According to the latest research conducted by online parenting community Channelmum.com, we can expect to see an overwhelming move towards progressive parenting over the coming year, as families look to focus on everything from reducing their carbon footprint to encouraging child activism.
New research conducted by the parenting site saw it asking around 2,000 UK parents how they believe family life is expected to shift in the future. Environmental issues were top of the list for many and are expected to have a huge influence on family dynamics in the next decade.
Plastic-free living, recycling, reducing their carbon footprint and taking action against climate change will all have a significant impact on the way the next generation is brought up, claims the study.
Plastic-free options are of particular importance to the preschool industry, with the research stating that: “Wooden toys are no longer enough. The top eco trend is to remove all family plastic, from nappies to bathing products to clothing and buggies.”
It continued: “It can be expensive and difficult to do but with 93% of families trying to use less plastic, brands are beginning to respond with the right products.”
Other progressive trends include downsizing families (following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to only have two children for environmental reasons), playing games instead of watching television, the introduction of co-working nurseries and a back-to-basics pregnancy which involves no scans, no painkillers and minimal medical appointments as mothers look to get back to nature.
