Landmark study finds the majority of Irish parents are 'Snowplough Parents'

As parents, we are so many things to our children: carers, confidantes, protectors – the list goes on. But have you ever wondered what category of parent you fall into? Well, the results of a new study may give you an insight.

 

A landmark study commissioned by WaterWipes, the world’s purest baby wipe, has revealed for the first time what type of parents we are, and what that means for us and our little ones.

 

Using expert-recognised, modern parenting styles, researchers looked at Irish parents with babies under 24 months old for their study.

 

We’re sure that many of you will be able to identify with one of the major findings of the study, that the majority (33%) of Irish parents describe themselves as 'Snowplough Parents' – those who clear all obstacles from their child’s path.

 

Meanwhile, just over a quarter (26%) of parents identified as 'Hothouse Parents', otherwise known as those who are always pushing their child to succeed in all areas of their lives.

 

If you find that you’re unable to identify with the above styles, then perhaps you are with the 15% of parents who describe themselves as ‘Hyper Parents’ – those who fill their baby’s spare time with activities such as baby yoga and sign language classes.

 

 

The study also considered ‘Helicopter Parents’ – those found always hovering over their baby, accounting for 21% in the study; and ‘Tiger Parents’ (5%) who prioritise their baby’s future academic success over their happiness.

 

When the findings of this fascinating survey were presented to leading UK Parent Consultant Kate Barlow, she admitted that she was not too shocked by some of the major findings.

 

 

“I’m not surprised to see Snowplough Parents are in the majority. I think deep down we can all understand where a Snowplough Parent is coming from – when you look at a tiny, defenceless baby of course you want to make their path through life as smooth as possible, which naturally leads to you wanting to remove obstacles from their way,” she said.

 

She added that parents should take a step back when they find themselves comparing their parenting style to that of another parent.

 

“The most important thing to remember is that there are no right and wrong answers. When you strip it back, all parents want the same thing – a happy, healthy baby,” she added.