General · 29 January 2026
Parents embrace tough consequences over gentle parenting in new trend
A controversial parenting style dubbed "Fafo" is replacing gentle parenting for many exhausted caregivers. Standing for "Fuck Around and Find Out," this method prioritizes immediate, harsh consequences over emotional negotiation. Viral examples include parents destroying electronics or locking children out. While the Wall Street Journal identified this shift away from soft child-rearing in 2025, recent social media trends confirm parents are increasingly adopting this no-nonsense, "tough love" approach to discipline.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs