In the age of parenting trends and social media challenges, a trendy term called “FFO Parenting” is making the rounds. For those unacquainted with the trend cycle, FFO equates to the age-old tradition of discipline: tough consequences for kids who act out. In a world where every whim of a child seems catered to, some parents are rejuvenating the classic art of discipline with a modern twist. In one vivid example, a mother, tired of her child’s whining, took matters into her own hands by smashing the child’s iPad. Now, while folks may call it extreme, there’s something to be said about showing kids who’s boss.
Parents today might garner skepticism for such tactics, and in this era of “helicopter parenting” and participation trophies, why wouldn’t they? However, one can’t help but think of the benefits of allowing kids to experience challenges. After all, a little roughness never hurt anyone. Children learning that life has its bumps and bruises – be it the literal skinned knee or the metaphorical sting of losing their prized electronic gadget – is crucial. Besides, as some might jest, who wouldn’t want to relieve a bit of stress by going King Kong on a misbehaving child’s toy now and then?
Interestingly, this FFO parenting echoes parenting styles of decades past, where parents raised tougher, more self-reliant children. These were kids accustomed to outdoor play, scraped knees, and household chores. Thankfully, some parents today still harbor these values, eyeing gravity—a metaphor for life’s inherent starkness—as a necessity in child-rearing. In contrast, there’s the contemporary “zero gravity” approach, enveloping our young in bubble wrap, shielding them from life’s hard knocks.
What’s baffling is how trends like these spawn from platforms like TikTok. The creativity of ticking clocks and fifteen-second dances now includes parenting advice? Unable to resist their phones, parents are more likely to contribute to the trend rather than revert to time-tested values. There’s irony in how a trend emphasizing disconnecting kids from technology requires parents to be glued to theirs. If only they put down the devices, perhaps they’d witness firsthand the many…ahem…learning opportunities that arise in everyday moments.
In a twist of humor and critique, perhaps it’s not just about parenting styles but about embracing a bit of common sense. Fancy ideas and parenting trends aside, sometimes the best solutions come from the heart, guided by life’s simple truths and a dash of timeless wisdom. Regardless of whether kids need a bit more discipline or parents need fewer screens, the stabilizing force of common sense parenting should not be underestimated. For those following the latest TikTok trends, perhaps the simplest move is to step back, grab a cup of coffee, and parent like they did in the good old days—minus the smashed iPads, of course.
