Young parents frequently face criticism for their parenting styles, often being labeled with dismissive terms such as “snowplow parents,” who are accused of removing obstacles from their children’s lives; “helicopter parents,” criticized for over-involvement; or “ratbag parents,” blamed for lax discipline. These characterizations, while prevalent in public discourse, overlook a long history of societal judgment directed at parents across generations.

Author Richard Glover, drawing on his new book, *How to Ruin a Child*, which explores the evolution of parenting advice over more than a century, highlights how each generation of parents has been blamed for purported failings. Speaking in libraries and community centers, Glover notes that criticism of young parents today often echoes historical patterns, with accusations ranging from failing to say "no" to children, to overpraising them in pursuit of self-esteem.

Glover points to Australia’s past as illustrative of this recurring theme. Beginning in the early 1900s, parents—especially mothers—were frequently told they were either too strict or too lenient, too distant or overly affectionate, too regimented or too permissive. The accusations were so entrenched that in 1939, an Australian school principal lamented that he might need the authority to discipline the parents, whom he saw as the root cause of students’ poor behavior.

The author emphasizes that this cycle of blame belies a more complex reality: parenting has consistently been a challenging and significant task, made more so by the unique needs and personalities of each child. Over the past 40 years as a parent and grandparent, and with extensive firsthand experience, Glover argues that many of the criticisms leveled at today’s parents are either exaggerated or manufactured.

One example discussed is the culture of awarding "a prize for every child," a practice that contrasts with previous generations where praise was often discouraged on fears it might foster arrogance or selfishness. Glover recounts that while some children’s sports clubs today give trophies simply for participation, more significant awards are reserved for outstanding achievement. Merit-based recognition in schools similarly remains limited and valued.

Glover questions whether the increased positivity and praise seen today genuinely threaten children’s development or if such concerns are overstated. He suggests that, despite some shifts in approach, parents and caregivers continue to make considerable efforts toward raising well-adjusted individuals amid changing social attitudes.

Overall, Glover’s work calls for less judgment and more support for young parents navigating the complexities of raising children. He argues that recognizing the enduring challenges of parenting—rather than inventing new ways to criticise—is a more constructive path forward.