New school versus old school parenting

Myself @aspiya From #Bangladesh

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Greetings Splendid Individuals

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Parenting is a journey that has adjusted to changing cultures, technologies, and attitudes towards society through the years. Today, I am happy to be a part of the interesting contest called "New School versus Old School" Parenting, hosted by the amazing @okere-blessing. A parent myself, I have seen and felt the change between traditional parenting and what so many do nowadays! In today’s post, I share my own opinions, insights and experiences with the information of how the parenting styles has evolved – pointing out the assets and liabilities of each.

There's this saying that goes like this Spare the rod and spoil the child , Do you think is still valid in this new school parenting?

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There is a well-known saying: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” This expression originates in old school parenting, which advocates for the use of strict discipline (sometimes physical punishment) in the raising of a child, so that they grow to be respectful and obedient. However, I don’t really agree with this philosophy and think it’s incredibly hard to justify that mind set in the days of “new school” parenting. Times have changed, and so too our children. They are more conscious, more sensitive, and rose on information overload and emotional complexity. I think that disciplinary severity only causes fear and no understanding. In today's parenting, we attempt to influence behavior through positive discipline and healthy communication and boundaries. This doesn’t mean that we let children “do whatever they want.” It means that we guide, not with fear or physical violence, but with love, with consistency and with emotional support. We cannot command respect; we simply earn it by the manner in which we behave.

Do you think Old school parents were too strict compared to new school parenting?

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As far as I am concerned, Old school parents were way stricter than the new school that we have these days. Their techniques were often lined with discipline, obedience and control - at times with little to no space for expressing emotions and opening up. They thought that if they were too soft, they would spoil the child, so the rules were strict, and punishments frequent, even for the most minor missteps. It taught respect and responsibility, but it also left a giant emotional divide between parents and their children. In contrast, new school parenting is about listening to how the child feels, earning trust, and providing space for honest conversation. Parents nowadays strive to guide rather than police, and to instruct via connection rather than fear. I think it’s an Oh-No sign of our rapidly changing world, where emotions are as important as discipline or manners.

which one were you raised ? Do you think you were raised right .

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I grew up more old school where discipline and respect for my elders and listening to rules were the most important thing on the planet. My parents were loving, but they were very strict. Not much space for questioning decisions, or saying how you felt. Back then, I didn’t get it, but today, as a parent myself, I get it: They did what they could do at the time with the tools and mindset they had. I do honestly think that I was raised right, and that is what made me who I am today disciplined, responsible, and respectable. But I also believe that if emotional communication and understanding had been left a lot more space, it might have allowed me to express myself more freely as a child. Which is why, while raising my own kid, I attempt to merge good old fashioned old school parenting with the emotional intimacy and nurturing of new school parenting. I think every generation evolves and grows, and that’s just as true of parenting.

Do you think we should go back to old school parenting or stick to new school parenting.

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I feel like we shouldn’t turn the clock entirely back on old school parenting nor should we go in on all this new school parenting only. No, I think the solution is to have a good balance of both. We learned some solid values from old school parenting (discipline, respect, resilience), all of which still matter in today pussy world! Yet at the same time, new school parenting introduces the important appreciation of a child’s feelings, mental health and individuality. Children of the present day live in a more complicated world, and they deserve a firm, considerate hand to guide them. So instead of picking one over the other, I believe we ought to take the best from both teach respect and responsibility like we did in the old days, but also nurture open communication, empathy and emotional closeness like the best of modern parenting does. That’s how we raise not just well-behaved children, but strong, confident people.

In summary the old school vs new school parenting each have their own strengths. The most effective method in my opinion, is a combination of discipline and empathy, creating an even style, raising children who are confident, respectful, and emotionally sound.