Jo Frost, known as “Supernanny,” has warned that modern parenting may be “disabling” children by not teaching them basic life skills.
In a recent Facebook video, the 55-year-old parenting expert said many children are being held back from developing independence, claiming, “We are slowly disabling our children.”
She pointed to examples such as older children still using strollers or pacifiers, and others struggling with basic tasks like brushing teeth, using cutlery, or understanding hygiene.
Frost said the issue is not lack of love, but lack of intention due to busy modern lifestyles. “Every time we do things for them, we take away their chance to become capable,” she explained.
She encouraged parents to focus on teaching everyday skills step by step and being consistent, stressing that independence must be taught, not expected.
Her comments sparked debate online, with some agreeing that screen time and over-helping are contributing to the problem, while others argued today’s parents are simply overworked and exhausted.