A recent study by Ohio State University researchers uncovered the astounding news that mothers' parenting styles are strongly influence by their own mothers'. Quelle surprise! This is news?

Mothers who praise efforts, show affection, read with their children themselves were raised by mothers who exhibited the same attributes.

Fathers do not show the same influence from their mothers. Not surprising, since boys differentiate themselves from their mothers at a fairly early age, as part of the identity process, and may even spank less, for instance, than did their mothers. In direct reaction to their mothers' practice, perhaps.

Overall, looking at parenting from a generational point of view, parents now are more likely to be affectionate, less likely to punish physically. Some would even say that parental permissiveness has led to societal misfits, in areas where society and polity are not permissive (physical aggression, for example) but young people were allowed to act as they pleased for fear of crushing their creativity and individuality.

Parents today are also more likely--three times as likely, in fact--to read to their children. My mother read to me every night and I read, in turn, to my daughter (and my school classes as well).

Plus ca change, plus la meme chose.