https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:27:56 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33920 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:19:10 +0000 Mrs.KMM 33920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the PPs who have said that our parents' generation was less paranoid and over-worrying about everything. Honestly, I hope to parent more like our parents' generation than most people in today's generation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33798 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:11:33 +0000 Boogs 33798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: Ah very interesting. What's funny is I am not Asian and never used to turn red, but now I sometimes do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33746 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:56:51 +0000 Andrea 33746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our parents needed to wing it more because the information wasn't available to them. Now we google everything and that can turn us into crazy people.</p> <p>The whole breastfeeding thing mystified my mom. </p> <p>I also don't think my mom understands why we do so many activities with my LO at such a young age. I think our parents' generation was much better at not feeling the need to entertain their kids all the time. But truthfully, I think I am the one who needs to be entertained, too, hence all the activities. </p> <p>I think someone needs to come up with a class for our generation "How not to over-parent". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33733 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:46:24 +0000 mrbee 33733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: Sorry, I shouldn't have used the term allergic! It sounds like it's caused by a missing enzyme:</p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_flush_reaction" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_flush_reaction</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33730 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:44:30 +0000 Boogs 33730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: The glow means you're allergic to alcohol?! So is that why a non-Asian would turn red, too? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33119 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:41:13 +0000 plantains 33119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe: I titally agree, and I really hope to be less paranoid too. I keep replaying scenes from that documentary 'Babies' in my head and reminding myself that the least fussed over babies seemed the happiest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33115 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:40:13 +0000 mekarual 33115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My Mom shook her head and sighed when I showed her the list of things pregnant women aren't supposed to eat or do. Things have definitely changed, and I don't think that it's all for the better..... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33113 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:35:16 +0000 heffalump 33113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They also did formula different. My mom breastfed, but my MIL was amazed that we don't have to sterolize the nipples for the bottles. And I've had people tell me that I'm supposed to use nursery water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33107 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:25:45 +0000 mediagirl 33107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My Mom finds it amazing what is on the 'do not eat' list. She also is amazed that some women would choose cloth diapering over disposable since she didn't have a choice with us until I was a little older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33073 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:54:17 +0000 yoursilverlining 33073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only ones I’ve noticed so far are all the food restrictions and one funny one generational statement from my grandma. I work fulltime (always have), as does my husband.</p> <p>My mom told my grandmother that I was pregnant, and my grandma said to my mom, “well, do you think R (my husband) will ALLOW her to return to work after she had the baby?” Allow?! My mom said she burst out laughing and was like “allow her to do anything….really?”. My grandma is 90 and has a lot of nostalgia for the made-for-TV version of the 1950’s. I loves myself a cocktail hour too, but only after a workday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-33007 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:53:35 +0000 Rubies 33007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rosie Girl: Oh, good one - sleeping on stomach. My parents keep telling me to put LO on her stomach so that she doesn't get a flat head. Sheesh. I keep talking about SIDS and my parents are like, "ALL babies slept on their stomachs back in the day." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32995 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:42:40 +0000 Rosie Girl 32995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are tons! I think our parents' generation wasn't so worried about everything, and they didn't get put in jail for spanking their children. But here are some I can think of:</p> <p>Cloth diapers - and how they were done<br /> Sleeping on stomach vs back<br /> Foods and things to avoid while pregnant<br /> All the supplies/toys we have now: swings, bouncy seats, cars seats that lock into strollers, 10 different strollers, etc.<br /> Spankings<br /> Walking to school alone all year<br /> Drinking from hoses outside<br /> I could keep going :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32989 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:37:34 +0000 HabesBabe 32989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think our generation is way more paranoid than our parents' generation. We worry more about the health, well-being, happiness, psychological development, etc. of our kids than our parents did... and I think it's a waste. I hope to be less paranoid than my friends as a parent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32971 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:27:07 +0000 Rubies 32971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) I use disposable diapers and my mother was shocked when I said I wasn't going to use cloth diapers.<br /> 2) My MIL is against crying-it-out (but my parents are all for it)<br /> 3) MIL is against sleep-training<br /> 4) Mother didn't know what I was talking about when I was describing mastitis </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32965 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:22:32 +0000 Maysprout 32965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This thread is making me feel a bit old school.</p> <p>Baby sleeps in our room, neither of our parents did this. I don't mind waking her from naps or at least picking her up if it's time to go somewhere, my mom looked like she was going to have a heart attack the first time I did that. For some reason both mothers want me to put on crib bumpers, they think it's very necessary. MIL truly believes that crying helps develop the lungs and if baby doesn't cry enough she won't be a good athlete. And I do have a beer or wine irrespective of when I'm going to breastfeed but breastfeeding seems pretty typical in both of our families as does drinking a glass. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32944 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:15:51 +0000 prettylizy 32944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: Wow, that's crazy! I'll def have to double check on the metabolising times w/ my lactation consultant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32939 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:13:43 +0000 mrbee 32939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@prettylizy: Not sure exactly how it works, but a cautionary tale: my friend was allergic to alcohol (he gets the Asian glow)... and one day his wife had a beer before nursing, and while the baby was nursing he turned bright red! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32927 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:06:42 +0000 chopsuey 32927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: @prettylizy: The brewer's yeast in beer helps with increasing supply! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32925 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:06:08 +0000 chopsuey 32925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@prettylizy: Hahaha. my dad used to sprinkle water on our faces to wake us up. I definitely think parents were a lot tougher/braver/fiercer back then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32924 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:05:48 +0000 sorrycharlie 32924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmm I'd have to think about this. I know that from hearing stories, my ILs and parents have some decent ideas! They always said/say not to coddle..i.e., don't worry about complete silence or your baby won't sleep anywhere, don't worry about heating every bottle or they won't take a bottle in a pinch, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32920 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:04:21 +0000 prettylizy 32920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: I've actually read that beer can help with milk production, you just have to time it properly (like with any drinking). I have a friend who was nursing her daughter while drinking a glass of wine, and had to explain to her famile "it's not a direct line from my mouth to hers!" lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32915 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:01:38 +0000 heffalump 32915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: My LO is napping right now in a lit room. And she's in a cloth diaper. I probably learned these things from my mom though, I know I decided to do cloth diapers because of her.</p> <p>@Prettylizy: My mom said her OB told her to drink beer while breastfeeding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32910 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:58:10 +0000 prettylizy 32910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've noticed a lot more fear in parents now from when I was young. There are so many "you can't do that's" now that didn't exist 20-30 years ago, and it makes my mothers head shake. Was it good that MIL's OB said "don't quit smoking, just cut back, it's less stress for the baby than quitting", obviously not and he's had asthma for life. But stuff like putting the baby to sleep on it's back vs. it's stomach, and sleep positioners. Or how about drop sided cribs?</p> <p>My mom used to put a wet washcloth on my face or flick me in the feet to keep me awake if I would fall asleep while eating as a baby, now people call that abuse. I'm alive and well, and I have a good relationship with my parents, so it couldn't have been that bad! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32908 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:57:34 +0000 chopsuey 32908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents co-slept with all of us on the floor! Can you imagine 5 people sleeping in the same room? 2 parents, a 6 yr old, 3 yr old, newborn..?</p> <p>No white noise when we slept. We napped in well lighted rooms (my LO sleeps and naps in a dimly lighted room). Cloth diapers. Fed us whatever as soon as we started getting teeth. Elimination communication/potty training at 1 yrs old.<br /> etc etc etc! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32907 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:57:04 +0000 heffalump 32907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think they weren't as familiar with medical issues like reflux. When I told my MIL that I was taking my LO to the doctor because something is wrong with her and I feel like it might be reflux (she had crazy screaming fits where nothing would soothe her, especially if I put her on her back, and she spit up a lot) she insisted that she's just a fussy baby and it's just her personality combined with some gas. She was over for 5 hours that day and she literally told me every single time my LO tooted or burped. I know she has gas, but that wouldn't produce screaming fits like these! So I took her to the doctor and right away she said reflux, gave us meds, and things were better right away. No more screaming fits!</p> <p>I really think they didn't know what reflux was back then or it was harder to diagnose, so people just dealt with their "fussy" babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spinoff-what-are-some-inter-generational-differences-in-parenting-that-youve-noticed#post-32902 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:52:24 +0000 mrbee 32902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One thing I've noticed is that our parents' generation did things very differently! For example, my parents would think nothing of waking up a baby from a nap... whereas I would rather not eat for a week rather than disturb a sleeping baby.</p> <p>In general, I think the modern generation has developed a lot more rules for parenting. Whereas sometimes I get the sense that our parents winged it a bit more.</p> <p>How about for your family. What are some inter-generational differences in parenting that you've noticed? </p>