Is convenience making our children less independent? Supernanny Jo Frost thinks so
Are today's children becoming too dependent?
That's the question parenting expert Jo Frost, best known as Supernanny, has sparked after sharing a viral message about how modern parenting may be unintentionally holding children back.
According to Frost, many children are reaching school age without mastering basic life skills because parents are stepping in too often.
From pushing children on bikes instead of teaching them to ride, to keeping them in strollers longer than necessary, she believes convenience is slowly replacing opportunities for children to learn independence.
"We're raising children to stay dependent," she said in a recent Instagram video.
Drawing on more than 35 years of childcare experience, Frost stressed that independence isn't about expecting perfection. Instead, it's about giving children the chance to try, make mistakes and learn from them.
She also pointed to everyday examples that have become increasingly common, including children who struggle with basic hygiene, using cutlery or completing simple self-care tasks without help.
Small skills, big impact
Frost believes the problem isn't always a lack of time, but a lack of intention.
"When we avoid teaching because it's slower, messier or less convenient, we remove valuable learning opportunities," she explained.
Her comments have resonated with thousands of parents and educators, many of whom say they've noticed children becoming less confident in handling everyday tasks independently.
The discussion also comes as educators continue to report delays in children's self-care skills, from toilet training to personal hygiene, prompting experts to encourage parents to focus on practical life skills from an early age.
Rather than relying on convenience, Frost's advice is simple: let children practise, be patient when they make mistakes, and remember that independence is a skill that must be taught—not something children naturally develop on their own.
