Just when you think you're parenting like a boss, the goalposts of perfection are moved and you're back in the competition for a mummy merit badge with everyone else.
And what better time of year than January for a good look at what influencers and early-adopters are choosing for their little ones this year?
Tech parenting site TantrumXYZ has compiled a list of eight key parenting trends for 2017. Prepare for a more health-conscious, tech-savvy, and gender-neutral 12 months.
1. Mannys
There will be a marginal increase in the number of men in childcare, from ‘mannies’, nursery assistants and those training as childminders so they can look after other children alongside their own.
2. Extended childminders
The system of childminders clubbing together to look after more children is becoming a popular choice with parents, who see it as a way of giving their children the social experience of a nursery in a home setting, and with fees going directly to staff rather than chain nursery overheads.
3. Healthier chocolate
Increasingly health-conscious parents are moving away from big chocolate brands, and giving their children chocolates containing alternatives to processed sugar and dairy instead.
4. Explosion in Parenttech
Tech is transforming the way we parent, with an explosion of new apps, websites and gadgets created by parents for other parents.
5. Famous kid bloggers, vloggers and reporters
It’s not just mums and dads who are able to monetise their lifestyle through blogs, Instagram and video. 2017 will see kids themselves grow their audiences and public appeal; either through YouTube diaries, reporting or blogging.
6. Gender-neutral clothing and toys
Movements such as ‘Let Toys be Toys’ will have a tangible effect on what parents buy for their children. It’s not that they won’t be buying princess tutus or trucks, it’s just that they won’t be bought just for girls and boys respectively.
7. Dads being featured in advertising
With fathers becoming increasingly important to marketeers in the kids’ gear arena, we will see a shift in advertising copy and images, so ‘parents’ are being spoken to and featured, rather than just ‘mums’.
8. Low-alcohol, high-quality
Parents still want to have a drink but, with alcohol consumption falling anyway and the fact that having a hangover while looking after children is not a pleasant experience, there will be a demand for high-quality, low-alcohol drinks, ideally with added health benefits.
What new parenting trends will you be trying this year? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
