Advantages to modern parenting

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably heard your parents or grandparents reminiscing about the good old days—when kids spent their afternoons roaming the neighborhood on bikes, no one thought twice about leaving the front door unlocked, and when Dad came home at the end of the day, he was just that: home. They talk about a time before television took over, when children were seen and not heard, and when the world felt simpler—at least in hindsight.

And now, as you watch your own children grow, it’s easy to find yourself doing the same thing. Longing for the 90s, the 2000s, or whatever era feels like your version of “simpler times,” depending on where you land on the Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z timeline. Parenting must have been easier back then—before the internet ruled our lives, before debates about culture, global terrorism, and the instant-gratification “Amazon mentality.” Add COVID and its lingering impact on mental health, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Truthfully, you’re not wrong. Parenting today comes with real challenges: screen-time battles, rising anxiety, exposure to inappropriate content, and a level of defiance that can feel exhausting. It’s enough to make anyone wish for a quick ride in Doc Brown’s time machine.

But here’s the other side of the story.

Parenting in 2025 also comes with some remarkable advantages.

1. Emotional Awareness

If there’s one thing the 2020s have done well, it’s bringing mental and emotional health into the open. Many parents today have been to therapy themselves—or at least know people who have—which means we’re entering parenthood with tools our parents didn’t have.

We’re more equipped to communicate, listen, and break unhealthy cycles. Children are growing up in homes where emotions are named rather than dismissed, and where challenges like anxiety or ADHD carry far less stigma. There are clearer conversations around boundaries, safety, and emotional expression.

Yes, children today may challenge authority more openly. The Talmud even predicts this kind of chutzpah as a sign of the messianic era. But perhaps this challenges us to earn respect rather than demand it—to model accountability instead of preaching it.

Even the much-criticized “me culture” has a silver lining. It has taught both parents and children the importance of self-awareness, self-respect, and growth. Healthy modeling matters, and today’s parents are often doing that work consciously.

2. Learning and Growth

Education today is rich with opportunity. Children have access to learning tools and resources that previous generations could only imagine—from interactive platforms to specialized programs that nurture individual strengths.

There is greater awareness around seeking help when needed, whether through tutoring, therapy, or community support. Education has become more holistic, increasingly addressing emotional, physical, and even spiritual well-being. Mindfulness, gratitude, movement, and emotional literacy are finding their way into schools and homes.

Children today are also remarkably innovative. With unprecedented access to information, many are already creating, leading, and building. Entrepreneurial thinking is developing young, showing what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.

3. Jewish Pride

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in Jewish pride and connection. Ironically, increased antisemitism has strengthened many Jews’ resolve to embrace their identity more openly.

Alongside a general sense of global uncertainty, many families are turning inward—toward faith, community, and shared values. Parents speak about children turning to prayer, teens seeking deeper meaning, and a growing sensitivity toward kindness and responsibility.

There is also renewed pride in Jewish practice and connection to Israel. It’s no longer unusual to see Jews who once felt distant lighting Shabbat candles, putting on tefillin, or wearing tzitzit. Jewish learning and community are more accessible than ever through online classes, virtual gatherings, and global support networks.

This accessibility allows families to strengthen their Jewish identity in meaningful, personal ways—regardless of background or affiliation.

Blending the Best of Past and Present

Parenting in 2025 doesn’t have to mean choosing between old values and new tools. The most powerful approach may be blending both.

Spend time outdoors. Prioritize walks, playgrounds, and screen-free time—especially on Shabbat. Simple games and shared activities create space for real connection.

Use technology creatively rather than fearfully. Share your childhood favorites while showing curiosity about your children’s interests. Let learning and entertainment become something you experience together.

Talk openly about technology and safety, the same way you would teach road safety—honestly, calmly, and with trust.

Model growth and resilience. Children learn far more from how we live than from what we say. Show them kindness, patience, responsibility, and Jewish pride by embodying those values yourself.

Parenting today may be complex—but it also offers a rare opportunity. By integrating timeless wisdom with modern awareness, we can raise children who are grounded, compassionate, resilient, and deeply connected to who they are.