Are parents today too lazy? That is what Jo Frost, also known as TV parenting expert “Supernanny,” claims. In a new video, Frost issues stark warning to parents, stating that many are “disabling” their children with modern parenting.
TV parenting expert Jo Frost is speaking out with a blunt message for modern families, and it’s one she admits may be uncomfortable to hear. In a recent Facebook video, the 55-year-old “Supernanny” star didn’t hold back as she addressed what she believes is a growing issue in parenting today.
“I’m going to say something that might make you uncomfortable, so sit tight,” Frost began the video before delivering her central warning: “We are slowly disabling our children.”
According to Frost, who has been a parenting expert on television on several shows for many years, her work with families has revealed a worrying trend: children who are fully capable of learning essential life skills, but are not being given the chance to do so.
“We’re keeping children in strollers who should be walking, climbing, and building strength,” she explained.
The “Supernanny” also pointed to the continued use of pacifiers, saying that some children as old as four are still relying on them long past their intended short-term use. She referred to them as “dummies,” the British term for pacifiers.
‘Supernanny’ Jo Frost slams ‘lazy’ parents
Frost went on to highlight other essential skills she believes are being delayed or overlooked in childhood development.
“Seven-year-olds who can’t brush their teeth properly without an electric toothbrush. Eight-year-olds who can’t sit at a table and use a knife and fork. Nine-year-olds who don’t understand bathroom hygiene,” she said in her Facebook video.
So, ske asked. Why did parents today stop teaching their children life skils? According to the expert, she doesn’t believe parents aren’t taching their children essential things because they neglect them, but rather becasue of time pressure.
“I understand modern life is busy, but this isn’t about time; it’s about intention,” Jo Frost explained. “Every time we step in and do it for them, or avoid teaching because it’s slower, messier, or inconvenient, we take away an opportunity for them to become capable.”
She stressed that children naturally want independence, but need guidance to get there.
“If we don’t teach it, we can’t be surprised when it’s missing”
Frost encouraged parents to return to basics, from teaching children how to ride a bike step by step, to phasing out pacifiers when they are no longer needed, as well as hygenie and table manner.
“We guide, we repeat, we expect, not perfectly, but consistently,” she said. “Independence isn’t something that just happens. It’s taught. And if we don’t teach it, we can’t be surprised when it’s missing.”
The comment section quickly was filled with both parents as well as teachers who agreeed with the parenting expert. One person stated that sceen-time is one of the reasons to why parents have become lazier.
“Parents are not present with their children. Hate watching families who don’t communicate because they are focused on their phones, iPads, etc,” the user wrote.
Another added, “The biggest disservice we can do our kids is to underestimate them. I’m talking about not only what they can do physically but also behavior-wise,” said one commentator.
One 80-year-old user claimed, “Today’s young parents are just plain LAZIER. They both work, come home, cook, and feel that they are too tired to be bothered.”
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