Green Matters
Are Millennials Raising Velcro Kids — and What Exactly Is a Velcro Kid?
What is the meaning of the term Velcro kids, the phrase the millennials use to describe the personality quirks of their clingy children.
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Millennial Parenting: The Rise of the 'Velcro Parent' Phenomenon
A recent social media video by user 'wolf_ace' has ignited a widespread discussion regarding generational shifts in parenting approaches. The creator, identified as an NYC firefighter and Navy veteran, presents a thought-provoking argument contrasting the upbringing of millennials with their current parenting styles. He articulates, "Millennials were bedroom kids that are raising every room kids... they're not Velcro kids... we're Velcro parents!" This statement encapsulates the core of his observation, suggesting a fundamental change in family dynamics. The video elaborates on how millennial parents often provide their children with "full access" to their presence, regardless of where they are in the home. "If we're in the kitchen, they're there. If we're in the bathroom, they're outside the door or even inside the door," he explains, vividly illustrating a state of near-constant parental involvement. He describes this pervasive interaction as potentially leading to feelings of being "overstimulating" and "overwhelming" for parents who rarely experience moments of solitude. The creator draws a clear distinction between this modern approach and his own childhood experiences. He notes that his parents, and many of their generation, were primarily "providers" rather than constantly nurturing or deeply involved in every minute aspect of their children's lives. He posits that for many millennials, the concept of a parent who desired to be perpetually engaged was not the norm. He concludes that the current "strong bond" and pervasive involvement is a dynamic "we created" as a generation, leading their children to perceive this intense, constant attachment as entirely normal and the only way of life they know. The video has resonated significantly across social platforms, accumulating over 3.6 million views, 366,200 likes, and 8,066 comments, indicating a broad public interest in and relatability to the evolving challenges and generational differences inherent in modern parenting.
Netmums
'My children are "Velcro kids" – here's why it's not a bad thing and how I get …
Mum of three and Netmums writer Alison Perry has 'Velcro kids' – but what is that and what should you do if you have them too?
