It's official. Aussie mums have fallen under the spell of Disney’s animated blockbuster, Frozen – at least in terms of their parenting style.
According to a study released by Kidspot, mums across the land have moved from a 'helicopter' parenting approach to the 'Elsa approach'. In other words, they've decided to 'let it go'.
The latest 'Inside the Minds of Mums' study involved Kidspot asking more than 800 Australian mums about their mindset, challenges, priorities and reality.
Kidspot editor, Melissa Wilson says Aussie mums are, "Individual, empowered, fun, information seekers" and together the respondents highlighted some interesting points about child-raising.
How do Australian mums approach parenting?
Mums are busy, busy, busy balancing family, home, work and social media life, so they’re focused on flexibility. This means that the days of hovering over children like helicopters have been replaced by a more freewheeling parenting approach.
The study highlighted these three trends about Australian mums:
1. Their parenting style is fluid
Seventy per cent of respondents said they have no set parenting style, preferring instead to "take it step-by-step". They're adapting and re-evaluating every day.
2. They take a worldview
Today's mums want to help their children become independent and give them more freedom to explore the world, take risks and experience failure.
3. They value 'edutainment'
Mums continue to see play as an important way for kids to learn, develop new skills and have fun, except that now it's called 'edutainment.'' And for Millennial mums (aged 17-37), ‘edutainment is almost a line of conduct' with 'playful' named as their number one parenting style.
What pressures do Australian mums feel?
Ms Wilson says, "Families come in all sizes, shapes and realities … However, finances, future opportunities for their kids and social media are common major causes of stress."
Here's what these three concerns mean for mums:
1. They're budget-conscious and clever with the family finances
A resounding 88 per cent of mums are looking for ways to save money on everything they buy and on top of that, 86 per cent of Millennials are looking for little ways to make extra money.
2. They're thinking ahead
Mums want to know how to prepare for the future and 60 per cent of Millennial mums are aware that their children may not have the same opportunities they had.
B&T magazine says, 'Whether it is preparing for the financial challenges of tomorrow, environmental challenges such as food and water wastage and how to recycle, or employment challenges for future job opportunities, mums are looking for guidance to future proof their kids in a positive yet responsible way.'
3. They're strongly influenced by social media
The study also confirmed that Millennial mums are constantly connected with social media and find themselves rejecting the idea of 'perfect parenting' while navigating the pressure to look perfect.
Sixty-four per cent of Millennial mums admitted they feel pressure to be the 'perfect' mum, 58 per cent are easily affected by judgment or external criticism, and 50 per cent agree that it's important that people see them looking and feeling their best.
So, there you have it. When it comes to parenting, flexibility is king – or should we say, snow queen? (Just to stick with the Frozen theme).
