Why Modern Parents Are Making Their Kids' Emotional Well-Being The Top Priority

Experts say moms and dads are experiencing a ‘generational reset’ as mental health takes center stage’

NEW YORK — Most parents these days are tossing their parents’ old rulebooks in the trash. That’s what new research tells us, with six out of ten moms and dads saying they’re not following the same playbook their own parents used when they were kids.

A Talker Research survey of 2,000 parents with children under age six reveals a major shift in what matters most to parents today. While grandparents zeroed in on grades and sports, today’s parents are just as concerned—if not more—with how their kids are feeling on the inside.

What Changed?

The numbers tell the story. About 41% of parents reported that when they were kids, their own parents barely touched on mental and emotional health. Fast forward to today, and two-thirds of parents say it’s a top concern.

This doesn’t mean the basics have been abandoned. Good communication leads the pack of parental priorities at 74%, with education close behind at 69% and staying active at 65%. The difference is in the balance—emotional wellbeing now ranks right up there with knowing multiplication tables.

“We’re witnessing a generational reset in parenting. Today’s parents are prioritizing emotional well-being, communication, and confidence just as much as academics or physical activity. They’re not just raising children—they’re intentionally nurturing whole people,” says Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy, which commissioned the survey. “This research reinforces that early childhood education providers play a vital role in that journey, helping to create safe, values-aligned environments where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.”

Key Skills For Early Childhood

What do parents hope their little ones will learn before they start school? Listening skills topped the list (64%), with communication skills not far behind (58%). Building confidence came in at 57%, while learning to handle big feelings ranked at 46%.

Parents of kindergarteners reported some interesting findings, too. They found that listening skills and learning to share came most naturally to their kids (both at 43%). Being independent (42%) and speaking clearly (41%) were also skills that kids picked up without much struggle.

These social skills might be blooming thanks to new parenting styles. When asked about their approach, many parents mentioned positive parenting and respectful parenting (both at 49%).

Community matters more than ever, according to the survey. Among parents who sent their kids to daycare, a whopping 91% said their child’s provider played a key role in their development. And 85% of parents stressed the importance of surrounding their family with people who share their values.

Why does community matter so much? Parents worry most about their kids’ safety (49%), followed by concerns about bullying (38%), making friends (34%), and mental health (28%).

There’s No Such Thing As Perfect Parenting

Despite their best efforts, parents admit they’re still figuring things out. The typical parent feels they mess up about five times a week. When asked what they need to work on, parents listed:

• Taking care of themselves (48%)
• Living healthier (43%)
• Looking after their own mental health (42%)
• Managing their emotions (41%)
• Being present with their kids (40%)

Even with these challenges, parents feel they’re doing better than previous generations. Nearly eight times as many parents believe their methods work better than their parents’ approaches (47% versus just 6%). This confidence holds steady even though 42% catch themselves parenting just like their own parents “always” or “often.”

The journey has changed them. Most parents (89%) feel they’ve become better people since having kids. And the learning continues—59% expect to discover even more about themselves as their children start elementary school.

As Schweikert puts it: “Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Today’s parents are more self-aware than ever. They’re actively working on their well-being, their emotional health and how they show up for their children. While they acknowledge their own growth areas, they’re also intentionally evolving from the way they were raised. What’s clear is that becoming a parent inspires real personal transformation—and as children enter their early school years, parents are eager to continue learning and growing alongside them.”

Looking Ahead

The research shows parents today taking a progressive approach—one that balances old-school priorities like education with newer concerns like emotional health.

These shifts may shape not just how kids grow up, but how they approach the world as adults. With mental health now getting equal billing alongside traditional academic concerns, we could be raising a generation that’s both smart and emotionally savvy.

Only time will tell if this new approach leads to healthier, happier kids. But one thing’s clear—today’s parents are determined to do things differently, even if they occasionally slip into patterns they learned from their own folks.