Research Reveals Modern Parents in Wales Are the Most Lenient in History

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  Over two thirds of modern parents in Wales set few or inconsistent rules for their children
• 69 percent of older generations adopted a clear, strict style of parenting
• Over three quarters of parents in the region claim they spend more quality time with their children than their parents did with them
• 75 percent feel they show more love and affection than their parents did

New research reveals that modern parenting styles in Wales are more lenient than previous generations in the region, with over two thirds (67 percent) agreeing they take a relaxed approach to raising their children, with very few or inconsistent rules. This is a stark contrast to the previous generation, with almost seven in ten (69 percent) of parents claiming that their own parents took a strict and clear approach to rules when they were growing up.

This is demonstrated in day-to-day life. Almost two thirds (64 percent) of modern parents are more relaxed about what their children eat and drink than their own parents were, and over half (52 percent) don’t expect their children to help with household chores.

Instead, modern parents in Wales are focussed on spending time with their children and supporting them emotionally.

The study, which was commissioned amongst parents in the UK by leading name label manufacturer My Nametags (https://www.mynametags.com/), reveals that over three quarters of modern parents in Wales believe they make more effort to spend quality time with their children (76 percent) than their parents did with them.

Parents also feel as though they show more love and affection to their children (75 percent) and insist on more family activities than their own parents did (61 percent). As a result, three quarters (76 percent) feel their children can be more open and honest with them than they could be with their own parents.

This is reflected in parents’ actions, with the research highlighting some stark differences between the generations in Wales. Whilst previous generations were more likely to support their children practically, by teaching their children to ride a bike (49 percent), buying ingredients for home economics at school (46 percent) and mending damaged clothing (45 percent), modern parents are more likely to spend quality time with their children. For instance, they are twice as likely to do arts and crafts at home (58 percent) and play imaginative games (55 percent) with their children than their parents were with them.

These significant differences between parenting styles are reflected in the fact that a quarter (25 percent) feel uncomfortable with their own parents looking after their children.

Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at My Nametags, comments: “At My Nametags we speak to parents and grandparents every day. We were interested to find out how parenting has changed throughout the generations because we know that life has changed so drastically in the last 30 years.

“Whilst there may be fewer rules in place, it doesn’t mean that modern parents are hands-off. Instead, families today prioritise spending quality time together and developing children’s soft skills.”

Visit the My Nametags website to find out more about the differences in parenting styles across the generations.

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