The teenage birth rate in the US fell by 7% in 2025, reflecting a significant decline in fertility rates among those aged 15 to 19, which has decreased by 70% over the last two decades.
Dr John Allan stated that Generation Alpha, many of whom are now approaching adulthood, are clear about what they want from their future. However, many do not feel ready for what comes next, particularly regarding the confidence, independence, and practical skills needed to navigate life after education.
Parents who shove tablets or phones in their kids' faces. Kids nowadays need to learn how to entertain themselves and regulate their emotions rather than mindlessly scroll at 2 years old. I personally think parents who do this are taking the lazy way out and are just allowing the tablet to parent for them; there is no discussion or creativity taking place. When I was a kid, I always had books, coloring books, sudoku, crosswords, and word searches with me everywhere I went as entertainment, and I think these options are a better alternative.
Remember those summer days that stretched on forever? No phones buzzing, no parents tracking your every move, just you and your mates figuring things out until the streetlights came on. I grew up in the 80s outside Manchester, and looking back, I realize how different childhood was then. We didn't have helicopter parents or participation trophies; we had scraped knees, hurt feelings, and parents who expected us to sort it out ourselves.
I was never grounded. I never got my phone taken away. My parents really never yelled at me, and I feel like they had a pretty controversial parenting style, but it's also the exact way that I would raise my kids if I were to have them. I was allowed to do whatever I wanted to do. I was allowed to go to parties. I was allowed to drink. I told my mom before I smoked weed for the first time.
Every generation of parents believes they are fixing the mistakes of the last. But in trying to eliminate discomfort, boredom, and failure, some modern parenting trends may be creating new problems instead. What feels like protection can quietly turn into control. What feels like support can slide into avoidance. And what feels like kindness can, over time, undermine resilience.
