Rebranding parenthood for Gen Z: Contemporary UAE parents reinventing contemporary motherhood and fatherhood
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a new generation of parents is redefining the art of child-rearing. Gen Z parents, born between 1995 and 2012, are approaching parenthood with a unique blend of intentionality, emotional intelligence, and a break from traditional cycles.
Asma Almenhali, a Gen Z Emirati mother of two daughters, is one such parent. She is being deliberate about her children's digital consumption, closely monitoring their device usage to prevent overstimulation. Almenhali has even taken a course with a Lebanese Dubai-based nutritionist and regularly scours TikTok for healthy recipes.
Nikki Fajardo, a single mother from Singapore, represents another Gen Z parent who is writing her own rules for parenting. Fajardo has spent the last year weaning her daughter off digital devices, seeking to invert her own upbringing by putting her foot down without resorting to physical discipline.
The UAE's near-universal internet access and digital fluency provide Gen Z parents with constant access to parenting information and peer support. This digital connectivity, coupled with cultural diversity, means that parenting styles in the UAE are influenced by multiple traditions but are chosen or discarded based on research rather than solely cultural norms.
Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Reddit, and parenting podcasts, play a significant role in shaping parenting norms. They offer instant advice and emotional support, a phenomenon not experienced by previous generations. However, despite this connectedness, some Gen Z parents, including single parents, may feel socially isolated, driving them to be highly intentional and aware of their responsibilities.
Emotional intelligence and gentle parenting approaches are at the forefront of Gen Z's parenting style. Faryal Zehra, a 24-year-old Pakistani mother, prioritizes emotional intelligence and gentle parenting, relying on research and digital communities for guidance. Zehra prioritizes connection over control when it comes to her child's screentime, ensuring it's age-appropriate and balanced with other types of play.
When it comes to nutrition, Zehra tries not to be overly strict, instead modeling healthy eating habits rather than forcing them. Almenhali's daughter learned a conscious clap from a video by Ms Rachel, an American YouTuber popular among children, parents, and educational experts, demonstrating the influence of digital resources on Gen Z parenting.
Compared to millennials, Gen Z in the UAE is more willing to take the leap of faith and start a family. A 2024 Ipsos report found that Gen Z parents in the US are also intent on raising their children differently than previous generations, often placing greater emphasis on emotional awareness and mental health.
Gen Z parents in the UAE are consciously distancing themselves from traditional parenting models, opting for a research-driven, emotionally intelligent, and digitally enabled approach. Their decisions are shaped by digital connectivity, cultural plurality, and a focus on emotional health, contrasting with the more rigid and less connected parenting styles of earlier generations. This shift in parenting styles reflects a global Gen Z trend, with parents placing a greater emphasis on emotional well-being and mental health.
Deloitte's 2024 Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey reports that the cost of living is among the top societal concerns for these demographics in the UAE, indicating that financial stability remains a significant factor in their parenting decisions. Despite these challenges, Gen Z parents in the UAE continue to forge their own path, shaping a new era of parenting in the digital age.
- Asma Almenhali, a mother in the UAE, monitors her children's device usage to prevent overstimulation and glean healthy recipes from TikTok.
- Nikki Fajardo, a single mother in Singapore, intentionally curbs her daughter's digital device usage, contrasting with her own upbringing.
- The UAE's internet access and cultural diversity mean that parenting styles are influenced by multiple traditions but chosen based on research rather than cultural norms alone.
- Social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and parenting podcasts shape parenting norms, offering instant advice and emotional support.
- Faryal Zehra, a Pakistani mother, prioritizes emotional intelligence and gentle parenting, relying on digital communities for guidance and ensuring balanced screentime for her child.
- Zehra models healthy eating habits rather than enforcing them, with her daughter learning a conscious clap from a digital resource.
- Gen Z parents in the UAE are more willing than millennials to raise their families differently, often emphasizing emotional awareness and mental health.
- Deloitte's 2024 survey reveals that the cost of living is a top concern for Gen Z parents in the UAE, highlighting financial stability as a significant factor in their parenting decisions.
- Despite challenges, Gen Z parents in the UAE continue to forge their unique path, creating a new era of parenting that emphasizes emotional well-being and mental health in the digital age.
