he parent-child bond is special. It not only determines the child’s personality, but also has a deep impact on what their strengths and weaknesses might be. We have seen a dramatic evolution in parenting styles over the past century. This evolution reflects the shifting social, economic and cultural landscapes of their respective eras. Each generation of parents has navigated the challenge of raising children amidst changing societal norms, technological advances and family structures. From the strict, authoritarian approaches of the early 20th Century to the more permissive and child-centred styles of the recent decades, parenting has been shaped by times. Understanding these shifts offers insight into how social conditions have influenced parenting behaviours and outcomes.

In the early 1900s, parenting was heavily influenced by authoritarian principles that emphasised discipline, obedience and moral instruction. This style was aligned with Victorian ideals and industrial society’s need for order and productivity. Children were expected to follow rules without question. Physical punishment was often accepted as a disciplinary method.

This approach reflected the broader societal context. The early 20th Century was marked by rigid class systems, gender roles and limited access to child development knowledge. Fathers often worked outside the home while mothers maintained domestic responsibilities, with minimal emotional engagement. This era’s parenting was more about producing obedient, hardworking citizens than nurturing individuality.

After the World War II, a return to normalcy shaped family life. Traditional gender roles were reinforced: men became breadwinners and women stayed home to raise children. The dominant parenting style remained authoritarian but began incorporating more emotional warmth and structure, known as “authoritative parenting.”

The publication of Dr Benjamin Spock’s The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care in 1946 marked a major cultural shift. Spock advised parents to be more affectionate and trusting of their instincts, helping to soften the rigid approaches of previous decades. Yet, conformity was still emphasised due to the Cold War climate and the desire for social cohesion.

The cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s brought significant changes to family dynamics. Movements for civil rights, women’s liberation and anti-war activism promoted ideals of equality, freedom and self-expression. These values permeated parenting philosophies, leading to a rise in permissive parenting.

Permissive parents were warm and communicative but set few boundaries. Influenced by psychologists like Carl Rogers and Jean Piaget, this approach encouraged creativity and emotional development over strict discipline. With more women entering the workforce and dual-income families becoming the norm, parenting adapted to accommodate changing lifestyles and priorities.

This era also saw a growing interest in child psychology and development. The shift from parent-centred to child-centred households emphasised nurturing self-esteem and individual potential—a sharp contrast to earlier generations.

By the 1990s, a new trend emerged: intensive parenting. Also known as “helicopter parenting,” this style is characterised by high involvement in every aspect of a child’s life, from academics to extracurriculars. Parents aimed to optimise their children’s success, often micromanaging their schedules and shielding them from failure.

This phenomenon was driven by increasing competition for college admissions, globalisation and the spread of neoliberal ideology that emphasised personal achievement and market-based success. Media reports of child abductions, school violence and other threats amplified parental anxiety and fuelled the need for control.

Additionally, the explosion of parenting literature, expert advice and online forums created an environment where parents felt intense pressure to make the “right” decisions. As a result, parenting became both more informed and more stressful.

In recent years, a more balanced and emotionally aware parenting approach has gained prominence. Known as gentle or mindful parenting, this style emphasises empathy, emotional regulation and positive discipline. Parents strive to understand the root causes of behaviour rather than punish it, fostering secure attachments and mutual respect.

Digital technology has further influenced parenting. Social media provides access to advice and community support, but also fosters unrealistic expectations and “comparison culture.” Millennials and Gen Z parents are more likely to advocate for inclusivity, mental health awareness and technology literacy in their parenting practices.

The Covid-19 pandemic also significantly shaped recent parenting norms. With families confined at home, parents juggled remote work, online schooling and caregiving, leading many to reassess priorities and adopt more emotionally present and flexible parenting styles.

As family structures diversify and social expectations evolve, parenting will continue to adapt—balancing tradition with innovation, authority with empathy and freedom with responsibility.

The writer is a published anthropologist, with extensive experience in the development sector. She has taught at the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and the National University of Medical Sciences