We've been labeled the 'lost generation', the 'lazy generation' and the 'grunge generation', but in parenthood, generation x are forming their own style of parenting.
Raised in a permissive environment, we are aware that too many choices aren't necessarily a good thing and that the opposite - too many restrictions don't work either.
Watching the divorce rate double in childhood, the gen x set are much more traditional in their approach to child rearing. But in saying that, they are not reverting to the 'rule with the rod' techniques of the past.
It's all about balance. In life, in career and in the home. A set of parent's difficult to classify, given experiences growing up, they are leaving soccer mom for dead and doing it their way.
You know you are a gen X parent when:
?Five o?clock is a milestone.
?Hand-me-downs and op shops provide the staples of your home.
?Your definition of luxury is toileting without an audience.
?You give up your job but not your brain.
?You don't avoid puddles.
?You've read all the parenting books but do it your way.
?Your alarm clock is a child.
?Creativity is spelt with a capital ?C? (or a K)
?You play ?paper, scissors, rock? with your partner to see who changes the poo.
?You finally cave in and buy that anti-feminist icon, Barbie.
Marilynn McLachlan is the author of 'The NEW Parent Code', Penguin Books, 2005 written specifically for the gen x set.
She has founded http://www.generationxparenting.com - cynical, creative, conscious to deal with parenting issues for generation x.
