New year, new trends! As we enter a new decade, here are some parenting trends and movements you might see in 2020.
Mental Health Transparency
Today’s kids are more stressed than ever. Data gathered in 2018 by the National Survey of Mental Health indicated that rates of anxiety and depression had increased in kids ages 6 to 17, from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2011-2012. Unfortunately, this trend is also consistent across adults, with the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Stress in America survey showing that over three quarters of adults experienced symptoms of stress.
However, with more and more parents and children feeling stressed these days, we’re also seeing less stigma about anxiety and more transparency on the topic of mental health. It’s important that parents and youth alike gain a better understanding that self-care isn’t selfish. We are better parents when we take care of our own physical and mental health. We need to model good self-care for our kids.
Inclusivity
Parents are working to foster empathy and compassion in their children. . As the world continues to break down stereotypes, we can expect to see a greater shift towards diversity and inclusivity. Toy makers, for example, have made strides in creating toys that showcase greater diversity. In 2019, Mattel introduced two new Barbie dolls with disabilities as well as a line of gender-neutral dolls. How can we, as Parent Up parents, role model more kindness, listen better and have compassion for ideas that are different than our own?
Going Green
In 2019, the world was introduced to Greta Thunberg, a 17 year-old activist whose efforts to fight climate change gained international recognition. Her activism has inspired youth and adults around the globe to take action to protect the environment. We can expect to see more families rally behind this cause in the upcoming year. Even the small changes will make a difference. What can your family do to become more eco-friendly? Here are some ideas!
Vaping Crackdown
Vaping continues to make news headlines as the dangerous trend continues to rise among youth. A report by the Center for Disease Control showed that the number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes reached a whopping 5.3 million in 2019. On the positive side, policies have begun to emerge to curb the use by youth.
In December 2019, the federal government passed Tobacco 21, prohibiting the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under the age of 21. Increasing the minimum age of purchase is an evidenced-based strategy to reduce youth tobacco use. Visit our Vaping page to learn more about vaping and vaping-related illnesses.
Parent Up strives to equip parents with information and tools to foster healthy relationships with their children and keep them safe from all substance use. Check out our Tools page and blog for more information and resources.
