Gen Zs follow a new type of parenting

A recent survey of 2,000 young parents found that 41% of Gen Z parents focus on ‘cycle-breaking parenting,’ aiming to heal generational trauma and avoid repeating harmful patterns from their own childhood.

The new parenting style emerges as most Gen Zs (around 54%) said they aim to prepare their kids for the real world.

Meanwhile, gentle parenting—popular among millennial parents—is still widely practiced, with 32% of respondents saying they use it regularly. The method focused on using empathy and boundaries instead of punishment.

The survey conducted by Talker Research for Kiddie Academy shows that, overall, most parents (85%) agree there’s no single best parenting style, and 84% say their approach evolves as their child grows.

Another parenting style gaining attention is FAFO (F*** Around and Find Out) parenting, which teaches kids responsibility by letting them experience the consequences of their actions.

Experts say FAFO blends the well-known authoritative parenting style without hurting the kid or anyone else. Psychologists say it helps build confidence and resilience compared to overly permissive approaches.