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The Future of Parenting

5 Key Trends Worth Talking About

The future is uncertain. So is the future of parenting. The aftermath of disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina has cast a shadow of doubt over our lives. This pervasive sense of insecurity and vulnerability has prompted many people to reevaluate and reclaim what is most important to them – their families. We instinctively reach out to our families for comfort. But is it possible to give that feeling roots? Is it possible for parents to give their children a sense of strength, security and faith in the future?

According to Caron B. Goode, director of the Academy for Coaching Parents International, it is not only possible, it is imperative.

Here are 5 key trends in the future of parenting:

Although statistics indicate a 10 percent increase in the number of stay-at-home parents, the majority of children today are raised in families where both parents work. While economic pressures make this situation hard to escape, parents have begun to give voice to their desire to put family first. According to a 2004 study by the Families and Work Institute, parents are starting to say no to overtime and yes to family time. In fact, a recent survey found that among working fathers between the ages of 22 to 37, 52 percent have no interest in taking on more job responsibility, as compared to 68 percent in 1992.

While parents may have never considered fostering resiliency in their children before, they do now. Resiliency is the ability to navigate stressors, major or minor, and then return to the business of living. Studies have shown that children who have close, supportive families and caregivers are more apt to deal with stress or trauma in a positive manner than those who do not. Having supportive, sensitive and responsible parents helps ensure that children are equipped to handle life's stressors, now and in the future.

Want to see more?

• Listen Up! Why We Shouldn't Yell at Our Children
• Stress-busting! Using Exercise to Manage Stress
• Plan B(aby): The Stay-at-Home Parenting Trend Is Growing
• What's My Type? Discover Your Parenting Personality and Recognize What Motivates You
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

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