8 Parenting trends to watch out for in 2016

Old-man boy names, third child style parenting and more. What are the other parenting trends of 2016?

It's always good to be aware of what's in and what's on its way out when it comes to parenting.

2016 brings us a whole lot of new parenting trends, influenced by millenials, that we think you should know about.

Drawing inspiration from Care.com, Buzzfeed and The Washington Times, here are eight parenting trends which are predicted to be big this year, that we think you should know about.

1. Boys with old-man names

Don't be too surprised if you meet a newborn boy named Clyde, Otto or Alfred. These old-fashioned boys' names are reported to be making a comeback this year and will be totally hip and trendy.

2. Teaching coding

Parents will teach their little ones coding through games and apps, a useful skill in this tech-driven world, and one that teaches kids' logic and reasoning.

3. Daughters carrying on family names

Now, you don't need to have your sons continue the family name. The trend is extended to daughters, with many named after their mothers.

4. Less helicopter parenting

Parents will aim to cut down on closely controlling and monitoring their child’s every move and instead, give them a bit more "space to breathe". This is keeping with articles we read in 2015 about the dangers of helicopter parenting.

Instead, parents will favour a "third-child style" of parenting that has less focus on scheduling and more focus on giving the child greater independence.

5. Showing, not just telling

Providing a "stronger, more modern message" to their children, many parents this year are hoping to show their little ones through actions, rather than just words, how to be more compassionate towards peers with differences such as disabilities.

6. Girls named after flowers

Bluebell, Marigold and Primrose are just three lovely names that are gaining in popularity as girls' names this year.

As you may have guessed by now, the hottest girls' names this year will be retro and flowery!

7. Hybrid names

Can't decide between two names for your newborn? Not to worry – just mix them up! For example, if you’re not sure between Eileen and Lynn, just go with Eilynn.

8. More sensory play

You can step away from electronic devices to keep your little ones entertained this year. Instead, the trend is to go for toys that engage kids' senses, which will also help in early childhood development.

Have you heard about any other new parenting trends that will be big this year? Do share them with us in a comment below.