Pretty much everyone has an opinion on parenting kids and the boundaries children and teens have or don’t have, including people who aren’t parents. Sounds crazy, right, but it’s true. Some of the most opinionated people on parenting don’t actually have kids to worry about. E
veryone has an opinion,n though. A recent Reddit discussion focused on unpopular parenting opinions that ran the gamut from screentime to letting kids do as they please and quite a few controversial things in between. So, what do you think? Do you agree with these unpopular parenting opinions or think they’re too extreme?
Sounding off with unpopular parenting opinions
Many of us leave our family homes thinking I’m never going to be like my mom, dad, or both. Then, a funny thing happens on the way to soccer practice one day. You find yourself muttering the same words your parents used to say. The truth is that parents pick up some of their parenting traits from their childhood.
Today’s world, though, is pretty different from when we were kids. Many parents looking for help may head to social media for inspiration or commiseration. This recent Reddit thread brought up an interesting discussion on people’s thoughts on parenting. It started with the question, “What is an unpopular parenting opinion you stand by?” The answers were numerous. Some ignited more discussions than others. Here are the highlights.
Screen time isn’t all bad
This Reddit user started off the conversation with the controversial topic of screen time. How much time kids and teen spend on devices is a daily battle in many homes. This user thought screentime wasn’t evil. There just needed to be a balance and asked for ways users found that with their children.
Talking to kids about things instead of waiting until they’re old enough to understand
Old school parents may not agree with this one and are more prone to waiting until kids are developmentally ready to understand certain things. Others feel no subject is out of bounds if kids are curious about it.
Caring more about a child’s academic performance in school
This user feels the emphasis on academics has fallen away with parents not wanting gto helicopter their kids.
Letting kids figure it out
One user’s unpopular parenting opinion was being more of a permissive parent by giving kids “a long leash” to make their own mistakes, but still being there to talk and be a shoulder when needed.
Kids don’t need a smartphone until freshman year of high school
Those smartphones are a bone of contention for a lot of parents. Younger and younger kids are getting a cellphone. This user thinks kids don’t need one until they are starting high school.
Chores
To give chores to kids or not to give them is not necessarily a question for this Reddit user. This person feels chores are a must for kids.
Talking about periods with boys and girls
This was an interesting one and goes along the lines of not waiting to talk to kids about certain things. Understanding periods is, of course, important for girls, but this Reddit user feels boys should be taught about it too to be more empathetic.
Don’t be your child’s BFF
Trying to be your kid’s best friend while still being a parent is a slippery slope. A parent can’t be a bestie and still be a person of authority.
No social media until 14 or 15, and no TikTok at all
Like the cellphone age debate, whether or not to allow kids on social media is always a hot button topic. When do you allow your children to get a social media account?
Letting kids stay up as late as they want when school is closed
Many parents have a fluid bedtime during summer and holiday vacations, but should you let kids stay up as late as they want as long as they aren’t being disruptive or making a mess?
It’s OK to negotiate with children
Should you give in to kids or let them explain why they don’t want to do something? Or does that depend on the situation?
No Santa
Do you think having kids believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy is okay? This user’s unpopular parenting opinion was not to lie to children about fictional characters.
Siblings sharing rooms
Is having kids share rooms better for them developmentally? What about different gender siblings? Should they share a room?
Not sharing if you don’t want to
This is a big one when you start to have and go on play dates with your little one.
Pushing kids into their own bed
Another hot-button issue is where kids sleep. Some parents are okay with having a family bed while others aren’t. Should kids sleep with parents as long as they’re comfortable with it, just when sick or scared, or not at all.
Lots of food for thought when it comes to unpopular parenting opinions you stand by. So, what was your stance on some of these? Agree or disagree? What is your unpopular parenting opinion? Think about it.
