As Gen Z steps further into adulthood, many are beginning to think seriously about what kind of parents they’ll be. And like generations before them, they’re planning to take lessons from their own upbringing while adjusting to fit the world their children will grow up in. To better understand how Gen Z plans to approach parenting, we analyzed survey responses from over a thousand adults in this generation. The results offer a window into how today’s young adults are thinking about everything from screen time and mental health to family planning and dietary choices. We’ll explore how Gen Z’s approach compares to the way they were raised, what values they plan to carry forward, and what new priorities are shaping their vision for raising kids. Does Gen Z Plan on Parenting Differently? Parenting evolves with every generation, and Gen Z appears ready to put their own spin on raising children. While many plan to carry forward lessons from their upbringing, they also see a few opportunities to do things differently, especially when it comes to emotional support, mental health, and managing tech use. Our survey of Gen Z adults uncovered key ways their approach to parenting will differ from how they were raised: 60% of Gen Z plans to parent using an authoritative style, which balances structure and support. That’s a noticeable shift from the 34% who say they were raised this way. Gentle parenting is gaining ground. 28% plan to use this approach, compared to just 7% who say they experienced it themselves. Perhaps the biggest shift comes in the views of a traditional parenting style. Only 3% say they plan to parent in a strict or traditional way, even though nearly 39% say that’s how they were raised. Technology is another area where Gen Z plans to take a more mindful approach: They expect to allow about an hour less of screen time per day than they had growing up. They want their kids to wait until nearly 15 years old to join social media. That’s almost two years later than when they got started. Despite these limits, the average age they plan to give their child a smartphone mirrors their own experience, suggesting that access isn’t the issue. Supervision is. Money habits are also changing: Gen Z plans to give their children an allowance about three times larger than what they received. This could reflect changing costs, financial awareness, or a desire to instill better budgeting habits early on. At least something is keeping up with inflation. There’s also a strong focus on emotional well-being: 70% want to offer more emotional support than they received. 64% say they’ll be more open about mental health with their kids. 43% want to limit their child’s exposure to technology and social media, emphasizing a desire to create more balance at home. When asked about the challenges of parenting today: 64% of Gen Z believe parenting is harder now than it used to be, while only 9% say it’s easier. The most commonly cited challenges were social media (31%), technology (29%), and the existence of the internet in general (11%). Taken together, these shifts show a generation ready to blend old lessons with changing priorities. Gen Z isn’t abandoning the past, they’re adapting it. And with a focus on emotional health, digital boundaries, and more open communication, their parenting plans reflect the world their children will grow up in. Next, we’ll dig into the specific tactics and strategies Gen Z plans to use day-to-day as they plan their steps into parenthood. Inside Gen Z’s Parenting Game Plan Gen Z doesn’t plan to reinvent parenting, but they are preparing to adapt it. Like generations before them, many will take lessons from the way they were raised and apply those lessons in a new cultural context. With more openness around mental health, a better understanding of technology’s role in childhood, and more diverse family structures, Gen Z’s parenting plans are shaped by both their upbringings and the world they live in today. Here’s a closer look at how they’re thinking through the parenting choices ahead: Not everyone wants to follow in their parents’ footsteps. About 1 in 10 Gen Z adults say they don’t plan to model their parenting style after how they were raised. On the other end of the spectrum, 11% say they’ll follow their parents’ approach very closely. Most plan to strike a balance. A majority (54%) say they’ll keep their parents’ core values but modernize other aspects. It’s a measured approach that reflects shifting norms without discarding past lessons. Confidence is still a hurdle. Just 24% of Gen Z respondents say they feel confident about parenting. Even with clear ideas about how they’ll raise kids, many acknowledge the challenges ahead and are still finding their footing. Some of that planning includes rethinking traditional family structures and timelines: 3 in 10 Gen Z adults would consider becoming a parent without a romantic partner, whether through adoption, donors, or other options. Half of Gen Z women would consider freezing their eggs. That share increases with age: 30% among those 18 to 20, and 46% among those 27 to 28, suggesting long-term planning is top of mind. Health and lifestyle decisions are also evolving: About 1 in 4 Gen Zers plan to raise their children on a restrictive diet, reflecting increased awareness of food sensitivities, health concerns, and ethical choices. Among those planning dietary restrictions, 76% intend to limit sugar, while 39% say they’ll stick to organic-only foods. Social media, now a regular part of many families’ lives, looks to play a much smaller role: 1 in 5 Gen Zers say they’ll never post their children online, while 4 in 10 say they would rarely do so. This shows a deliberate approach to digital exposure and a preference for protecting their children’s privacy from an early age. Taken together, these insights suggest a generation that values flexibility, long-term planning, and a greater sense of control over how and when they become parents. Gen Z may not feel completely ready yet, but they’re clearly thinking ahead, weighing their options, and planning with intention. Closing Thoughts Parenting will always evolve with the times, and Gen Z is no exception. While many plan to carry forward the values they were raised with, they also see opportunities to adapt by setting new boundaries around tech, prioritizing emotional support, and exploring different paths to starting a family. These shifts reflect a generation that’s thoughtful, intentional, and ready to raise kids in a changing world. And as Gen Z moves into parenthood, they’ll need the right tools to support their journey, whether it’s strollers built for everyday life or car seats designed with safety in mind. Chicco is here to grow with the next generation of parents, offering products that meet their needs and help make family life a little easier. Methodology To understand how Gen Z plans to parent, we surveyed more than 1,500 adults between the ages of 18 and 28 who don’t currently have children. The survey was conducted over one week in May 2025. Respondents were asked how they expect to raise their future children, with a focus on how their approach might reflect (or differ from) the way they were raised.