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Credit: Facebook/Jo Frost
The “Supernanny” also pointed to the continued use of pacifiers, saying that some children as old as four are still relying on them long past their intended short-term use. She referred to them as “dummies,” the British term for pacifiers.
‘Supernanny’ Jo Frost slams ‘lazy’ parents
Frost went on to highlight other essential skills she believes are being delayed or overlooked in childhood development.
“Seven-year-olds who can’t brush their teeth properly without an electric toothbrush. Eight-year-olds who can’t sit at a table and use a knife and fork. Nine-year-olds who don’t understand bathroom hygiene,” she said in her Facebook video.
So, ske asked. Why did parents today stop teaching their children life skils? According to the expert, she doesn’t believe parents aren’t taching their children essential things because they neglect them, but rather becasue of time pressure.
“I understand modern life is busy, but this isn’t about time; it’s about intention,” Jo Frost explained. “Every time we step in and do it for them, or avoid teaching because it’s slower, messier, or inconvenient, we take away an opportunity for them to become capable.”
She stressed that children naturally want independence, but need guidance to get there.
“If we don’t teach it, we can’t be surprised when it’s missing”
Frost encouraged parents to return to basics, from teaching children how to ride a bike step by step, to phasing out pacifiers when they are no longer needed, as well as hygenie and table manner.
“We guide, we repeat, we expect, not perfectly, but consistently,” she said. “Independence isn’t something that just happens. It’s taught. And if we don’t teach it, we can’t be surprised when it’s missing.”