children and adolescents (Sanders, n.p).

Around the world, digital technologies have had a noticeable impact on family life. The

parenting characteristics and styles outlined previously reflect how parents raise and teach their

children online and offline. Parents' digital knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward digital

technology are important in demonstrating an online parenting style that is consistent with their

offline parenting approach. Parents must supervise their children's screen time, safeguard their

safety, and regulate their online behavior and conduct in this digital era. Parents also use
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technology to help them raise their children (Uhls, n.p). Existing parental patterns can be

reinforced by technology: Surveillance technology has made it easier to protect and control

youngsters. Supportive parents may stay in touch with their children and show warmth and

compassion even when they are not present through the new communication technology. At the

same time, technology can make parenting more difficult.

As previously stated, research has revealed significant differences in how parents raise

their children. The study looked into the origins of various parenting styles and influencing

elements, which should be incorporated into a framework to present a complete view of

parenting. Generational, social, and media images of parenting and childhood establish a frame

of reference, pointing to desirable societal outcomes, for example. Parents often want to help

their children become responsible members of society; therefore, they evaluate their children's

behavior in light of such social norms. They also encourage good behavior and discourage

behavior that appears to be damaging to society's proper functioning. Numerous studies have

established the impact of cultural norms on parenting styles (Sunderland n.p).

Authoritarian parenting, for example, appears to be more common in non-Western

cultures and among ethnic minorities in Western countries. For example, collectivist nations may

not share the Western nation of authoritative parenting as the most desirable. Personal

development and independence are given less priority than group development and

interdependence. Tiger parenting has also been related to dependency, conformity, emotional

self-control, and humility. Academic excellence and familial commitment are frequently touted

as ways to bring honor to the family. Parents have also been regarded as strict and more

controlling, but only to protect their children rather than hinder them. This is not the truth for all

ethnic groups, and regional disparities exist as well.

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Families face major obstacles as a result of immigration to a nation with different

parenting norms and the resulting changes in family structures, dynamics, and roles: For

example, parents may believe that the socio-cultural background before and after the migration is

incompatible, that the legal system undermines family dynamics and values, or that their

children's schooling isolates them from them. Parenting styles shift in response to technical,

socio-economic, and political shifts (Ulferts, n.p). When compared to parents in civilizations

where education and effort are greatly rewarded, and possibilities are limited without appropriate

education, parents in societies with low returns to education push their children harder.

According to the World Value Survey (WVS), nations with low earnings inequality, liberal

redistributive policies, and low educational stakes have a higher number of permissive parents.

Parents in more developed countries, such as the United States, appear to prefer authoritative and

authoritarian parenting methods.

The rise of income inequalities and higher educational returns over the last 30 years also

drive the overparenting trend with parents intensifying efforts to ensure their children's success.

Scholars have even claimed that such economic factors have cultivated an "intensive parenting

culture," now endorsed by parents from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Legislation has an impact on the parenting of children. Since 1979, the number of nations with

identical legislation has progressively increased, reaching 54 in 2018, which may have

contributed to the previously mentioned decrease in the use of physical discipline and

authoritarian parenting by parents. Digital technologies, according to studies, have an impact on

parent-child relationships all over the world, and the effects may range slightly depending on the

country (Swazen, 144).

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Family and marital stress can impair parenting, and healthy relationships between parents

appear to be a cornerstone for warm, supportive parenting. In terms of warmth, control, and

parenting style, single and divorced parents may differ from married parents. Furthermore, the

custody arrangement appears to be important. Despite its expanding importance, there is little

reliable knowledge concerning same-sex parenting and adoption ( Pinderhughes et al., n.p). A

family's ability to operate is also influenced by its socio-economic and social resources.

For responsiveness and nurturing at home, especially for economically challenged

parents, having a strong support network of friends, family, teachers, and neighbors is critical.

Members of the network may be more intimately involved in the task of child-rearing. For

example, in Hispanic and Asian families, grandparents' roles might range from distant, brief

contact with grandchildren to (informal or formal) primary caretaker of grandchildren.

Furthermore, the family's financial position is critical to its success: Economic difficulties such

as job insecurity and the inability to pay monthly payments can make parents unhappy and

discouraged, which can lead to marital strife and parenting disturbances (Pinderhughes, n.p).

Parenting differs on an individual basis depending on the parents' particular

characteristics and motivations. Parents' parenting styles are shaped by their personal values and

beliefs. Parents, for example, focus their attention on essential developmental goals for their

children that are based on socio-cultural standards but also personal motivation: Parents who

prioritize obedience, interdependence, and academic achievement as primary goals in child-

rearing are more authoritarian and controlling, whereas parents who prioritize promoting

independence and social competence in their children are less authoritarian and more

authoritative, regardless of culture (Swazen,144).

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Furthermore, parenting styles are influenced by views about the nature of child learning.

An authoritative parenting style was linked to constructivist ideas, which view learning as

effortful and under the learner's control and knowledge as actively constructed. An authoritarian

or permissive style was related to a concept of learning as quick, relatively automatic, passive,

and based on intrinsic and relatively fixed talents. Moreover, the attribution styles of

authoritarian and authoritative parents appear to be different. Former parents internalize their

children's aggressiveness and misbehavior and react with more anger and embarrassment.

Parenting has evolved over time, bringing with it a variety of obstacles. Parents in the

twenty-first century face a variety of difficulties. Parenting in today's world has taken on a

circus-like quality, as balancing life's responsibilities and managing personal, family, and

professional obligations are paired with an ever-changing environment. Parenting has evolved

significantly from its previous state. Fathers used to work and supply the necessities for the

family, while moms stayed at home to care for the house and raise the children (Holden, n.p).

Parenting today is very different from what it was in the past, and there is no gender

assigned to child upbringing. Parenting has become a frightening affair due to social pressures to

produce healthy, well-behaved children. New demands of 'what should' and 'what shouldn't'

related parenting emerge as a result of lifestyle changes. Parents are routinely assaulted with

unwanted advice on raising successful persons from society's authorities, the internet, and

grandparents (Ulferts, n.p). Technology infiltration, drug misuse, balancing family and

profession, information availability, and cultural influences are only a few of the 21st century's

top parenting concerns.

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The digital era has drastically altered the way the world operates. It is difficult to imagine

how our folks managed in the 1970s and 1980s without technological items like; computers and

cell phones (Uhls, n.p). A parent's life is made so much easier when they can pinpoint their

child's whereabouts with the push of a button. Parenting has become much easier thanks to

technological advancements. However, as a result of this, various negative characteristics have

emerged, and children have bitten the short end of the stick. Children have access to an

enormous amount of information because of televisions, computers, and mobile phones. As a

result, parents' ability to know what their children are exposed to is typically limited.

Because of this incapacity to oversee, parental control has been lost, and children have

been subjected to cyberbullying. As a result, parents must play an active part in informing their

children about what they should consume online and how to be good online citizens. FamiSafe

and other parental control apps are a must-have for any parent who wants to protect their

children from the evil side of the internet. Parental control allows parents to keep track of their

children's activities on social media platforms, emails, and other mobile devices. Teenage years

are a time for trying new things, pushing boundaries and figuring out who you are. Teens are

bound to experiment with soft drugs like alcohol, cigarettes, and, in some states, marijuana. Drug

usage is portrayed as cool in the movies and documentaries these kids watch, encouraging them

to devise ingenious ways to become high. This is slowly but steadily turning into a national

pandemic that everyone should try to stop before it's too late (Uhls, n.p).

Drug misuse is a two-edged sword that affects both parents and children, with the latter

bearing the brunt of the repercussions. Most schools take proactive measures to educate students

about the dangers of drug usage. Parents should provide a positive example for their children by

abstaining from drug use and being model citizens. In addition, parents in the twenty-first
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century are continually faced with the challenge of focusing on one item without feeling any

trouble in neglecting another. Balancing family and professional advancement becomes a

difficult task. Parents are being compelled to work longer and longer hours in order to pay for

their children's pricey schools. This means that they have less quality time to spend with their

children, and they feel guilty about it (Bornstein, 197).

On the other hand, children are subjected to excessive academic pressure and participate

in an always-bustling after-school activity, leaving little to no time to interact with their peers

and parents. To strike a balance between job and family life, one just needs to plan and schedule

your time. Parents should make and keep track of a family calendar that seeks to accommodate

all of the family's priorities. Accepting that the world has changed significantly from where they

grew up is another parenting problem (Mills‐Koonce, 640). This is true regardless of which

country or region in which one lives, with the added difficulty of the rapid dismantling of

cultural barriers. The truth is those earlier solutions do not work with today's difficulties, and

youngsters are the best experts on this subject. In such cases, parents find it difficult to motivate,

support, and teach their children since they are preparing them for a world they are unfamiliar

with.

Children can also receive a wide range of information that may not be appropriate for

their age via the internet and worldwide television networks. Parents face a difficult task in

guiding their children so that their hearts do not harden and they have the compassion to help

those in need. There is also the actual possibility of youth becoming radicalized and falling into

the trap of those seeking to recruit them as cannon fodder. Parents must assist their children in

maintaining perspective, demonstrating how they can effectively contribute, and avoiding

extremist beliefs (Sanders, n.p).

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Another difficult topic for parents in the twenty-first century is cultural influence. The

impact of other cultures is so pervasive and powerful that simply forbidding television is

ineffective. Children are constantly exposed to other cultures throughout the day. What you need

to do is show them the worth of your culture in a way that allows them to be proud of it while

also respecting other cultures (Sanders, n.p). This is critical because the traditional technique of

tearing everything down creates barriers and hinders cross-cultural understanding. This is a

complicated topic that requires knowledge before it can be taught. The most important aspect of

this is to keep an open mind while remaining aware of the boundaries. It is necessary to be self-

assured without becoming intolerant.

In conclusion, the importance of parenting in the healthy and prosperous development of

children and adolescents is highlighted in this research. Parenting is unquestionably difficult and

necessitates assistance from friends, relatives, and the government. While parenting is largely a

private concern, state policies can create institutions and services that allow parents to learn and

practice parenting techniques that are advantageous to their children's successful and healthy

growth. There are several policies and practice choices for assisting families, some of which will

be covered below. These policies can help in mitigating the challenges experienced by modern-

day parents.
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Works Cited

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Unstable World. Central Recovery Press, 2019.

Holden, George W. Parenting: A dynamic perspective. Sage Publications, 2019.

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Miller, Lisa. The spiritual child: The new science on parenting for health and lifelong thriving.

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