By Dr Preeti Gangan
Every generation brings with it new experiences, challenges and adventures. They carry with them the values passed down by their parents along with a fresh perspective.
The millennial crowd, encompassing the largest and most diverse demographic who are not only dominating the workforce but have reached the age of becoming parents, is no different when it comes down to parenting. They may have their own set of qualities and values that might be questioned by the previous generation, but with their own rules are setting new standards for their children.
Here are certain traits that the new-age parents possess.
Security, Messenger, Artwork: Apps For Parents To Stay Connected With Their Kids
Super Apps For Superheroes
When work takes the jet-setting father halfway around the globe, these applications make sure the little one never feels separated. (Text: Rajarshi Bhattacharjee)
Monster Messenger
App Store, Play Store, Amazon.com
It is a fun messaging app to connect with your kids when you are away. The app is independent of all social media sites and ensures that your child can safely communicate with you and other family members, as you validate all invitations received, and sent. Its fun features include photos, drawings, voice and text messages, personalised stickers and more. The app says all your children’s personal information is encrypted.
(Image:
Family Locator – GPS Tracker by Life360
App Store, Play Store
Venturing on a secret adventure is going to be tough for your kid when you install this app on his /her phone. No matter which part of the globe work has taken you to, this app will give you exact realtime location of your little one. You can also set alerts when your child or family members arrive at or leave destinations, and plan your next family gathering.
(Image: www.life360.com)
Net Nanny for Android
Play Store
With the ability to control the internet activity of different mobile devices remotely, Net Nanny is a great tool for enforcing data usage. It is a custom mobile browser that becomes your child’s default browser. You can manage which apps your child can or cannot use on his mobile phone.
(Image: www.netnanny.com)
MMGuardian Parent
App, Play Store
When it’s time to be a strict parent, switch to MMGuardian. It has a dedicated messaging app that will allow you to control who your child can text. It will send you alerts based on keywords, and share reports with the entire conversation. It also lets you block incoming calls and specific applications on your child’s handset. Although it is slightly invasive, it is better to be safe than sorry.
(Image: www.mmguardian.com)
Fathers lead the way
Fathers are taking the plunge to redefine the traditional concept of household management. They are equally contributing to the household chores, and taking up more responsibilities. Housework and child-rearing is now considered as teamwork. New-age parents are working towards creating a lifestyle that allows them to have a delicate balance between working and parenting.
New dads are proving to be a great support to their better-halves by making them feel more comfortable at home, and driving away their. They have an increased awareness about the health benefits offor both the mother and baby. A breastfeeding mother with a supportive and responsible partner (especially in household duties) is likely to be more successful, and can breastfeed longer. When they return to work after their maternity break, they feel more confi
dent about their breastfeeding abilities. Fathers are helping their wives in sterilising and cleaning of the bottles so that pumping gets easier.
Besides the biological role that mothers must play, new fathers are equally taking part in nurturing their baby. Fathers are taking up responsibility to bathe, change nappies, massage, cuddle to sleep, burp post feed. Many are tuning in to YouTube for parenting lessons and guidance on topics like assembling a baby stroller/cot, etc.
Housework and child-rearing is considered as teamwork.
Parenting 101
There is no set of rules when it comes to being a father, and the millennial parents are content with their nurturing style. Partners are taking childcare classes together garnering information about breastfeeding, weaning, night-time feeding, amongst others.
Few concepts like naturaland attachment parenting are on the rise. New moms and dads are opting for natural water birth trend which is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.
As far as attachment parenting is concerned, it can help the baby bond better.is a wonderful way for the child to get familiar with the parents’ heartbeats.
New fathers value quality time above over-scheduling.
Parenting in the time of social media
The millennial generation is hyper-connected, and on the lookout for new and surprising discoveries using the digital media. For new parents, social media opens up a whole new world of exploring, evaluating and learning. It acts as a support system for exchange of parental advice as well as seeking information from doctors, lactation consultants and pediatricians online.
Millennial parents also take this platform to make memories by documenting their child’s milestones right from their first step. They are proactive in creating an online presence of their child from the time of his/her birth. Parents find solace in blogging about their parenting experience, posting recipes or sharing baby product reviews.
There are several support groups that share guidance in training children as well.
Most millennial dads tune in to YouTube videos for parenting lessons.
Positive parenting
The modern-day parents understand the need of keeping an open mind towards their children. They value hearing out their child first and empathising with them. They are not rigid about the choices their child makes whether it is about pursuing one’s passion or exploring their inner self.
Parents now are looking to instill adventure and creativity in their children. While they are highly involved in their children’s lives, they leave room for children to deal with their problems independently. They value quality time above over-scheduling. Most millennial parents also involve their children in household decisions.
Besides gender norms, parents are embracing more intimate and less hierarchical role with their children. Today, parents are moving beyond an archetypal family construct to adopt an unconventional perspective on what modern family life looks like.
(The author is IBCLC, Pediatrician at Medela India LC Club)
Beyonce, Ronaldo & Kim K: Millionaire Parents Who Splurge On Their Children’s Birthdays
Born With A Silver Spoon
From diamond-encrusted dolls to private performances, here’s how some millionaire indulgent parents celebrate their children’s birthdays.
Beyonce and Jay-Z
Spending $200,000 for a party is no biggie for music power couple Beyonce and Jay- Z. They brought in their eldest child Blue Ivy Carter’s first birthday with a princess-themed party. According to reports, the couple spent $95,000 on the finest pink and white roses for the decorations while the cake cost just over $2,000. However, the most over-the-top expenditure was reserved for the tiny tot’s gift— a spectacular diamond-encrusted Barbie doll that cost $80,000.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Not a lavish party, but the Portuguese footballer celebrated the birthday of his twins Eva and Mateo with an intimate family holiday to La Zagaleta, a super-luxury gated community in Malaga, Spain. Ronaldo, along with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and children Cristiano Jr and Alana Martina rented out the place which costs above £6,000 a night. Pictures of the twins splashing around in the pool with their floaties emerged on social media a few days later to much love from fans.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
The royals cannot be left out of this list of fabulous birthdays. For young Prince George’s fifth birthday, the royal couple organised a lavish birthday party in the gardens of Kensington Palace. As per reports, the festivities cost cl
ose to $100,000 . The garden was filled with toy cars, including mini Ferraris, for George and his friends to drive around in as well as a huge Lego area. The party also included 15 entertainers, ranging from magicians to pizza makers and a huge colourful, custom-made birthday cake.
Kim Kardashian
It is very difficult to keep up with the Kardashians and Kim proved it once again with baby Chicago’s first birthday celebrations. With Alice in Wonderland as the theme, she spared no expense on the fantasy-inspired bash. The reality TV star turned the inside of her multi-million dollar home into an ethereal garden, complete with a card deck table inspired by the Queen of Hearts.
