The Problem With Modern Parenting

Parenting in today’s world often looks very different from the past. Many parents think they’re setting their children up for success, but in reality, some modern parenting habits may be leaving kids unprepared for the challenges of adulthood. From over-scheduling to over-protecting, parents may be unintentionally stunting their children’s growth.

It’s common today to see parents doing almost everything for their kids. Instead of encouraging independence, many parents swoop in at the first sign of struggle. Children aren’t expected to problem-solve on their own, and as a result, they miss out on the confidence and resilience that come from overcoming obstacles. 

When I was growing up, I spent afternoons playing with neighbors, navigating social conflicts naturally. Now, most interactions happen in structured, adult-supervised environments—whether it’s sporting activities, music lessons, or whatever after-school program comes to mind. While these activities can be cool, they shouldn't replace the unstructured play that teaches kids how to negotiate, compromise, and build real friendships. "Arranged" friendships shouldn't be the only form of building camaraderie.

And what's even more tripped out is that many kids today have busier schedules than their parents. Between soccer, gymnastics, and band practice, children are shuffled from one activity to another. Instead of mastering one skill or learning the value of focus, they dabble in everything. For parents, this becomes a way to maintain control while still being able to say, “My kid is active.”

Chores, early mornings, and uncomfortable tasks are often avoided in modern households. Yet, these small challenges build discipline and responsibility. When children never face discomfort at home, they’re unprepared for the uncomfortable realities of adult life. Whether it’s waking up for a job, handling awkward social situations, or bouncing back from rejection.

Parents can’t sit in on job interviews (although many have) or make sure their kids get to work on time forever. When children grow up sheltered and dependent, they enter adulthood without the skills needed to navigate it. This often leads to entitlement, lack of accountability, and even parents stepping in well into their child’s adulthood.

And to top it off, a lot of parents are raising kids solo. So that makes it twice as hard to prepare your child for adulthood. 

Many parents embrace the mindset: “I’ll give my child everything I never had.” But maybe the better mindset is: “I’ll teach my child everything I was never taught.” Kids need discipline, independence, and real-world preparation—not just opportunities and material comforts.

Parenting with love and protection is important but so is preparing kids for life outside the home. The goal isn’t to raise a child who is merely “active” but to raise an adult who is capable, confident, and independent. 

Because, God forbid, if you die, then how would your child survive without you? A lioness doesn't feed her cub until its full-grown. It only does it until the cub is old enough to go hunting with her to learn. Birds don't feed their babies until they are full-grown. Some will even push their kids out of the safety of the nest to teach them to fly.

If the animals in the wild have it figured out, then why is it so hard for humans to grasp the concept of "preparation" over "pampering"? Stop trying to be a friend and be a parent. It's the job you signed up for.