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9 Pros and Cons of Being a Young Mother ...

Lauren 10 Comments

There are many pros and cons of being a young mother. The definition of what constitutes a “young mother” has changed somewhat as the average age of mothers has hit 30, and being a young mother in your early twenties can naturally be quite different to being a young mother at sixteen. Many of the blessings and problems are the same though, so here are 9 pros and cons of being a young mother.

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You’ve Got More Energy

You can’t discuss the pros and cons of being a young mother without considering the fact that younger people naturally have higher energy levels. Mothers in their teens and early twenties will probably find it easier to physically cope with sleepless nights and running around after a lively toddler.

Your Body Will Repair Itself More Easily

As we get older, our skin becomes less supple and everything takes longer to heal. Young skin is able to cope with the stretching better and may be less prone to stretch marks, while any scars will heal better.

The ability of young skin to repair itself more easily is not only beneficial for young mothers , but for their children as well. Not only will young skin heal better, but it is also less prone to scarring, which is especially important for young children who are prone to cuts and scrapes. Additionally, young skin is more elastic, which means that it can stretch more easily without causing stretch marks, which is beneficial for pregnant women.

Losing Your Figure Earlier

Although your body will probably be less damaged due to your young skin’s ability to cope better with the stretching, your body will probably never be the same again. This is easier to accept in your thirties when many others your age are yo-yo dieting and dealing with pregnancy stretch marks themselves, but tougher when your friends are all still looking gorgeous in skin-tight mini dresses and tiny bikinis.

All Your Friends Are Partying

Staying in changing nappies and cleaning up sick can be hard when all your friends are out having a good time. If you’re thinking about trying for a baby and considering the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a young mother, this is definitely one thing to consider.

You’ll Still Be Young when Your Kids Have Grown up

While you might miss out on going out while you’re young, younger mothers will naturally be younger when their children grow up and are ready to move out. While your friends are starting to deal with difficult teenagers, you’ll be regaining your independence.

This newfound freedom can also mean you have more energy to pursue career goals , return to education or simply enjoy your hobbies and interests that were put on hold. While still youthful, you maintain the vigor to redefine your identity outside of motherhood. Embracing this stage can also strengthen your bond with your grown children, as you're closer in age and perhaps, in mindset—ready to explore new experiences alongside them, or even on your own adventurous pursuits.

If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.

People Judge You

People are more likely to judge teenage mothers but I’ve faced negative comments about being pregnant at 22, because having a university degree and great career experience so far, I am expected to do “more.” It’s best to just ignore people’s negative comments but some people may find criticism and disapproving looks difficult to deal with.

Society often has set expectations on when and how women should have children, with judgments cutting across various demographics, including age. As a young mother, criticism can range from undermining your capability to raise a child to questioning your decision-making. It's important to stay confident in your choices and seek support where needed , knowing that parenting is a highly personal journey. Remember that people's perceptions are their own and your priority is to provide love and stability for your child. The resilience you build from these experiences can also translate into strength in other areas of your life.

You’ll Identify Better with Your Teenagers

The smaller the age gap between you and your children, the more likely you are to identify with them easily. This could be particularly useful when you’re dealing with a difficult teenager.

Having a smaller age gap can translate into a deeper empathy for the challenges and trends that your teenagers face in their daily lives. As a young mother, you're more likely to remember your own adolescent years vividly, which can help in relating to your teens' experiences, whether it's navigating social dynamics, coping with academic pressures, or dealing with the complexities of online interactions. This understanding can foster open communication and trust, making it easier to guide and support your teenagers through these formative years.

The Lack of Money

There’s no escaping the fact that you will probably have less money in your youth than if you wait for a few years to have a baby. This should have little impact on your child, provided all their essential needs are seen to, but may make life more difficult for you as a parent.

Financial constraints can often lead to elevated stress levels and a need for careful budgeting. Nonetheless, young parents are usually more adaptable and can find creative solutions to manage with less. It's important to prioritize spending and seek out community resources or family support that may lighten the fiscal load. Remember , while money is vital, the warmth and love you provide for your child cannot be bought, and these are the true riches that contribute to a nurturing environment for your little one.

Education and Career May Be Put on Hold

If you’re considering the pros and cons of being a young mother, you need to think about the impact it could have on your education and career. Many young women drop out of school and university when they find out they are pregnant, and it can be harder to study after having children due to childcare costs. Other people of the same age will also have more work experience.

Did you become a mother at a relatively young age? What pros and cons of being a young mother did you encounter? Do you wish you waited or are you happy with how things have turned out?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Latisha, that is amazing. I love your story. You beat the odds!

I had my son at 16. Everyone told me my life was over and I should get rid of the child either by abortion or give him up. I was told at a young age I wouldn't be able to have children so me and his father didn't worry about anything. I found out I was a month and a half pregnant when I went to hospital for severe pain. I was in middle of a miscarriage. Was sent home and told to let my body do what it was supposed to do. Fought all thru the pregnancy and put it in gods hands. Have gone thru a lot over all these years to raise the greatest gift ever given to me. I know he was given to me to straightin me up and make me fly right. I was headed down a not so good road until him. The only thing I regret is marrying his father. My son is the best thing to happen to me and I am glad I had him as young as I did. Yes it posed challenges but he has given me the strength and drive to get thru anything everytime I look at his face. A lot of people are very surprised when they find out how young I was and that I did raise him and didn't give him up. I just look at them and say he is my life and he saved my life. He is 17 now and my best friend, and the best son a mother could ask for!

I had my oldest son when I was 15 years old and by the time I was 22, I was married with four sons. My oldest is 35 years old, a Physician assistant, married when two children. Two of my sons are married and one is engaged in very proud of them all. I’m only 50 years old and ready to enjoy my last half of my life doing things that I’ve alway wanted to do and I love it.

And as far as identifying with my daughter when she's a teen , I'm not looking to be Chris Kardashian those kids disrespect for her is disgusting!!!! I've been a teen I'll be my daughters mom who's understanding and have open communication with her I'm not going to get tattoos with her sorry!!!

Oops! I cut myself off! I really think that each persons readiness for parenting is different, depending on many things.

True about the energy! I had my first at 27 and it was no issue staying up all night with a sick child. I had the next 3 at 36, 38 and 40. It got progressively harder to go without sleep and juggle kids, BUT I did manage to get my figure back every time and I felt like I made better decisions inregards to parenting

I was 20 when I had my daughter I am 26 and have three kids, I do my degree from home and when my son starts school I will be a qualified teacher, yes it's different from the law degree I was studying for but three children at any age would have prohibited any law career, I will be 45 when my youngest is 20, will own my home outright and have my career. We live in the most affluent area in our city because we work hard I work evenings my husband works 9-5, while having a child with autism. I am proud of what we have built and even prouder it's before 30. We have proven to our children that age is not what matters it's maturity and determination.

People are having kids and I'm not even in a relationship ;-;

I became a first time mom at age 37 got married at 36 I was selfish in youth shopping , going to concerts , staying out late was all I was about . I lost my baby weight my daughter is 7 my husband is 8 and half years younger than me . It's all about you the individual I'm glad I waited for a good man to come along, for me to grow up and put my selfish ways behind me .

No matter at what age " losing your figure" is always worth it because you get a wonderful child in return. Plus not everybody will keep their baby weight.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of having young parents?

IELTS essay What are the advantages and disadvantages of having young parents?

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Being a teenage parent

What matters most to children is what their parents do, not what age their parents are . When parents raise their children in reliable, loving, nurturing, warm, sensitive, responsive and flexible ways, children grow and develop well.

All parents navigate challenges as their children grow and develop. Many of these challenges are the same for teenage parents and older parents.

But if you’re a teenage parent, you might have to navigate extra challenges , like trying to finish school while looking after a baby. You might also feel judged for being a teenage parent or overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a child.

With support from family, friends, school and community services, you can navigate these challenges and help your children thrive by:

• working on your relationship with your child
• working on healthy relationships with other people in your life
• asking for and accepting practical, emotional and financial help
• trying to finish your education
• looking after yourself.

All pregnant women need proper and timely antenatal care. But if you’re pregnant and aged under 19 years, you need extra care in pregnancy and during parenting. You have special health concerns because your own body is still growing and developing. Pregnancy can also be a very emotional time for you. Read more about teenage pregnancy .

Your relationship with your child as a teenage parent

The relationship you build with your child from birth and in early childhood is the foundation of your child’s health and development. A strong relationship with you helps your child feel safe and secure and gives your child confidence to learn and explore. A strong relationship also helps you understand and respond to your child’s needs.

Here are ways to build a strong relationship:

• Bond with your baby. You can do this through cuddles, eye contact, smiles and play.
• Learn about baby behaviour and child development . This can help you understand what to expect as your child grows and develops.
• Get to know your baby’s cues and body language . This can help you understand how your baby is feeling and what they need.
• Talk with your child – it’s never too early to talk, and the more talk, the better.
• Play with your child – play is a great relationship builder. It’s also the main way that children learn and develop in the early years.

As a parent, you’re always learning. It’s OK to feel confident about what you know. And it’s also OK to admit you don’t know something and ask questions or get help. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of caring for your child, call your state or territory parenting helpline . You might also like to try our ideas for managing anger, anxiety and stress .

Healthy relationships with others as a teenage parent

Relationships during your teenage years are often full of emotional ups and downs. And if you have a baby or young child, it can put extra pressure on relationships. For example, less sleep and less time with a partner can lead to disagreements and conflict.

Strong and healthy relationships are good for you. They’re good for your child’s development as well. For example, if your child sees kind and respectful relationships around them, your child learns to be kind and respectful with others.

So it’s worth working on your relationships with others when you’re a teenage parent. Here are ideas:

• Work on positive communication with your partner if you have one. Positive communication is about listening , talking and problem-solving .
• If you have differences of opinion or disagreements, work together on conflict management .
• Make time to stay connected with old friends and make new friends – planning ahead and being flexible can help.
• Join a playgroup . Playgroups are great for your child’s learning and development, and they can be a great way to meet parents like yourself. You could look for a playgroup for teenage parents.
• Contact your local community centre or council to find out about support groups for young parents. These sorts of groups can provide emotional support as well as information on child development and health care.

If there are problems in your relationships, including family violence, you can get support by calling the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). You can also call Relationships Australia in your state or territory on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline on 131 114.

Finishing your education as a teenage parent

Finishing school, TAFE or university is one of the most important things you can do , for yourself and for your child.

If you finish your education, you have a better chance of getting a job later on and being able to support your family. Studying can also help you stay connected with friends, build and maintain your support network and be involved in your community.

In Australia, if you’re pregnant or have a baby while you’re still at school, TAFE or university, you have the right to continue and finish your education . And with planning and support, you can do it. It’s a good idea to talk to a social worker , a counsellor or your antenatal team to find out about your options.

Education support options might include:

• flexible hours or modified timetables
• reduced study load or part-time study
• classroom support staff or guidance officers
• home or online study
• supervised home visits from teachers
• an alternative pathway to higher education .

If you’re at school and these options aren’t available, you could look into other schools that are good at supporting new parents. Or you could consider completing Year 12 at TAFE or a similar institution.

You could also look at options for balancing family and study. For example, you could look into different child care options . Or you might be able to study at night while your partner, a trusted friend or a relative cares for your child.

If you feel that you’re being discriminated against by students or staff, it’s important to talk to your school, TAFE or university about the issue. You might want someone you trust to help you do this, like your parent or carer, a youth support worker or a social worker. If you can’t resolve the issue, you can get help from your state or territory anti-discrimination agency.

Practical help for teenage parents

There are many practical things to learn when you have a baby. These include how to:

• feed your baby
• change a nappy
• bath your baby
• settle your baby for sleep
• know when your baby is sick
• start your baby on solids .

There are many people who can help you learn, including your GP , your child and family health nurse , and other early childhood experts.

Money might be an issue for you as a teenage parent. It’s worth looking into government parenting payments , which can help you with the costs of raising children.

One way to ease practical and financial pressure is to think about whether you can stay with your parents, carers or kinship networks while your child is young. This might help you deal with the pressures of caring for your child or coping financially. Your parents, carers or kin might also be able to give you some backup when you need it or share tips.

Pros and cons of having a child at a young and mature age

Surely every girl has ever wondered what age is the most optimal for the birth of the first child. It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer, since there are nuances in each case. These nuances shift the scales either to the positive side, where everything is fine and well, or this bowl is overflowing with minuses that negatively affect the fate of the mother and child. Let’s start by figuring out what the pros and cons of a decision to become a mother of a young girl who has just graduated from school or is studying at an institute can be.

1. Activity and health. Youth is wonderful, because you are full of strength, health and energy to conquer the whole world. And when a child appears, a young mom can direct all her energy to active interaction with the child, endlessly play outdoor games with him, walk for a long time, not really feeling tired. In addition, at a young age, the body recovers easier and faster after pregnancy.

2. Time for yourself. If the child appears quite early, for example, at 18-20 years old, then when he grows up and becomes more or less independent, the mother will still be young and full of strength and health in order to live for herself, enjoy spending time with her spouse, traveling, going to the cinema or theater.

3. Changing the worldview in the right direction. There is a guideline in life and an additional incentive for even greater achievements and successes, so that your child does not need anything. And thanks to youth, there are plenty of physical and psychological resources for grandiose achievements.

Disadvantages of early motherhood:

1. Financial distress. The most common problem of young parents is lack of money. Due to his young age, of course, there is still no financial cushion or stable earnings that would allow him not to need anything. If there is no financial support from parents or other relatives, then it’s bad.

2. Lack of own housing. This factor forces a young mother or a couple with a child to live with their parents. Of course, this point cannot be called an unambiguous minus, because all families are different. Somewhere, everyone can live quite peacefully together, and parents actively help with their grandson or granddaughter, it’s not a burden to them. But this does not always happen, on the basis of cohabitation with a small child, relatives may have skirmishes and domestic conflicts that negatively affect the emotional state of a young mother, affect the psychological health of the child.

3. Problems with personal life. At a very young age, a child is often unplanned, so young mothers either decide to give birth and raise this child alone, or there is pressure from parents and the couple gets married. It is impossible to say unequivocally that such a marriage is automatically doomed to collapse, but in very rare cases it is possible to keep it for many years and live happily together. If it turned out that the child’s father does not want to take part in his life, then the girl becomes a single mother , and it is very difficult for such to arrange their personal life, because a potential husband needs to love not only the girl herself, but also her child.

4. Interrupted or abandoned education. When pregnancy occurs during the student period, as a rule, study takes a back seat, there is simply no time for it. The girl takes a sabbatical at an educational institution, but does not always resume her studies afterwards. Taking care of the baby is completely absorbed, there is no way to hire a nanny, and grandparents can not always help out and sit with their grandson. If you manage to recover in college or institute, then it is quite difficult to delve into the process.

Now let’s highlight all the positive and negative aspects of mature motherhood, when a child is born to a woman after 35 years.

So, the advantages of mature motherhood:

1. Stable financial situation. As a rule, women in adulthood have already achieved something, some more, some less, but still there is some solid foundation under their feet. It can be your own home, a car, an impressive amount in a bank account. A child born to an adult accomplished woman will not need anything.

2. An established personal life. A woman after 30-35 years probably already has everything in order on a personal level. She is in a happy marriage, where harmony and love reign, because if everything was different, then these two people could have separated a long time ago, because they were not connected until recently by common children.

3. The child is very welcome and long-awaited. If the baby wanted to come to an already mature woman, then she postponed her motherhood until the last due to objective reasons for herself, or for a very long time attempts to get pregnant were in vain. Two strips on the test in her case is a great joy and happiness, because everything she did before, all the efforts, successes and achievements would have no meaning.

4. Accumulation of knowledge and life experience. It’s no secret that a child needs not only to be fed, bathed and clothed, but also to be engaged in his development. A woman who has already seen a lot in this life, has been to many places, communicated with different people, read a lot of literature, objectively has more resources in order to productively engage in the development of her child.

Cons of mature motherhood:

1. Decreased reproductive function. Of course, after 30 years we do not turn into a wreck, but the notorious biological clock still has a place to be. With age, a woman actually has fewer and fewer good eggs that are capable of fertilization. But that’s not all. There are various gynecological diseases that interfere with the onset of pregnancy or complicate its course.

2. Deterioration of health. This minus is consonant with the previous one, then here the concept of health is considered somewhat broader. Of course, after 30 years a woman does not turn into a wreck, but the influence of modern ecology and lifestyle leaves its mark on the health of not only women, but also men. Daily activity is significantly reduced, and a home first aid kit is always at hand.

3. Feeling of loss of connection with the child. When there is a big difference in the age of the child and his parent, emotional contact with the child, with his interests and hobbies may be disrupted. It is possible that many of your child’s activities will simply be incomprehensible to you, you will not even want to delve into them. There is also a danger that in adolescence the child will begin to be shy of you, seeing that other guys have younger parents.

4. Increased likelihood of spoiling the child. If parents have good material wealth, then they may not resist spoiling their long-awaited child as much as possible. Such excessive care and fulfillment of any whim can have a negative impact already in the adult life of a child.

So, summarizing all of the above, we can draw the following conclusions. Early motherhood is fraught, first of all, with material problems, but the young body tolerates pregnancy more easily and recovers faster. And when a child is born in adulthood, there are no special problems with money, but health problems begin. Therefore, we can conclude that becoming a mother is better by choosing the golden mean, when you have already completed your studies and there is some kind of work or support in the form of a husband, but there is still no objective deterioration of the body that can prevent you from giving birth or complicate your pregnancy.

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Pros And Cons Of Having Children Earlier In Life

People often tell us we're so lucky to have had Isabella when we did because now we are like friends. Even though that’s great now, it was hard being young parents then. I was reflecting on this and wanted to share and give you some insight into the pros and cons of having kids earlier in life, so you have an idea when planning.

Bini was 24, and I was 23 when our first child, Isabella was born. We were straight out of college and knew nothing about raising a child, but one look at our daughter’s dark brown eyes, and we were hooked. There is something so precious about babies that all you want to do is love them with all your heart. I’m glad everything happened the way it did. Isabella saved my life and brought me out of misery after my father died. My heart was and will forever be full of love for her. I feel blessed to have kids at different stages in my life and have learned to appreciate the timing of it all. 

Here are some pros and cons of having our children young:

1)    The best part of having children young was having all the energy to run around with the kids when they were little. I see such a difference in the way Bella was raised when compared to Lorenzo and now Novena. As I got older, my energy level went down, and with each child, I can see a difference in how I parent.

2)    Isabella is now almost our height, so while our friends are just now having babies and going through all the motions of being a parent, we've already mastered it (well as much as anyone can). 

Speaking of parties.. have you ever tried  paperless post ? When it comes to sending out invites for any kind of gathering, their the best!

3)    With youth comes free spirit and the idea that nothing has to be perfect. There was no structure, no plan, and every day we made it as parents was a blessing. I miss those carefree days when I got in a car and took Bella everywhere with me, including restaurants at 9 pm. Asked if I’d do that now and my answer would definitely be no. We were also the master of leaving Bella with our friends and disappearing for hours to get a break from parenting. Another carefree behavior I’d never entertain today. 

 The Cons-

1)    We were babies ourselves and knew nothing about parenthood. Everything we learned was through books and family members that came to help. 

 2)    The feeling that life was passing me by. While I was home raising a child, my friends were all going to grad school, partying, and just starting in their careers.I felt left out and alone on my motherhood journey. The only moms I could relate to were much older than me and had established lives already. 

 3)    Patience-While you have all the energy in the world, you lack patience (the kind that comes with age).  

 Knowing all we know today, would we do it all over again? HECK YEA! 

So, what would I tell my 23-year-old self today? 

I’d tell her to be more patient and listen to other people’s advice but still follow her heart. I’d tell her to be confident in her parenting and trust the purpose. Most of all, I’d say that although there is no perfect parent, having structure and a plan in place is key to ensuring that everything gets done. 

With age comes the wisdom of understanding that we are all exactly where we need to be in life. If you’re currently pregnant or even thinking about it but terrified of the idea of bringing a child into this world, consider this: God only gives us what he knows we can handle. Don’t overthink the idea of being a parent, simply be one and let your heart guide you along the way. Take everything day by day and always be a present parent. 

 I hope this blog helps you or someone you know. As always, I’d love to hear from you. Are you or were you once a young parent? If so, how did you handle it? 

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People Decide to have Children later in their Life Essay

People decide to have children later in their life ielts essay.

Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their life. What do you think are the reasons for this? Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

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People Decide to have Children later in their Life IELTS Essay – Model Essay 1

With paradigm shifts in social beliefs and people’s fascination with careers, they tend to become parents at a later stage. Several reasons are responsible for this, and I believe that it has more negative consequences.

To begin with, the average year when people get married those days has increased significantly. As a result, childbirth is naturally delayed. According to a recent survey, many young people who start their career after their graduation are more focused on their jobs than having their own family. Besides, many young people are undecided whether to marry or not. Eventually, when they get married, many of them are already in their mid-thirties, and they take some time to settle and have some financial stability before having their first child. Furthermore, the old belief that a girl should manage a family and have children earlier have changed, and more wives work in offices than ever. The decline of the joint family has also contributed to this trend as couples solely decide to have a baby, unlike in the past.

If we notice the severe detrimental impacts this trend has, we would surely try to reverse it. The most cynical outcome of this trend is the number of couples who struggles to become parents. It is scientifically proved that the infertility rate among couples is higher who try to become pregnant after their mid-thirties. Some of the couples eventually break up their marriages due to this, and it brings unfathomable social problems. Furthermore, having a child in the early years of marriage make the couple more family-oriented and this eventually help them have a better future.

To conclude, late marriage, nuclear family structure, and more focus on jobs are the main reasons people become parents at a later stage in their lives. I think this trend has more adverse results than its positive outcome. So it is expected that married people would carefully consider different negative and positive aspects of having babies later in their life.

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Parenthood Topic IELTS Essay – Model Essay 2

These days many couples decide to have babies at least a few years later since their marriage. I believe career, social changes, escalating living expenses, and increased life expectancy are some of the major reasons behind this trend. In my belief advantages of having children later in life outweigh its demerits.

To commence with, a growing number of people, including women, are now serious about their career development. This is perhaps the primary reason they do not expect to have children in the early stage of their marriage. It is intuitively obvious that with huge competition, unemployment and economic crisis, people around the world are constantly worried about their careers and salary. As a result, many decide to postpone their first childbirth. Secondly, women empowerment and social changes have altered the old way of life where a woman’s sole responsibility was to look after the children. Since many wives are working these days, they decide to take babies after they reach a certain position in their career.

Furthermore, social belief regarding giving birth to children has changed dramatically, and people are more concerned about the living expenses than the number of babies they have, unlike in the past. Finally, enhanced life expectancy has also contributed to this trend as people believe they can wait a little longer to have their first baby.

Undeniably, people who choose to concentrate on their career first and then have babies can take better care of their children due to ample career and economic freedom. Having offspring early in life can escalate the expenditures and financial responsibilities of parents. Moreover, if they do not spend enough time with children, they grow up with psychological issues. Thus, by having early children, young parents might put their careers at a risk as well as the future of their children. Reversely, having offspring in early life have few advantages. Such parents have new members in their family and their isolation would be extirpated and they will become more family-oriented.

In conclusion, despite the pleasure of having a new baby in the early years of marriage, parents who decide to have babies later can focus on their career, fulfill financial goals and have sufficient time to spend with the family.

Also Check:   There is a General Increase in Anti-Social Behaviour Essay

IELTS Writing Task 2 on Having a Child Later – Model Essay 3

In modern society, there has been a major concern that many couples have delayed parenthood. Some explanations for this social trend will be put forward before an analysis of its impacts on society and family life is given.

A few reasons can be given to justify the trend of giving birth at later stages of life. First, the labour market is increasingly competitive, and it is a norm that young parents defer having children to devote the whole time in the first years of their employment to lay a sound foundation for their future career. Second, it is believed that children are raised better by older parents. This seems valid since older fathers and mothers are generally wealthier, more experienced, and more willing to take the responsibility of bringing up a child.

The trend exerts both advantageous and disadvantageous influence on society and families. On the one hand, children born to more prosperous and experienced parents can receive a better and more comprehensive education, and thus contribute more to society when they grow up. In each household, the parents may also reap the benefits of this trend, as their first working years are not interrupted by pregnancy and childcare. On the other hand, when an aged couple decides to give birth, there are serious health risks for the woman in the prenatal and postnatal period. If any complicated maternal health problem arises, the life whole family would be turned upside down.

To conclude, the tendency to have children at later ages is caused by a number of factors, such as the competitiveness of the job market for young adults, and both the positive and negative impacts of it can be seen in families and society.

People Decide to have Children Later – Model Essay 4

Having babies later in life   is regarded as a new trend of marriage, especially in these days when soon becoming adolescent parents might face plenty of troubles. It is easily seen that the financial burden is one of the reasons why many spouses tend to delay their childbirth because giving birth early forces them to tighten the budget. In this essay, I will lend more other detailed reasons and effects of this trend.

The fact that pregnancy has been more common in older women stemming from late-life marriage whose benefits are huge. Tying the knot early, in some cases, would cause constant quarrels about rights of child-rearing between young couples due to their immature thoughts on marital values. In contrast, delayed marriage   may secure better conditions for children’s future. This would help singles have more time to seek a financially stable job and broaden behavioural experience before deciding to live with someone forever. Besides, high remarriage rate led by the rise of divorce in recent years partly contributes to late childbirth. The reason is that the lack of compatibility   forces many couples to end their first love and marry again. Therefore, they may start having children after age 35.

As mentioned above, the benefits of late childbirth are undeniable, however, elderly parents, as well as a society also face threats that they can foresee. Indeed, raising kids at old age is more arduous than that at a young age, not only because their health will decline but also because their children are too little to self-manage. Moreover, having children when reaching over 35 can affect pregnancy due to ageing health. As a result, babies are not healthy enough or even die a premature death.

In conclusion, stable income and settled life make delayed marriage more appealing. The thing is we need to consider the pros and cons of this to decide what is right for a happy union.

People Decide to have Children later in their Life Essay – Model Essay 5

Many people currently decide not to have babies when they are young and wait until they get older instead. There are some reasons for this tendency, and it could have some impacts on family life as well as society.

To begin with, there are several reasons why a number of individuals want to have children later in their life. Firstly, this choice allows them to have more time to enjoy life when they are young. For instance, it is easier for a young couple to travel when they do not have a baby to nurture. Secondly, people who are at the early stage of their career usually have lower income compared to when they are older. Therefore, many people decide to start raising a family after having accumulated enough money to ensure a better life for their children.

However, this tendency might bring about some negative effects on both family life and society. The first impact is that having children later will cause a significant age gap between the two generations. This makes it harder for parents to understand and communicate with their offspring. Additionally, if people give birth when they are too old, the babies being born might be less physically healthy. This might adversely affect the quality of the future workforce if too many people decide to follow this trend.

In conclusion, there are some reasons why many people prefer to have children later in their life, and this tendency can result in some negative impacts on both family life and society.

People Decide to have Children later in their Life – Model Essay 6

In contemporary society, adults are inclined to delay having children until they reach their middle age. In this essay, I would like to demonstrate several reasons for this tendency and discuss that its drawbacks outweigh its benefits.

To begin with, there are some explanations for people’s avoidance of becoming parents too soon in their life. A prominent justification is that they want to be better-prepared for the family life financially. Individuals at their early stage of career may find it daunting difficult to afford a youth’s basic demands, so it is reasonable for them to wait until they have accumulated a sufficient amount of money to guarantee a fulfilled material life for their children. Another reason would be that the adults may want to enjoy their life before having a new family member. In illustration, it is easier for married couples to travel without a child to nurture.

It is true that this proclivity of procrastination is advantageous to some extent. To be more specific, families living on a stable income is capable of providing their offspring with high quality education and nutritious diets. However, I hold the view that the disadvantages of this trend are more convincing. It has been scientifically proven that older parents are more likely to give birth to less healthy progeny. Those children may suffer from a number of serious diseases, ranging from rickets to autism. In the long run, this may have an adverse effect on the overall competence of the future workforce.

In conclusion, it is understandable why people want to have children in their middle age, but they have to stay alert to the aforementioned significant threats.

Nowadays People Decide to have Children later in their Life – Model Essay 7

There are growing numbers of men and women choosing to have children later in life these days. In my opinion, the financial advantages of this trend far outweigh any perceived downsides.

The most significant tradeoffs of this relate to opportunity and maturity. Many individuals decide early on in their career to wait until their mid to late 30s to have children. The natural risk here is that if the relationship ends before that point or they then have trouble conceiving, they may end up childless. This possibility is lower today due to advances in fertility science but still exists. Furthermore, having children is a maturing experience. If an individual waits until late in life to raise a child, then they delay the experience gained and may later regret their decision. Most parents would openly admit that parenthood is a life-altering milestone and defining moment of adulthood.

Nonetheless, the disadvantages detailed above pale in comparison to the economic merits of delaying childbirth. Firstly, most young parents are not in an ideal situation in their career. Many working parents earn low salaries and work long hours. Once they have a child that means the majority of their day is occupied and they may feel trapped and overburdened. It is then difficult to switch careers or move to a new location as well as afford all the expenses incumbent on parents. This often results in parents becoming resentful and projecting their animosity towards their children or significant other. In contrast, parents who are firmly established in their careers, earn decent salaries, and have savings set aside have both the time and energy to devote to raising their children well without having to stress about making ends meet.

In conclusion, despite marginal risks concerning the opportunity and experience, it is an overall positive for financial reasons that many prospective parents are putting off childbirth. Therefore, this trend should be welcomed and encouraged.

People Decide to have Children later in their Life – Model Essay 8

Having a paradigm change in societal belief and people’s fascination with using a coveted career, they are inclined to become parents in a later period than yesteryear. There are a few notable causes of this, and that I believe it has more negative effects.

Because of this, childbirth is delayed. As per a recent poll, many young men and women who begin their careers after their schooling tend to be more focused on their tasks than having their very own household. Finally, if they get married, they are already in their mid-thirties, and they require a while to settle and have monetary stability before getting their first child. What is more, the old belief that a woman ought to be well prepared to handle a household and have kids earlier has shifted, and many more wives operate in offices than ever before.

If we detect that the harmful impacts of the tendency have, we will attempt to undo it. The negative outcome of the tendency is that the number of couples trying hard to get parents. It is scientifically demonstrated that couples’ infertility rate is greater who attempt to become pregnant following their mid-thirties. A few of the couples finally split their marriages because of this, which attracts unfathomable social issues. Additionally, having a kid in the first years of marriage creates a few more family-oriented, which finally helps them get a greater future.

In conclusion, late marriage, nuclear family construction, and much more focus on tasks are the key reasons people become parents in a later phase, and this has more negative results on the positive sides.

Nowadays People Decide to have Children later in their Life – Model Essay 9

These days, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to marry and start a family later in life. Although there are risks associated with this trend, it is overwhelmingly positive as it allows individuals to lead fuller lives.

Those who decry these changes can justifiably point out the maturing effects of marriage and children. Just like going to school or getting a job, getting married and having children are milestones in life that both signal and push forward character development. A child is an especially important opportunity for growth as parents must subordinate their own needs to a greater good. If this occurs later, then a person may remain immature well into their 30s. It stands to reason that this lack of character development will permeate throughout one’s life and relationships and possibly become more fixed.

Nonetheless, the statements above cannot be generalised to all people and are greatly outweighed by the freedom gained. When a couple gets married and has children from a young age, they are sacrificing a great deal of freedom and opportunity. Assuming they were not born wealthy, it will be impossible to focus on a successful career and also be an attentive parent. The result is likely that they will either neglect their children, marriage, or career, all of which can instill resentment and foment future problems. On the other hand, those who delay marriage are naturally more experienced and ready for a long-term relationship with parental duties as well as likely more settled in a stable career that can relieve the financial strain most young parents must withstand.

In conclusion, though raising children later can lead to a protracted period of immaturity, the advantages related to lifestyle are undisputed. It is therefore important that companies and governments are receptive to this new reality.

People Decide to have Children later in their Life – Model Essay 10

It is widely agreed that having babies later would have many benefits for their life. But I completely believe that these drawbacks and disadvantages are outweighed by these benefits for citizens.

On the one hand, nowadays, it is a general trend that more and more women expect to have a baby after they become a successful girl in career or gain some target, which have been planned when they are young. In modern society, the roles of these women are really important in comparison with about 10 or 20 years ago. Additionally, although a lot of couples give a decision to get married soon but they accept that delay having children. I think that these couples want to have a sustainable background about financial or physiological health when they become parents of these children in the future. I would say that it is the suitable reason to contribute to these nuclear families for the community.

However, I agree that there are some personal reasons why a woman should not decide to wait to have kids. Firstly, Nowadays, the people who are pregnant after 35 age periods, are considered as having a child later. In this age period, these mothers are warned by many doctors that the highest percentage of miscarriage is about 30-40%. Following this, health problems after reproduction are really serious. There is much evidence that most died cases of women belong to this group. Secondly, delay having kids leads to decreased fertility or creates a child is disabled body. It is one of the main reasons that have effects, ranging from the burden of society.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the dangers of matter are more significant than possible benefits.

People Decide to have Children later in their Life – Model Essay 11

In recent years, having children later has become a popular trend. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, and I believe that it has obvious disadvantages for every family and our community.<

There are two main reasons why more and more young people are refusing to have children when they are in the early stages of their careers. Firstly, instead of becoming parents at an early age, modern women are more likely to get higher education and want to move up the career ladder. If they get married and have a baby, it will be difficult for working mothers to divide their time to devote themselves to work and care for their offspring. Secondly, young childless families may have a strong sense of self-satisfaction. This leads to the fact that they prefer to enjoy life rather than raising children. For example, modern women tend to take care of their body and communicate with friends more than raising a child.

However, the postponement of childbirth is no longer a private affair of each family, but also greatly affects the survival of the whole nation. This trend negatively affects older parents and their future children when wives decide to get pregnant. In fact, after age 35, older mothers may face the risk of miscarriage or difficult childbirth. Moreover, if mothers have easy deliveries, babies are at risk of developing Down syndrome. As a result, it could negatively impact those who shape the nation’s tomorrow and the quality of our future productive workforce.

To sum up, there are several reasons why many people tend to put off having a baby in their lives. Therefore, it can negatively affect every family and our society as a whole.

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Authoritative Parenting Is the Best Way To Raise Kids, According to Experts—Here's What to Know

Striking the perfect balance between strict and lenient, authoritative parents raise kids who are well rounded, feel valued, and have good behavior, too.

What Is Authoritative Parenting?

• Characteristics

How to Be an Authoritative Parent

Authoritative parents somehow manage to strike a perfect balance between disciplinarian and pushover. They're warm and kind to their children, but they set effective limits, too. They respect their kids' personhood and individuality, and they parent with the goal of producing well-rounded, independent, happy people who will be positive additions to society.

Sound like you? Read on to understand all the pros—and a few cons—of the authoritative parenting style. We also share some examples and characteristics.

Michael H / Getty Images

Authoritative parents use rules to empower their children to make the right choices. This sets them apart from authoritarian parents (who are hyper-focused on rules) and permissive parents (who tend to eschew rules altogether).

Authoritative parents "acknowledge the importance of setting limits and boundaries, but they're not overly strict, says Jeff Nalin, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of  Paradigm Treatment Centers ."They encourage their children to express themselves and contribute to problem-solving, but they don't provide excessive rules or unrealistic expectations."

Authoritative parents can be described as nurturing, responsive, and supportive in their interactions with their children. But they balance that warmth with consistent limit setting.

Other Parenting Styles

Experts have identified four different  parenting styles : authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. These types are based on the research of clinical and developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind, and were further shaped by Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin, researchers from Stanford University. Of the four parenting types, experts agree that authoritative parenting is most favored.

Characteristics of Authoritative Parents

Authoritative parents have some recognizable traits, including the following:

• Allow their kids to fail, but provide support and guidance if asked
• Emphasize well-roundedness in their children
• Give kids the opportunity to discuss household rules regularly
• Place a high importance on fairness and respect
• Prefer to empower their kids, rather than intimidate or befriend them
• Express interest in their children’s thoughts and feelings
• Set clear expectations and communicate them properly

“Authoritative parents see their child as a full person and treat them with love and compassion,” says  Brenda Arellano , LPA, licensed psychological associate and pediatric anxiety specialist. Importantly, authoritative parents will gently nudge their kids to step out of their comfort zones so that they'll try new things and challenge themselves.

Pros of Authoritative Parenting

When it comes to authoritative parenting, it's pretty much all good news! Research has shown that this type of positive discipline produces resilient, confident, respectful, and happy children. They're well-adjusted and have appropriate developmental outcomes.

Here, we break down some of the biggest advantages of authoritative parenting.

Accountability

Children who are raised by authoritative parents understand that they're ultimately responsible for their choices, which empowers them to make good decisions. These children don't usually cave to peer pressure , and they've learned the key life skills that will help them thrive. They're also less likely to use drugs.

Children whose parents show them respect are more likely to respect others. They often thrive in social settings and get along well with teachers and peers.

Children of authoritative parents are allowed to fail and learn from their mistakes. They build resilience, which is the ability to overcome and bounce back from life's challenges and traumas. These experiences also increase self-esteem , problem-solving skills, pride in accomplishments, and confidence. Studies have also found that authoritative parenting has a mitigating effect on depression during adolescence.

Because of their ability to make their own decisions, these children have the kind of confidence and savvy that allows them to take on leadership roles. They value the contributions and opinions of others, but they're also comfortable making tough choices and taking the lead.

Academic Success

Authoritative parents support their children in school. Whether it's weekly homework or a special project, they make themselves available and provide the necessary tools for their children's success. They won't do it for them, though, so kids develop good homework habits and take pride in doing the work on their own—but also have a caregiver to lean on if they need guidance or support. Authoritative parenting is also associated with academic achievement.

Cons of Authoritative Parenting

Authoritative parenting is the most celebrated parenting type among psychologists worldwide, so it's difficult to find many drawbacks. But that doesn't mean that everything will be smooth sailing.

As they grow, kids go through normal phases of rebellion , anger, and apathy. These phases may be particularly difficult for authoritative parents, who naturally have high expectations of their children, and have tried hard to raise their kids in the best way possible. Here, patience is the key to success, says Nalin.

"Authoritative parenting can be more difficult and lengthy to implement because it requires a delicate balance of discipline and freedom. Parents can undergo a few periods of trial and error before they find the strategies that work best for them and their children," says Nalin. If your child acts rebellious, Nalin encourages staying firm and outlining the consequences of poor behavior .

Authoritative vs. Authoritarian Parenting

Sometimes parents confuse authoritative parenting with authoritarian parenting since the words are so similar, but there are key differences. While both involve setting limits for children, authoritarian parents don't display warmth and responsiveness to their kids in the same way that authoritative parents do.

Examples of Authoritative Parenting

It's all well and good to decide on a specific parenting approach, but you also need to know how to implement it in the real world. Here are a few scenarios that demonstrate how authoritative parents might handle everyday situations.

Screen time: Authoritative parents often place limits on screen time, but they consider their children's ages and individual situations when doing so. They're also most likely to work with their child to establish a rule that works for everyone. Children who follow set guidelines may be able to earn extra screen time as a reward for good behavior .

Play dates: Children raised by authoritative parents have a clear understanding of what must be done before going out to play with friends. They recognize the boundaries, and they follow expectations about being a good host and guest.

Food and treats: Authoritative parents won't allow kids 24/7 access to the kitchen, but they'll let their child make themselves a sandwich or another simple meal if they truly don't like what's being served. Kids are often free to grab a snack and pack their own lunch, too.

Anxious situations: Arellano says that authoritative parents help their children deal with anxiety by empowering them to face their fears. Consider a child who is anxious about going to a neighborhood picnic. The authoritative parent will validate these feelings and offer comfort, says Arellano, but they'll still tell their child that they're expected to attend.

Being an authoritative parent isn’t easy. It takes time and effort to establish developmentally appropriate expectations for your child, and then follow through with them in a clear and consistent manner.

Here are some tips for implementing an authoritative parenting style:

• Find ways to praise your child when they're good listeners or follow directions.
• Spend one-on-one time with your child, letting them choose the activity and playing along with them.
• Ensure everyone in your home understands boundaries and expectations (these should also be reasonable and developmentally appropriate).
• Be clear about consequences and follow through with them.
• Avoid harsh or coercive parenting techniques.

Key Takeaways

While there's no perfect way to parent, experts agree that an authoritative approach is ideal for most kids and families. This parenting style balances rules and limits with a caring, understanding perspective that takes kids' feelings into account.

Additional reporting by Wendy Wisner

Baumrind’s Parenting Styles . Iowa State University Digital Press . 2020.

Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children .  StatPearls  [Internet]. Updated 2022.

Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept . J Child Fam Stud . 2019.

Consequences of parenting on adolescent outcomes .  Societies . 2014.

Li The influence of authoritative parenting during adolescence on depressive symptoms in young adulthood: Examining the mediating roles of self-development and peer support . J Genetic Psychol . 2010.

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Parenting Education Programs: Pros and Cons Essay

Raising a child is a big responsibility, and it requires multiple skills and proper knowledge that most people, especially first-time parents, simply do not have. The readiness of pregnant couples to become parents and make educated decisions while raising a child affects the mental and physical health of their future kids. There are specially designed programs that are aimed to provide education and support for parents. Classes can be taken during pregnancy and early childhood. There are different ways to provide training for parents, including courses that people need to attend personally, online resources, and home visiting programs. To ensure that new pregnant couples are prepared to handle the responsibilities associated with raising kids and with helping alleviate stress and support families, it is essential that parents take parenting education programs.

Parenting education programs provide new parents with proper guidance that is based on the latest research; they help develop the necessary skills and acquire knowledge about raising kids. Expecting parents are given an opportunity to get professional advice regarding the health of their child and a variety of other topics, like proper nutrition and hygiene (Ponzetti 54-65). Such classes teach basic techniques to raise newborns, avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls.

Educational programs also teach parents to understand child development. The curriculum is specially designed to cover all significant aspects of parenting and ensure that couples are given the best professional advice that is based on the latest studies in the field. Variety of relevant to parents topics that are discussed in classes and the opportunity to learn from medical personnel make attending parenting classes recommended for all expecting parents.

Classes for pregnant couples help parents to gain confidence and reduce the level of stress. It is widespread for future parents to be anxious about having a child. Stress during pregnancy affects the development of the child and interferes with the woman’s ability to make decisions. Specially designed programs help mothers to handle this problem. Taking such classes benefits the psychological state of women and is associated with lower levels of depression and stress (Lindsay and Totsika 35). In addition to that, parenting classes support and encourage parents and provide them with an opportunity to socialize and meet with other people who have similar problems and experiences. Thus, parenting courses have an essential function to support and encourage people who are about to have a child.

Parenting programs provide social service to the disadvantaged and thus play a significant social role in promoting equality. Parenting education plays an important role in developing a proper attitude towards children among people from vulnerable families. Such people often just do not know how to approach their kids because they have not had the experience of healthy relationships with their parents during childhood. Taking parenting classes helps such individuals better realize their role and learn to engage with their kids. People who have taken courses are less prone to negligence and violence against children.

Government finances some classes for caretakers, which makes them inexpensive and sometimes even free of charge. It makes such courses equally available for all people regardless of their socio-economic status (“Free Parenting Education Classes” 00:00:30 – 00:02:00). It is important because children from low-income families are especially vulnerable, and their parents might need extra support and guidance to overcome the disadvantages of their position in society.

Parenting educational programs can be ineffective and might overwhelm parents. The critics of parenting education point out that many of the existing programs are not very effective despite the cost and involvement of highly professional medical personnel and instructors. It often happens because the course is too ambitious and does not take into account the fact that parents are already busy with many responsibilities. Difficulties associated with taking excessively detailed programs are likely to discourage people from participating. It has a negative impact on the stress level of mothers and affects motivation.

As a result, parents drop out of such problems and become disappointed in the social support system in general (Salvy et al. 160). The problem is serious, but it does not outweigh multiple benefits of parenting education, and it can be fixed by optimization of curricula and proper implementation of education programs. It is justified to focus only on the most important aspects of parenting and to keep courses reasonably simple to apprehend. It is also essential to consider the emotional state of parents and provide them with appropriate psychological support.

Parenting programs are aimed to help future parents to improve their ability to raise healthy children. Such programs have an important implication in fighting child abuse and educating pregnant couples about the health of their children. These programs have been shown to have a positive effect, and the flaws that have been found in their implementation can be fixed by further improving methods and techniques they employ to provide parents with the best advice and guidance.

All pregnant couples, especially first-time parents, are recommended to enroll in a parenting class to receive evidence-based support and education during pregnancy and while raising a child. Further research on parenting education programs is needed to develop more effective approaches to the subject and to use such classes to their full potential.

Works Cited

“Free Parenting Education Classes,” YouTube, uploaded by Fairfax County Government. 2018. Web.

Lindsay, Geoff, and Vasiliki Totsika. “The Effectiveness of Universal Parenting Programmes: The CANparent Trial.” BMC Psychology, vol. 5, no. 1, 2017, p. 35.

Ponzetti Jr, James J., editor. Evidence-Based Parenting Education: A Global Perspective. Routledge, 2015.

Salvy, Sarah J., et al. “Home Visitation Programs: An Untapped Opportunity for the Delivery of Early Childhood Obesity Prevention.” Obesity Reviews, vol. 18, no. 2, 2016, pp. 149-163.

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1. children’s engagement with digital devices, screen time.

The use of the internet and the adoption of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets is widespread, and digital technologies play a significant role in the everyday lives of American families. This is also true for children, who may begin interacting with digital devices at young ages.

The most common device parents say their young child engages with is a television, with 88% of parents saying their child ever uses or interacts with a TV. Smaller – yet still large – shares of parents say their child ever uses or interacts with a tablet computer (67%) or a smartphone (60%). Some 44% of parents of young children say their child ever uses or interacts with a desktop or laptop computer or a gaming device.

There are substantial age differences in the types of devices parents report their child engaging with. For example, 73% of parents with a child age 9 to 11 say their child uses a desktop or laptop computer, compared with 54% of those whose child is age 5 to 8 and just 16% of those with a child younger than 5. The use of gaming devices follows a similar pattern: 68% of parents with a child age 9 to 11 say their child uses this device, compared with 58% of those with a child age 5 to 8, one-quarter of those whose child is age 3 to 4 and 9% of those with a child age 2 or younger. Similarly, 80% of parents with a child age 5 to 11 say their child uses or interacts with a tablet computer, compared with 64% of parents with a child age 3 to 4 who do this and 35% with a child or a child age 2 or younger.

These differences by the child’s age are less pronounced when other devices are considered. For instance, parents with a child age 9 to 11 are more likely to say their child engages with a smartphone (67%), compared with parents with a child age 5 to 8 (59%) or age 2 or younger (49%). Parents with a child age 3 to 4 fall in the middle – 62% say their child uses or interacts with a smartphone.

Parents of the youngest children are less likely to say their child engages with a television, but majorities of all age groups still report doing so – 74% of parents with a child age 2 or younger say their child uses or interacts with a television, compared with 90% or more of parents with a child in somewhat older age groups.

More than one-third of parents with a child under 12 say their child began interacting with a smartphone before the age of 5

Nearly one-in-five parents of a child younger than 12 say their child has their own smartphone

There are differences in child smartphone ownership by parents’ education level and the age of the child. Parents with a high school education or less are twice as likely as parents who are college graduates to say their child has their own smartphone (21% vs. 11%). Parents with some college education fall in the middle, with 19% saying their child under the age of 12 has their own smartphone.

Parents with somewhat older children are also more likely to say their child has their own device. For example, 37% of parents of a child age 9 to 11 say their child has their own smartphone, compared with 13% of those with a child 5 to 8, 5% of those with a child 3 to 4 and 3% of those with a child who is 2 or younger.

Among the share of parents who say their child under age 12 has their own smartphone (17%), roughly half (51%) say this child was between the ages of 9 and 11 when they got their own device, and about one-third of parents (35%) say this happened between ages 5 and 8. Much smaller shares of these parents say the same for younger ages.

Far fewer parents with a child in this age range say that major reasons their child has their own smartphone are to have something to keep them entertained (25%) or because their friends or classmates have a phone (6%). About one-in-ten parents of a child ages 5 to 11 (9%) say that a major reason this child has their own smartphone is to do their homework.

More than a third of parents say their child under the age of 12 uses or interacts with a voice-activated assistant

Roughly one-third of parents of a child age 11 or younger (36%) say their child ever uses or interacts with a voice-activated assistant such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon Alexa. There are differences in a child’s interaction with this type of device by age of the child, race or ethnicity, parent’s level of educational attainment and community type.

Parents who have an older child, between the ages of 5 and 11, are more likely than parents with a child age 3 to 4 or age 2 or younger to say their child uses or interacts with a voice-activated assistant.

Among parents with a child under age 12, those with lower levels of formal education are less likely to say their child engages with a voice-activated assistant – 26% of parents with a high school education or less say their child does this, compared with 38% of parents who have some college education and 42% of college graduates.

White parents are more likely than Hispanic parents to say their child ever interacts with or uses a voice-activated assistant. Those living in suburban locations are also more likely than those living in rural communities to say their child does this.

The use of a voice-activated assistant varies substantially by the age of the child for all but one of these activities – with older children being more likely to use these functions. Fully 78% of parents with a child age 5 to 11 say their child uses a voice-activated assistant to get information, compared with 29% of parents with a child age 4 or younger who say the same.

When it comes to using the voice-activated assistant to hear jokes, more than half of parents (54%) with a 5- to 11-year-old child say their child uses a voice-activated assistant to do this, compared with roughly one-quarter of parents (24%) with a younger child, 4 or younger, who say the same. And more than twice as many parents with a child age 5 to 11 say their child uses a voice-activated assistant to play games compared with parents with a child age 4 or younger (34% vs. 16%). There is no difference by age of child when it comes to parents saying their child uses a voice-activated assistant to play music.

A portion of parents say their child younger than 12 uses social media; use varies by age of child, parents’ level of education

Relatively few parents of a child age 11 or younger say that, as far as they know, their child uses social media, though shares are higher for parents of children ages 9 to 11. Despite most social media sites having age guidelines in place, which usually restrict children younger than 13 from joining, some 13% of these parents say their child uses TikTok and 10% say their child uses Snapchat. Just 5% say their child uses Instagram, and even fewer (3%) say their child uses Facebook. Some 7% of parents say their child uses some other social media site. There are differences in child social media use by age of the child and parents’ level of educational attainment.

Parents with a child age 9 to 11 are more likely than parents with a child in younger age groups to say their child uses any of the social media platforms asked about in the survey. For example, three-in-ten parents of a child age 9 to 11 say their child uses TikTok, compared with 11% of parents of a child between the ages of 5 and 8 and 3% of parents of children ages 4 and younger.

Parental education level is also a factor in their child’s use of certain social media sites. For example, parents of a child age 11 or younger with a high school education or less are more likely than those with a postgraduate degree to say their child uses TikTok (19% vs. 6%). This trend also holds for a child’s use of Snapchat and Facebook.

Parents are more likely to say their child under age 12 uses a social media site if this child has their own smartphone. For instance, 42% of parents who say their child has their own smartphone also say their child uses TikTok, and 31% say their child uses Snapchat. These shares fall to 10% or less across all platforms for parents who say their child does not have their own smartphone.

CORRECTION (Aug. 5, 2020): An earlier version of this report included a chart with a headline that read “Roughly half of parents say their child got their own smartphone between the ages of 9 and 11.” This headline has been edited for accuracy to explain that this was only among those whose child had their own smartphone. The chart, now titled “51% of parents whose young child has their own smartphone say this child got the device between the ages of 9 and 11,” was also edited so that all figures displayed in the bar chart are scaled correctly.

• When all parents with a child under the age of 12 are considered, 35% say their child began engaging with a smartphone before the age of 5, 15% say this happened between the ages of 5 and 8, and 8% say their child began engaging with this device between the ages of 9 and 11. ↩

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Ielts essay # 1425 - advantages and disadvantages of sending children to preschool at a young age, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some parents send their children to preschool when they are three or four years old. other parents wait until their children are old enough for primary school before they send them to school., discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sending children to preschool at a young age..

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

11 min read

Updated On Apr 12, 2024

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We have all made a list of pros and cons when faced with a difficult decision. An advantages disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing is kind of like an organized pros and cons list.

In this article, we will go over the structure of Task 2 advantages and disadvantages, how to write an advantages and disadvantages essay and go over a few IELTS sample essays of this type.

Understanding the Question and Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay 

The IELTS advantages disadvantages essay is a question type you will come across in IELTS Writing Task 2 .

You will be asked to write about the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. It can be worded in different ways. Let’s see some examples.

• At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones in our daily lives.
• Some companies and organizations require their employees to wear uniforms. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a uniform?
• A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?
• What are the pros and cons for children watching television? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your knowledge or experience.
• Globalization has both advantages and disadvantages. Discuss both and give your opinion.

Discussing the Question of Advantages and Disadvantages Essay IELTS

In some questions of Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages essay, you will be asked to share your opinion. However, in most cases, discussing the pros and cons/benefits and drawbacks/advantages and disadvantages is enough.

The first part of the question for advantage and disadvantage essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 will always be a statement. In the second part, you will get to know whether you have to discuss only the benefits and drawbacks or add your opinion along with it. So, no need to worry!

As you can see in the image above, the first question asks you to share your opinion, whereas in the second, you will have to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Structure of the IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essay

The IELTS Essay writing task is quite challenging as it requires you to write an essay on an unseen topic from any walk of life – it can range from social issues to environmental discourse. To make it easy, you can practice  advantage and disadvantage essay topics  based on the following structure breakdown.

• Paraphrase the question statement.
•  State what the following paragraphs will discuss.
• Mention your viewpoint (if asked in the question)
• Discuss the advantages.
• Explain the benefits with examples in 2-3 sentences.
• Discuss the disadvantages.
• Explain the drawbacks with examples in 2-3 sentences.
• Summarize the benefits and drawbacks discussed in the essay.

Remember that there is no right or wrong structure for  advantages and disadvantages writing task 2 . However, if you use this, it will enable you to plan your essay in no time during the exam.

Join us in our IELTS webinars to learn tricks to handle IELTS Writing Task 2 essays!  Explore Now!

How to Plan Your Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay?

The planning for writing any essay type in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires around 5 minutes.

The process covers essential aspects such as analysis of the question, organization of the points to be included, identifying relevant vocabulary, and understanding the  marking criteria  to obtain a good  band score .

The following points will provide a concise guide on how to plan your answer for the advantages and disadvantages of essays in IELTS academic writing task 2 and save some time to revise your response.

• To answer the advantages disadvantages essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2, first you have to identify the keywords and instructions in the question to discuss the positives and negatives of the statement.
• Plan your structure, including your main arguments, advantages, and disadvantages, to present your answer in a well-structured manner.
• Take at least 10 minutes to analyze and understand the given statement and evaluate its pros and cons.
• Organize your thoughts and provide a clear and concise response.
• Using appropriate writing task 2 vocabulary and phrases (lexical resource) is important. But avoid stuffing too many words into irrelevant places.
• Ensure that your response remains relevant to the given topic.
• Understand the IELTS writing band descriptors like Task Response, Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy to obtain a  high band score .

How to Write an Advantages Disadvantages Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Once you have planned your advantage and disadvantage essay for Writing Task 2, it is time to write down your answer.

Writing The Essay Introduction

The first thing that you have to do is to write an introduction for an advantages disadvantages essay.

• Your introduction should paraphrase the topic of the essay and try to use different vocabulary/synonyms for the words in the topic, wherever possible.
• Then, give a brief idea about what could be expected in the essay, i.e. the advantages and the disadvantages of the concerned topic.
• Finally, state which side you think weighs the most (when asked for an opinion.)

Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages Essay IELTS

Although there is no strict rule about the number of paragraphs forIELTS essays, it is better to limit the number to two. It will not only help you to follow the word count but also keep your essay concise.

Body Paragraph 1 

• It should state the advantage/s of the topic.
• This should be backed by practical points, and the examples would be even better.
• Day-to-day incidents and instances can be brought to notice.

Body Paragraph 2 

• It should state the disadvantage/s of the topic.
• This as well should be supported by valid points, and the daily incidents and examples can be highlighted to back your points.

How To Write An Essay Conclusion?

You should conclude the topic by providing a summary of the points put forth in the entire essay and how the advantages or disadvantages of the topic outweigh the other (if applicable).

• Make sure to end the essay with a well rounded conclusion.
• Link your ideas discussed in the essay to ensure cohesion and coherence.
• The question/s along with the essay statement should be answered.

To help you to understand this type of essay better, given below are some essential essay vocabulary you must know as well as a sample essay with a detailed outline. We’ve provided you with ample IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay topics to help you hone your essay writing skills.

IELTS Essay Vocabulary

A strong command of  vocabulary  is crucial for writing an effective advantages disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Your proficiency in English language vocabulary will be evident in how expertly you can select the most suitable expressions to convey precise meanings. Diversifying your vocabulary will enable you to incorporate a greater variety of words in your essays. However, it is important to note that overusing uncommon words and phrases can reduce the relevance of your answer.

Wondering the Trick to Score a Band 8 in Writing Task 2?  Know the Secret!

Tips for Mastering Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Writing an essay on IELTS advantage disadvantage essay topics needs careful preparation and planning. Here are some tips that you can use to write a high quality essay:

• Understand the Question:  Make sure you understand the question and what is expected of you before you begin writing. Decide which advantages and disadvantages you need to talk about and if you need to share your opinion.
• Generate Ideas:  Spend a few minutes identifying the benefits and drawbacks of the selected subject. List the main ideas and instances you’ll utilize to support your claims.
• Structure Your Essay:  Write your essay with a logical and obvious structure. Begin with an introduction that briefly summarizes your key points and states the subject. After that, give each benefit and drawback a paragraph of its own, and then wrap up by summarizing your points in the conclusion.
• Use Linking Words:  To connect your thoughts and create a smooth writing flow, use a range of linking words and phrases, like “furthermore,” “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in conclusion.”
• Support Your Points:  Give particular instances, figures, or anecdotes to back up each benefit and drawback you discuss. This will improve the persuasiveness of your arguments and raise your score.
• Plan your Time Effectively:  During the exam, manage your time well. Plan your essay for a few minutes, then concentrate on creating paragraphs that are precise and to the point. At the conclusion, give yourself some time to review and make any required changes.
• Practice is the Key to Success:  It is the ultimate truth. The more you practice, the more you will become efficient in planning, organizing and structuring your advantages disadvantages essay for IELTS Writing Task 2. So, take up more  writing practice tests  and make the best use of them.

Ensure you’re using the right structure for IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays!

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Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay Questions and Sample Answers

Given below are some sample questions for the advantages and disadvantages type of essay and band 9 methodologies of answering them.

Sample Question 1

Sample answer.

Foreign education has become one of the most sought-after ventures in this day and age. A majority of students plan on pursuing higher education in a foreign nation, especially when it comes to a master’s degree. One of the reasons why studying abroad has become such a popular phenomenon is the relaxation of travel laws and procedures across the world. However, there are pros and cons to studying abroad and the following paragraphs will explore the topic and elaborate on why the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the primary reasons for studying abroad is the presence of a more refined and sophisticated education system in several first-world countries. It is common for students from underdeveloped or developing countries like Brazil, China, India, Argentina and other countries to look for better opportunities than the ones available in their native country in terms of academics. Also, residing in a foreign country helps individuals to gain international exposure and also helps them develop social and interpersonal skills, which are extremely important for being eligible for lucrative job opportunities.

Nevertheless, there are numerous drawbacks to travelling abroad for education. First of all, from the beginning of applying to a foreign university to staying in the host country for the entire duration of your degree, it is an exorbitant affair. Such a costly endeavour is often unaffordable for the household of many people. That being said, becoming accustomed to the norms and conventions of an unfamiliar country can be a tough ordeal for many due to differences in culture and social traditions.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that foreign education can be a blessing if it is financially feasible for aspiring students. That being said, the benefits of studying abroad surpass the drawbacks for the same.

Check Out –  How to Plan an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Best Strategy)

Sample Question 2

Globalization has been one of the most significant phenomena in the last few decades, and it has changed several aspects of human society both economically and socially. There has been remarkable progress in terms of economic and financial development for developing countries due to the expansion of global organizations. However, there are several drawbacks to this rapid progress that need to be addressed. Evidently, globalization has more advantages than disadvantages and the following paragraphs will elaborate on the topic and justify these views.

First of all, the most advantageous aspect of globalization is the advent of numerous international companies and franchises in developing countries. Ever since global brands and corporations have expanded their operations in countries such as India, China, Sri Lanka and many more, there has been a notable increase in employment in these countries. Additionally, due to the remarkable rise in the number of imports and exports, people from third world countries now have access to a vast catalogue of products and services that were previously unattainable.

That being said, there are drawbacks to globalization that create concerning issues for a sizable portion of the global population. One of the most disturbing consequences faced is the exploitation of labour. Many corporations are known to outsource their operations to developing countries due to cheap labour costs. This enables them to accomplish their manufacturing operations without having to provide proper remuneration. Also, due to the use of inexpensive labour, the quality of products is diminished, and customers receive inferior products.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the effects of globalization are not entirely positive or negative. Nonetheless, the benefits brought by this occupation outweigh the drawbacks.

Practice Advantages Disadvantages Essays IELTS with IELTSMaterial

There is no doubt that you are preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2. So, we would recommend you to take up advantage and disadvantage essay topics regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at solving the IELTS Writing test and answers within the dedicated timeframe.

Check out our  well-reviewed IELTS Writing study guide , which includes self-explanatory lessons and sample answers. If you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to  contact our IELTS specialists . Make the necessary preparations to improve your score on the IELTS Speaking test and get a Band 8+.

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• Useful Structures to Help You Get Band 7.5+ in IELTS Writing
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an advantage/disadvantage essay? How do you identify that the essay falls under this category?

What is the structure of an advantage/disadvantage essay?

Is it mandatory to put advantages and disadvantages separately in two paragraphs or can I club them?

In case of questions where advantages outweigh disadvantages, I might have to write disadvantages first? Will it affect my score?

In the conclusion part of the advantage/disadvantage essay, is it ok to support one side?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Kasturika Samanta

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

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10 comments.

Ashlin Devi

Posted on Oct 5, 2023

Nowdays, technologies are in high demand. People are possessed with their own computers and cell phones, so it is quite easy for them to do their job at home. Even though it is acknowledged with several points that working from home is quite easier, the essay will argue that the drawbacks of working from home will outweigh its strength. The main disadvantages are ineffective communication and the relationship amongst people becoming distant. First of all, people need internet to communicate. The internet connectivity is very poor at times, especially in the remote areas. Furthermore, during virtual meetings, discussion gets difficult due to connection issues where meeting is not worthwhile since no voice or no video. Moreover, working from home gives distance amongst people where you will not be able to have interact with colleague. Face-to-face discussion is very important where you get to work more effectively and efficiently. On the other hand, working from home is indeed benefit. People do not have to travel to reach work. The time which are spend on travelling, can be utilized on other activities such as house cores, leisure activities or even can work extra hours to meet the given deadline. Furthermore, people get flexibility in working hours, since there are no superior workers supervising employee. To conclude, there are some strengths on working from home but drawbacks overweigh strengths since working from home is not as easy task as people think since ineffective communication and people interaction is very important.

ria mahajan

Posted on Oct 6, 2023

Overall Band 5.5 Main ideas are relevant, but some are insufficiently developed and lack clarity, while some supporting arguments and evidences are missing for the question.Simple vocabulary is used accurately but the range does not permit much variation in expression.A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used but flexibility is limited. For detailed analysis,you can avail a Free trial class Find the link below: https://ieltsmaterial.com/signup-1/ or you may reach out to us: +91 8929053019

Posted on May 15, 2023

More students prefer foreign colleges and universities. Although studying abroad is costly, a concerning drawback, the global exposure a student gets is the primary benefit that outweighs any disadvantage. On the one hand, pursuing education abroad is quite expensive, which is the primary concern. The tuition fee in the universities of developed countries is relatively high, and it is challenging for a student from an average financial background to afford it. Furthermore, people need to find part-time jobs to handle their daily expenditures. For example, a study by the University of Dubai revealed a drop of 25% in the enrolment of international students in the year 2023 compared to 2022 among the Gulf nations due to an increase in college fees. However, many universities provide scholarships to merit students, and youth can get global exposure which is of considerable significance. The primary benefit of choosing foreign universities is that the pupils get excellent global exposure. In many developed nations, the education system is quite advanced and leans towards practical knowledge than textbook learning. Moreover, people can build a strong network with locals which helps them in their professional careers. For instance, one of my friends, Ravi, who runs a garment business, is able to expand his work abroad due to the exposure he got while pursuing his master’s in abroad and the network he built during his education period. This is why youth prefer foreign universities. In conclusion, although studying abroad is quite expensive, the undisputed benefit of getting global exposure surpasses any hindrance.

Posted on Dec 3, 2022

“Nowadays online shopping becomes more popular than in-store shopping. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your reasons and examples.” Isn’t this an opinion question though you have categorized it under advantages and disadvantages? I believe we have to describe only one aspect in our body paragraphs rather than describing both positive and negative aspects?

Posted on May 29, 2022

Nowadays, studying abroad is a new trend among students. Undoubtedly, there are positive and negative aspects of studying in a foreign country. However, the benefits of attending colleges and universities in a foreign country outweigh the drawbacks. The next couple of paragraphs will explain the topic and justify these viewpoints.

To begin with, studying abroad has several advantages for students. For instance, a student who is studying in a foreign country will probably improve language skills better than others. Learning a foreign language is extremely significant in a global environment. Moreover, living outside of a home country will enhance students’ worldview thanks to the culture of the host country. Therefore, it can be said that studying abroad paws the way for great career options.

However, there are undesired sides to education in a foreign state. One of them is education expenditure. Studying abroad might be expensive. Thus, it might lead to a huge economic burden for both student and his family. When a student moves to another country for education, he must face several challenges caused by living alone. For instance, some students might have some psychological problems during the first couple of weeks following their move. It can be claimed that being homesick is a common problem among young students.

In conclusion, having a graduate degree from a foreign country has both negative and positive sides. Although there are significant advantages, the benefits of studying abroad surpass the drawbacks for the same.

Posted on May 30, 2022

Band Score – 6

Concentrate on the correct usage of quantifiers and subject-verb agreement.

In some places words are used incorrectly, pay attention to them.

Use C2 level of words.

Purnima Koli

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

Parents tend to give the children better resources as compared to their own childhood. This way they also feel compensated in the process while bringing up their own child. While having a huge collection of toys to play with is not all that bad, at the same time can lead to some issues.

Firstly, having a diversity in the range of toys have multiple benefits. The child can learn how to manage or organize better. Varied exposure to different themes of toys makes one more aware.

Secondly, sharing can also develop social skills among the child’s friend circle. To get hands-on-experience with toys such as Rubix’s cube, puzzles hone mental capacity of the kid. Similarly, educational and infotainment toys help shape likes and dislikes, opinions, communication skills. Thus, caters to holistic development which is often a cause of worry for parents.

On the other hand, if the child is given more and more, this may result in losing the value of individual toy. Not only is this expenditure wasteful but also teaching consumerist tendencies to the child. Perhaps unconsciously the child stops valuing his toys and takes them for granted in desire for more.

To have enough needs to be inculcated rather than frivolous costs being incurred. The parents need to be also mindful of teaching holistic habits like outdoor games, reading, painting apart from playing with toys for all round development.

Having many toys is also burdensome when it comes to maintenance. If that could be sorted then it’s much easier to assemble and play as per the child’s convenience. Gifting once in a while is a good option to keep the spirits of the child happy.

Posted on Nov 13, 2021

If you would have presented this same as a 4 paragraph structure and added the conclusion you would have score 7 easily.

Overall band: 5

Coherence: It is better to follow a 4 paragraph structure so that it is easy for the examiner to mark you for coherence. Conclusion is missing in your essay. Conclusion is where you sum up and restate points.

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• Essay Task 2

Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

• Essay Types
• Double Question
• Advantage Disadvantage
• Problem Solution
• Essay Length

IELTS advantage/disadvantage essays ask you to write about the benefits and drawbacks of a topic as well as (sometimes) asking for your opinion.  This guide covers everything you need to know to complete an Academic IELTS advantage/ disadvantage essay. Let’s start preparing with Benchmark IELTS!

Table of Contents

1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example advantage/disadvantage questions, 2.1 essay structure 1, 2.2 essay structure 2.

• 3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion, 5.1 complete the sample advantage/disadvantage essay, 5.2 advantage/disadvantage sample essay, 1. advantage/ disadvantage essay overview.

This section of the guide will show you how to identify an IELTS advantage/disadvantage question.

Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:

• Advantage/disadvantage
• Double question
• Problem/solution

It is very important to understand what type of question you are given in the exam so you can respond in an appropriate way: different question types will require different responses.

Advantage/disadvantage essay questions can be presented in several different ways.

Here are some examples of the way an advantage/disadvantage question may be worded:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of _____ and give your opinion.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of _____?

You may also see questions using synonyms for advantage and disadvantage, for example:

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of…?

Be careful, the question itself might not always use words or phrases relating to advantage/disadvantage and they could be hidden in the statement,  as seen here:

• Some people believe that using a bicycle as your main form of transport has a lot of advantages , whereas others believe that it has many disadvantages . Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Here is another example of a question where you are asked to give your opinion:

• Do the advantages of … outweigh the disadvantages

After you have identified the essay type , you need to understand what you are being asked to do. To do well in the Task achievement marking component, you need to ‘ address all parts of the task’ .

This type of essay question will always be split into two parts:

• The IELTS statement
• The question

You must always write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic. As we can see in example questions 1-6, sometimes you are asked to give your opinion on the question, and sometimes you are not. Let’s compare the following questions:

You are not being asked to give your opinion

Here are some example advantage/disadvantage essay questions:

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more of an opportunity to study abroad.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Today children spend a lot of their free time watching TV.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this practice?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

• IELTS Discussion Type Questions
• Double Question IELTS Essay Topics
• Opinion-based Task 2 IELTS Guide
• Problem Solution IELTS Writing Task Statement

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy.

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

More and more people prefer to read news online rather than on paper.

Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

There is more than one way to structure your advantage/disadvantage essay. You could take a thesis-led (opinion in the introduction) or an evidence-led (opinion in your conclusion).

You could also choose to focus on one or more than one advantage/disadvantage in each of your main body paragraphs.

The next two sections will give you two possible ways that you could structure your essay using four clearly organized paragraphs.

Thesis-led approach

Evidence-led approach

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Before you start writing your essay, you should give yourself 5 minutes to analyze the question and organize your ideas . Follow the tips below to create a well-planned essay!

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

It sounds simple, but it is very important that you read the question carefully and understand what you are being asked to write about. To analyze the question, first, identify any keywords and phrases .

You should first identify the topic of the essay. If you do not write about the correct topic, you will score poorly in Task achievement . The general topic can always be found in the IELTS statement.

Let’s take a look at one of the previous examples:

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace . Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy .

The topic words are underlined and show the general topic of this essay question in nuclear weapons/power/technology .

After you have identified the general topic, you need to locate other keywords that give you more detail about the topic. In this question, the words world peace and cheap and clean energy in bold give you more information about the general topic. Therefore, your essay should only relate to these aspects of nuclear weapons/power/technology .

Now take a look at the question for our model answer at the end of this guide. Can you identify the general topic?

This is an important step that is often skipped by test-takers. By quickly writing down your key ideas, you will avoid repeating or missing any points and improve your score in both Task achievement and Coherence and cohesion .

You could use bullet points , columns , or another preferred method of writing down ideas . Here is an example for our sample essay:

Take a look at our Master Guide for a more in-depth look at idea generation and organizing your ideas.

Taking a moment to write down more uncommon vocabulary related to the essay topic will not only make you feel more relaxed in the exam but will also help you to improve your score in Lexical resources .

This doesn’t have to be a long list, just a few ideas that come into your mind. Here are some examples of the topic of studying abroad:

• Culture shock
• Language barrier
• Broaden one’s horizons

4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Your introduction should be the shortest paragraph in your essay (about 40-60 words is perfect).

You need to rephrase the IELTS statement in your own words. This is known as paraphrasing (a key skill to develop for the IELTS exam).

Take a look at our example:

You can also briefly state what your essay will be about in one clear sentence. For instance:

This essay will discuss both points of view and then I will give my opinion.

If you are taking a thesis-led approach, you can use one of the following sentence starters to briefly give your opinion:

• I believe that…
• It is my belief that…
• In my opinion,…

A note on the use of the first person ‘I’: Unlike writing task 1, it is appropriate to use the first person in your writing task 2 essay. In fact, it is unavoidable when giving your opinion. But , you should not overuse ‘I’ in your essay and we recommend you limit your use to your introduction and conclusion.

Topic sentences Usually, the first sentence of your main body paragraph will be a topic sentence . The purpose of your topic sentence is to introduce the main idea of your paragraph .

You should include one topic sentence for each advantage/disadvantage . This means that, if your main body paragraphs focus on two advantages/disadvantages , then you should have two topic sentences per paragraph.

Here’s an example: One advantage of studying abroad is that students can improve their language skills.

Here are some other sentence starters you can use for your essays (you can replace the underlined words with vocabulary linked to your topic):

• One advantage of studying abroad is that ….
• Another benefit of studying abroad is that…
• One downside of studying abroad is that…
• Another downside of studying abroad is that…

Supporting sentences You should then expand on your topic sentence with a supporting sentence/sentences . Your sentence(s) could either describe a result of the advantage/disadvantage, go into more detail , or explain the reason(s) why these benefits/drawbacks occur.

Our example supporting sentence describes a result of the advantage given in the topic sentence.

Topic sentence – One advantage of studying abroad is that students can improve their language skills.

Supporting sentence – This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities.

Here are some sentences starters you can use to begin your supporting sentences:

• This is because…
• The result/consequence/reason is that…
• This means that…
• As a result/consequence,…
• In other words,…  

Giving examples For all writing task 2 essay types , you must support your response with examples. Do not personalize your examples and link them to your life instead, Keep your examples more general . Also, do not refer to made-up statistics .

Here are some instances of suitable and non-suitable examples:

Suitable For example, many young people who study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home.

Not suitable My cousin spent three years in an English-speaking country and they got an excellent job with an international country when they came back to Spain. ( this example is too personal as it refers to the writer’s family ) ❌

According to statistics, international students are 30% more likely to get a job in an international company when they study overseas. ( this example contains a made-up statistic )

You must include a conclusion to achieve a good score in Task achievement . Your conclusion does not have to be very long, but it needs to be clear and do two main things:

• Paraphrase yourself : summarise the key points in your body paragraphs
• Give your opinion : It depends if you have taken an evidence-led or thesis-led approach, you will either be re-stating the opinion given in your introduction or giving your opinion for the first time.

Make your conclusion easy to identify for the examiner by starting with linking phrases such as:

• To sum up,…
• To summarise,…
• In conclusion,…

When you are paraphrasing the main points of your essay, you need to state that you have examined both sides of the argument (as that is what the question has asked you to do). To do this, consider using a phrase like:

In conclusion, having looked at this topic in detail, it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad .

You would need to replace the underlined section with your essay topic.

To give your opinion, you need to use a range of cohesive devices to introduce each example such as:

• From my perspective,…
• In my view,…

You then need to clearly state which side of the argument you agree with (advantage or disadvantage). Remember, your actual opinion does not matter, it is how you present your opinion using English that is important.

Here are some example sentences to do this effectively:

• In my opinion, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
• From my perspective, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits .

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

Now you’ve taken a look at how to write an advantage/disadvantage essay, let’s look at a model answer.

We have removed some of the words so you can put your knowledge to the test.

Select the correct missing words and complete the model answer.

In recent years, it has become much more common for students to complete their degree overseas instead of their house country. Many persons believe that there are significant benefits of doing this, while others argue that there are also drawbacks connected to studying abroad. This essay will discuss both points of mind and then I will give my opinion.

One advantage of study abroad is that students can improve their employee skills. This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities. An example, many young people who study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home. On the other hand benefit of studying abroad is that you can develop a better understanding of other cultures, Example , learning about a country’s customs, traditions and cuisines. The consequence of this is that people become more open-minded.

In the other hand, there are some disadvantages of studying abroad. One backdraw is that students may miss their friends and family and feel homesad. They may also find it difficult to connect with other students and make friends due to a language barrier . Another disadvantage is that students can experience a real culture shock when moving to another country. This is because the culture and language may be different which could lead to frustration for the student and dissatisfaction with their study experience.

To overall , it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. In my thought, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Although it is true that the experience may be challenging at first, on balance , if you study abroad you will have an enriching experience that will broaden your horizons and increase your future prospects.

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IELTS essay sample | Advantages and disadvantages of living alone

by Manjusha Nambiar · Published June 7, 2016 · Updated February 26, 2024

Essay topic

In some countries, more and more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Band 9 IELTS essay sample

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who live alone. This trend is more rampant in the west than in Asian countries. In my opinion, living alone has its advantages and disadvantages.

I will start with the advantages. People who live alone are better at shouldering responsibilities than those living with their family. They ensure that their rents and bills are paid on time. They learn to take care of themselves. They can cook and clean. In short they know how to lead an independent life. This lifestyle is particularly beneficial to people who seek total privacy. People who live alone are also able to do whatever they want to because there is no one to restrict them. In short, they are free birds.

On the flip side, there are several disadvantages to living alone. People who live alone are more likely to develop psychological problems like depression. Man is a gregarious creature. We are hardwired to find happiness in the company of others. When we isolate ourselves, we will face several problems. The biggest disadvantage of living alone is the lack of emotional support. Lonely people have no one to offer them support or guidance when they face problems or defeats. An unrestricted lifestyle may also make them addicted to several bad habits. This will ruin their life and relations. Worse still, they have none to help them during an emergency situation such as an illness or a natural disaster. For instance, one of my friends who lived alone in Australia recently died of a heart attack. When he experienced pain in the chest, none of his family members or friends was there to help him.

To conclude, living alone has both positive and negative impacts on our lives. In my opinion, every one of us has the right to lead a lifestyle of our choice. However, we need to ensure that our preferences do not hurt our family members or ourselves.

In some countries, more and more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past – Band 9 IELTS essay sample

More and more people are living alone these days. There are several reasons behind this trend and the most important among them are the need for freedom and the financial security that many people enjoy these days. In my opinion, living alone has both advantages and disadvantages.

They are various reasons why many people prefer to live by themselves. To start with, they seek freedom and absolute control over their lives. They do not like it when their parents or siblings try to encroach on their personal space so they choose to live alone. Generation gap is another factor that contributes to this phenomenon. Oftentimes youngsters and their parents have widely different opinions on many things and this leads to conflicts. Living alone allows people to live as they wish. Another reason for this trend is the rapid economic development. Many people now earn more than enough to live on their own. Since they do not need the financial assistance of a parent or spouse, they choose to live by themselves. The advent of modern technologies like the internet and smart phone has also contributed to this trend. People are now ready to migrate to faraway lands because they are aware that they can stay connected to their near and dear ones from any part of the globe.

On the one hand, this development can be advantageous for young people. When they live alone, they have to learn to cook, wash and manage their finances independently. If they live with their parents, they receive help all the time and this may prevent them from acquiring important life skills and becoming independent.

On the other hand, living alone does not benefit the nurturing of family bonds. While it is true that we can now get in touch with our family from any part of the world, online interactions lack the warmth of real face to face interactions. Also, when youngsters choose to live on their own, their aging parents are left alone. Last but not least, too much freedom can be detrimental and it is quite possible for young people living alone to get into bad company. Thus, it is evident that this trend has a negative impact on family relationships in the long term.

In conclusion, although living alone has become a popular trend and has its inherent advantages, people still need to pay attention to its disadvantages in order to sustain family bonds.

Today, more and more people choose to live by themselves. What are the causes of this? – Band 8 IELTS essay sample

Nowadays, many people live alone far away from their family. In my opinion, while this practice does have a few benefits, it has an equal number of downsides.

The rise in one person households can be beneficial from both personal and economic perspectives. When people live alone, they become independent and learn to manage their household and professional workload at the same time. When people live alone, they have to be self-reliant. They have to cook food, wash clothes and do all other household chores along with pursuing a job or studies. People who are willing to live alone in large cities can explore better job opportunities. Living alone is also cost effective, especially in large cities where the cost of living is high.

Despite the aforementioned advantages, there are drawbacks in equal proportion. Of particular concern is the fact that living alone is detrimental for mental /emotional health of people. People need to be surrounded by their near and dear ones to feel happiness. If they are alone, they will invariably feel a vacuum. Also, if they fall ill, they have no one to take care of them. Those who live alone are also more likely to get into bad company because there is no one to keep a tab on their activities and admonish them when they tread the wrong path.

In conclusion, although there are certain merits associated with staying apart from families it is not beneficial for the emotional wellbeing of people. If possible, people should try to take their families with them when they move to other cities in search of jobs.

In this modern world, individuals prefer to become self-dependant. Therefore, in some regions people like to stay alone or with someone of the same age group as they are. Most of the youngsters do not want to live with their families or close ones. This trend has advantages and disadvantages. In the upcoming paragraphs, I will discuss the positive and negative impacts of this trend / development.

To commence with, living alone helps an individual to gain confidence as a person has to face all the ups and downs all by themselves without any support from family members. Moreover, young ones will be able to manage their own expenses by living alone. For example, someone who lives alone will take special care to pay off their monthly mortgage payments and utility bills before due date.  In addition to this, individuals can learn to balance their earning and expenditures. They will also develop better problem solving skills.

Nevertheless, staying alone or with friends has drawbacks.  Youngsters can choose a wrong or inappropriate path in their life as they have no one to tell them what is right or wrong. Friends are not family members; while they can provide company, they are not as much interested in you as your family is. Consequently, there is a limit to the amount of support one can get from friends. Also, if one is in the company of bad friends, it can have disastrous consequences. Furthermore, living by self can lead to mental problems such as tension, depression and insomnia. People who live alone may also find it difficult to stay motivated as they do not have the moral support of their loved ones. Moreover, problems related to health may also arise. For example, someone living alone may choose to eat outside as they do not have time to cook a healthy meal for themselves.

To conclude, living away from family will teach self discipline and, enhance decision making ability. However, humans are social animals and cannot live alone without the support of their near ones. A person can face physical as well as mental issues while staying away from family.

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Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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The Pros and Cons of Screen Time for Young Children

• brightwheel

Technology can be a valuable teaching tool, but it's essential to monitor your children's screen time—the amount of time they spend looking at a computer, tablet, game system, phone, or TV—when teaching lessons that require devices.

In the digital era where screens are omnipresent, parents and educators grapple with the question of how much screen time is appropriate for young children. The balance between harnessing technology for developmental benefits while mitigating its drawbacks is a topic of considerable debate.

This article explores the multifaceted world of screen time for children, weighing the advantages of educational and engaging content against potential impacts on sleep, attention span, and physical activity.

Screen time for children

Screen time refers to the amount of time spent using devices with screens, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. It encompasses a wide array of activities, including watching videos, playing video games, browsing the internet, and using educational apps.

Technology and interactive media can help to support young children's learning and development in the classroom when used properly, but children today are often exposed to too much screen time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , children interact with screens for an average of seven hours daily.

In a 2020 survey by Pew Research , the most common device parents say their young child engages with is a television, with 88% of parents saying their child uses a TV. 80% of parents with children between the ages of five and 11 reported that their children have used or interacted with a tablet computer, compared with 64% of parents with a child aged three to four. Overall, parents with children between the ages of five and 11 were more likely to report that their children interacted with technology than parents of children under five.

Positive effects of screen time

Screen time can benefit young children if their device usage has clear time limits, is appropriately monitored, and focuses on educational content. Using devices in the classroom can help to:

Reinforce lessons

Using developmentally appropriate educational videos and digital tools in the classroom can support the concepts that are being taught or help children learn material they may struggle with.

Improve equity and inclusion

Using digital media can provide your classroom with diverse and equitable teaching materials that introduce children to cultures and identities that may not be represented in analog teaching materials, such as books.

Leverage home-school connections

Educators can utilize digital media to strengthen family engagement by offering ways families can continue their child’s learning at home. For example, teachers can suggest educational videos for families to watch with their children, providing extra practice of the skills they are learning in the classroom.

Teachers can also use software like brightwheel to communicate with families and keep them updated on their child's progress. Connect with families in real-time with the messaging feature or send newsletters highlighting classroom events or special announcements. 

Negative effects of screen time

Too much screen time can be detrimental to young children. The negative effects of screen time on children include:

Difficulty sleeping

Excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can significantly disrupt young children's sleep patterns.  Exposure to the blue light emitted by devices can disrupt circadian rhythms and natural sleep cycles. This can lead to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep.

It is also important to consider the potential impact of excessive screen time on physical activity levels. When children spend extended periods indoors engaging with screens, they may be missing out on opportunities for exercise and outdoor play, which are vital for their overall health and well-being.

A 2022 study found that three-year-olds exposed to excess screen time have an increased risk of obesity by age five .

Shorter attention spans

Another concern is the impact of excessive screen time on children's attention span. Studies have shown that young children who spend more time in front of screens tend to have shorter attention spans, making it challenging for them to focus on tasks and learn effectively in a classroom setting.

Language delays

Excessive screen time can hamper children’s communication and language skills. Children exposed to too much screen time have fewer opportunities to participate in face-to-face interactions that teach them facial expressions and emotional cues that benefit their early language development.

Screen time recommendations by age

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommends limits on screen time based on a child's age.

• Children younger than 18 months old : Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family members.
• Children ages 18 months to 24 months old : Limit screen use to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
• Children ages two to five years old : Limit non-educational screen time to about one hour per day.

Final thoughts

Including limited screen time in your curriculum can be an engaging way to teach your children material that they may not be able to learn with books or traditional activities. However, too much screen time for toddlers and preschoolers can lead to health issues and developmental delays. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the screen time limitations that are best for your classroom based on your children's ages and levels of development.

Brightwheel is the complete solution for early education providers, enabling you to streamline your center’s operations and build a stand-out reputation. Brightwheel connects the most critical aspects of running your center—including sign in and out, parent communications, tuition billing, and licensing and compliance—in one easy-to-use tool, along with providing best-in-class customer support and coaching. Brightwheel is trusted by thousands of early education centers and millions of parents. Learn more at   mybrightwheel.com .

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Guest Essay

Anxious Parents Are the Ones Who Need Help

By Mathilde Ross

Dr. Ross is a senior staff psychiatrist at Boston University Health Services.

This month, across the country, a new cohort of students is being accepted into colleges. And if recent trends continue, the start of the school year will kick off another record-breaking season for anxiety on campus.

I’m talking about the parents. The kids are mostly fine.

Let me explain. Most emotions, even unpleasant ones, are normal. But the word is out about increasing rates of mental health problems on campus, and that’s got parents worrying. Fair enough. The statistics are startling — in 2022, nearly 14 percent of 18-to-25-year-olds reported having serious thoughts about suicide.

But parents are allowing their anxiety to take over, and it’s not helping anyone, least of all their children. If a child calls home too much, there must be a crisis! And if a child calls too little, there must be a crisis! Either way, the panicked parent picks up the phone and calls the college counseling center to talk to someone like me.

I am a psychiatrist who has worked at a major university’s mental health clinic for 16 years. Much of next year’s freshman class was born the year before I started working here. Technically, my job is to keep my door open and help students through crises, big and small. But I have also developed a comprehensive approach to the assessment and treatment of anxious parents.

The typical call from a parent begins like this: “I think my son/daughter is suffering from anxiety.” My typical reply is: “Anxiety in this setting is usually normal, because major life transitions like living away from home for the first time are commonly associated with elevated anxiety.” Parents used to be satisfied with this kind of answer, thanked me, hung up, called their children and encouraged them to think long-term: “This too shall pass.” And most everyone carried on.

But these days this kind of thinking just convinces parents that I don’t know what I’m talking about. In the circular logic of mental health awareness, a clinician’s reassurance that situational anxiety is most likely normal and time-limited leads a parent to believe that the clinician may be missing a serious mental health condition.

Today’s parents are suffering from anxiety about anxiety, which is actually much more serious than anxiety. It’s self-fulfilling and not easily soothed by logic or evidence, such as the knowledge that most everyone adjusts to college just fine.

Anxiety about anxiety has gotten so bad that some parents actually worry if their student isn’t anxious. This puts a lot of pressure on unanxious students — it creates anxiety about anxiety about anxiety. (This happens all the time. Well-meaning parents tell their kid to make an appointment with our office to make sure their adjustment to college is going OK.) If the student says she’s fine, the parents worry that she isn’t being forthright. This is the conundrum of anxiety about anxiety — there’s really no easy way to combat it.

But I do have some advice for parents. The first thing I’d like to say, and I mean it in the kindest possible way, is: Get a grip.

As for your kids, I would like to help you with some age-appropriate remedies. If your child calls during the first weeks of college feeling anxious, consider saying any of the following: You’ll get through this; this is normal; we’ll laugh about this phone call at Thanksgiving. Or, say anything that was helpful to you the last time you started something new. Alternatively, you could say nothing. Just listening really helps. It’s the entire basis of my profession.

If the anxiety is connected to academic performance — for instance, if your child is having difficulty following the professor and thinks everyone in class is smarter — consider saying, “Do the reading.” Several times a semester, a student I’ve counseled tells me he or she discovered the secret to college: Show up for class prepared! This is often whispered rather sheepishly, even though my office is private.

Anxiety about oral presentations is also quite common. You know what I tell students? “Rehearse your speech.” Parents, you can say things like this, too. Practice it: “Son, you wouldn’t believe how helpful practice is.”

I can prepare you for advanced topics, too. Let’s say your child is exhausted and having trouble waking up for class; he thinks he has a medical problem or maybe a sleep disorder. Consider telling him to go to bed earlier. Common sense is still allowed.

What if a roommate is too loud or too quiet, too messy or too neat? Advise your kid to talk to the roommate, to take the conversation to the problem’s source.

If your child is worrying about something more serious, like failing out of college: This is quite common in the first few weeks on campus. Truth be told, failing all of one’s classes and being expelled as a result, all within the first semester, is essentially impossible and is particularly rare among those students who are worrying about it. The administrative process simply doesn’t happen that fast. Besides, you haven’t paid enough tuition yet.

I’m making my job sound easy, and it’s not. I’m making kids sound simple, and they’re not. They are my life’s work. Some kids walk through my door in serious pain. But most don’t. Most just need a responsible adult to show them the way. And most of what I do can be handled by any adult who has been through a thing or two, which is to say, any parent.

I worry that the current obsession with mental health awareness is disempowering parents from helping their adult children handle ordinary things. People are increasingly fearful that any normal emotion is a sign of something serious. But if you send your adult children to a mental health professional at the first sign of distress, you deprive yourself of the opportunity to strengthen your relationship with them. This is the beginning of their adult relationship with you. Show them the way.

The transition to college is full of excitement and its cousin, anxiety. I enjoy shepherding young people through this rite of passage. Parents should try enjoying it, too.

Mathilde Ross is a senior staff psychiatrist at Boston University Health Services.

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