Survey Reveals Gen Z Parents Turn to AI for Modern Parenting Tips, Ditching 'Old School' Methods

PARENTS have revealed the top 20 things their own parents did that they would never do with their children today.

A poll of 2,000 parents of children under 18 found modern parenting habits have somewhat differed to previous generations.

The most unpopular behaviour was smoking around babiesCredit: SWNS One of the top pieces of advice received was ‘trust your instincts’Credit: Getty

The most unpopular behaviour now is around babies, which 45 per cent said their mums and dads did when they were younger, but they won’t do themselves.

One in five said their parents left them in a buggy outside a shop, something they would never consider with their own little ones.

Rubbing whiskey on gums to soothe teething (39 per cent), letting young children babysit (32 per cent) and feeding infants (29 per cent) were all high on the list of modern no-nos for parents whose own folks did just that.

Some (14 per cent) would never find themselves solving nappy rash by ‘airing it out’ – nor let baby nap anywhere (13 per cent) despite their own folks doing these things with them.

Ana Halla, brand manager from Colief which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new Nappy Care Spray, said: “Parents definitely had more of a relaxed approach back in the day, but previous generations were just doing their best.

“We know that the parenting journey can be stressful, but with simple solutions and advice, you can make easy and safe habits to help little ones.”

Parents, surveyed via OnePoll.com, said the top three parenting products most likely to baffle older generations were white noise machines, bottle making machines and self-rocking cots.

Baby pram rockers, mini dressing gowns and bottle coolers also made the list of new products that parents use, which would make grandparents cry, “we didn’t have that in our day”.

It also emerged 45 per cent believed the stereotype of mothers-in-law being overbearing when it comes to raising their grandchildren was still true today.

More than half (53 per cent) of Gen Z parents often receive unsolicited compared to 38 per cent of older Millennial parents aged 30-45.

Of the advice given in a baby’s first 12 months, Gen Z parents said just 35 per cent was helpful – compared to Gen X parents, aged 45 to 61, who only found a quarter useful.

Among the advice received in the first 12 months, the top three most helpful pieces were “trust your instincts”, “ when you can” and “accept help when offered”.

But Gen Z (40 per cent) and Millennial parents (28 per cent) were more likely to feel criticised when they chose not to follow advice.

Overall, the top three sources of advice for mothers and fathers were healthcare professionals, family members and friends with children.

Gen Z were the parental generation most likely to consult AI for hints and tips (62 per cent) versus just 15 per cent of Gen X.

The youngest generation also tended to take up advice from their own parents (40 per cent) compared with just 28 per cent of Gen X mums and dads – but 30 per cent of Gen Z parents often felt judged by them for their parenting style.

Ana Halla for Colief Nappy Care Spray, which is designed to clean, protect and help prevent nappy rash from day one, added: “Despite being confident to go their own way and sometimes feeling criticised, younger parents are also listening to their own mums and dads and picking up habits to make life with their children less stressful.

“It’s clear to see most parents are trying to make big changes in how we raise the younger generations and using new products and technologies to move away from these old school parenting techniques.”