There’s another term for this. It’s called growing up in the ’80s, ’90s, or any decade before then . . .
A parenting style called “[Eff] Around and Find Out” is trending after “Huff Post” did a story. It’s defined as letting your kids “experience the natural consequences of their actions without getting too involved.” So, the opposite of helicopter parents.
A TikTok mom got it started in 2022, but it’s found new life after Jason Kelce’s wife Kylie recently talked about it on her podcast. (Warning: Uncensored F-bombs in the podcast clip and the original TikTok.)
Obviously, you’re not letting your kid run out into an intersection to “find out” what happens. It’s just for when safety isn’t a concern.
The original example was a kid didn’t want to wear his coat in the rain, so the mom said fine. Then he was soaking wet and miserable later on.
Experts say letting your kid learn their lesson like that can teach them problem-solving skills and help them learn to be more independent. Just maybe ease into it, and make sure you’re never MEAN.
In other words, don’t use it as a weapon. And make sure you’re still there to help or support them when they REALLY need you.
