Millennials are the first generation of parents to grow up in the digital age. That shows it. Today’s parents have access to infinitely more information than their predecessors and hold themselves to different standards.
While some boomers may scoff at today’s tactile parenting practices, these trends stem from insights into child development and the effects of childhood trauma. Many parents today believe that if they want to raise kind and respectful children, they start by treating them with kindness and respect.
Changing economic conditions are also putting parents under more financial pressure. Childcare costs continue to rise, with the average cost of a week of childcare increasing by 13% from 2022 to 2024. Families today spend an average of 24% of their income on childcare. This is more than three times the province’s rate of 7%. The Department of Health and Human Services considers it affordable.
Add to this problem, with parents working long hours and spending more time caring for their children, it’s no wonder that their mental health deteriorates. Back in August, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued recommendations on parental mental health, citing an “intensifying culture of comparison” among the stressors weighing on parents. reported significantly higher stress rates than childless adults.
Parents today are certainly looking for support everywhere, whether it’s online or within the family. Grandparents often want to be helpful, but can struggle because everything about parenting has changed since they raised their children.
We asked millennial parents what they wish their parents understood. Here’s what they had to say:
