Parenting, spanning the unique experiences and challenges of several generations. In the past, the older generation’s parenting tended towards “free-range,” where children grew up freely in a simple life, older siblings looking after younger ones, while parents were busy with livelihood. By the 1980s, as material conditions improved, families still emphasized self-reliance, children learned independence through rural labor, education relied more on self-exploration than external guidance.
Looking at the present, parenting has become a complex and highly challenging mission. From an early age, various interest classes and tutoring courses emerge one after another, parents are forced to immerse themselves in this educational competition to ensure their children stay ahead in future competition, leading to exhaustion both physically and mentally. The parenting pressure in modern society is not just a physical sacrifice, but more of a mental burden—worrying about the overall development and health of children, as well as how to meet their diverse needs, this deep-seated concern weighs heavily on people.
The older generation appears more composed, largely attributed to the simpler and less competitive environment of the time. Children’s growth relied more on natural laws and self-exploration, while parents, though physically hardworking, had relatively lighter psychological burdens.
Parenting is like a journey through time, each generation having its unique parenting philosophies and practices. We cannot assert which method is best as they adapt to the unique background of their respective eras. What’s important is to draw wisdom from history, understand the characteristics of parenting in different periods, and find the most suitable parenting methods for the current era. Along this journey, reducing unnecessary anxiety, increasing mutual understanding and support, creating a warm and nurturing environment for children.
