My Kids vs. When I Was a Kid
I honestly don’t remember ever backchatting my parents. I wasn’t hit, and I definitely wasn’t scared of them. I loved my childhood and feel nothing but fondness for my parents.
But my kids? Oh, they have zero problem talking back or being outright rude – especially our eldest. She has to have the last word. Most people would probably say I have lovely, well-mannered children, and maybe in public that’s true – but at home? The backchat can be unbelievable at times.
It’s Not Just Mine
And it’s not just my kids. After speaking to hundreds (if not thousands) of parents over the past five years on social media, this seems to be pretty universal. Sure, some people swear their kids shit rainbows – but most of us are dealing with sass, eye rolls, and constant negotiation.
Kids today don’t seem to have the same level of respect for parents that we did. When my mum or dad told me off, I cared. My kids? I’m not convinced they give much of a shit. Actually – I know they don’t.
So What Changed in a Generation? I sent out a reel on Instagram and here are some of your comments…
So... Is It a Bad Thing? Or a Better One?
There’s a cascade of reasons, and the truth is probably a mix of them all. One thing someone said stuck with me:
If your kid is loud and cheeky at home but respectful in the outside world, that’s actually a good sign.
I’ll remember that next time my daughter flips me the bird for asking to watch my own TV.
And maybe it’s not all bad. Maybe kids today are louder, bolder, more outspoken – but also more emotionally aware. Maybe what we call backchat is actually confidence. Or resilience. Or just a strong voice in its early stages.
That doesn’t mean it’s not exhausting – or that I wouldn’t love to finish a sentence without being interrupted and cross-examined.
Maybe the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle: a bit of backbone, a bit of empathy, and a lot of deep breathing.
Final Thoughts (and a Question for You)
So yeah – kids today might be naughtier, cheekier, and a lot less obedient.
But maybe that’s not all bad. Maybe it’s time we asked:
Would we rather raise kids who stay silent out of fear – or speak up because they feel safe?
Let me know what you think.
Do you see the same shift in your own home? What’s worked for you?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or message me — I read every one.