ARE YOU afraid your grandchildren will grow up to be unhappy adults? If so, you're not alone.
New research shows that four in five seniors fear just this.
The Raising Modern Australia report also shows that two-thirds of grandparents feel their grandchildren will be much less resilient in the future as a result of parenting styles (64.3%), and that parenting styles have changed significantly since they were children (93.8%).
As a result of this, seven in 10 grandparents worry their grandchildren will not get to enjoy life as they have. Other key findings reveal:
- Close to three in five grandparents believe parenting styles have become somewhat or considerably worse since they were children (58.3%).
- More than four in five think parents are spoiling their children more these days (85.8%).
- About three-quarters agree that parents today are much less strict compared to when they were children themselves (75.9%).
- Four in five believe their grandchildren will be negatively impacted in the future by the praise and reward inspired culture that exists today (80.5%).
- Three-quarters feel children will have a much bigger sense of entitlement in the future as a result of parenting styles (77.4%).
- Close to four in five are surprised by the way children are brought up (76.2%) and agree that changes to parenting styles are eroding important values in society (78%).
- Three quarters (77.2%) not enough parents take the time to simply enjoy being a parent.
- More than seven in 10 agree they have made a lot of sacrifices to care for their grandchildren on a weekly basis, such as having to be on call when needed (73%), or altering plans with friends to care for grandchildren (34.6%).
- Almost all those who care for their grandchildren agree it has positive outcomes for their health (92.5%).
- Sacrifices grandparents make for their grandchildren include shifting holiday and travel arrangements, changing work arrangements, and contributing financially to their family for birthday and Christmas presents.
The report was commissioned by Australian Seniors Insurance Agency - https://www.seniors.com.au/news-insights/raising-modern-australia