China ‘parenting parents’ trend sees youth teach adults skills like taking selfies

February 28, 2026 - 05:03

A new social trend is emerging in China, where young adults are stepping into a guiding role for their parents, playfully termed "parenting the parents." This phenomenon sees the younger generation patiently teaching essential modern life skills to their elders, from mastering smartphone functions and taking the perfect selfie to navigating digital payments and online shopping platforms.

More than just tech support, this trend is often viewed as a subtle form of addressing generational gaps and past upbringing styles. Many young people report that their parents' traditional, sometimes rigid, parenting methods left them feeling emotionally distant or ill-prepared for contemporary social challenges. By gently reversing the roles, they aim to foster better communication, mutual understanding, and emotional connection.

The dynamic is not about disrespect but about care and integration. As society changes at a rapid pace, adult children are helping their parents adapt, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital world. This process of patient coaching allows for shared experiences and laughter, often healing old wounds in the process. It represents a significant shift in family dynamics, emphasizing a two-way street of learning and support that strengthens bonds across generations in modern Chinese households.