In our modern society, new parenting trends are constantly emerging, including the so-called „sittervising“. With this quite pass form of education the child can develop freely – it is only observed from a distance that this does not come to harm. Sittervising“ plays an important role especially in connection with the „home office“ trend. While the child is being looked after, „sittervising“ often involves other activities being done on the side (for example, answering e-mails, doing the housework, etc.). Sittervising“ is therefore a modern and increasingly popular form of parenting.
„Sittervising“ stems from the concept of „laissez-faire“ parenting, where children are largely allowed to make their own decisions in order to gain experience. However, the idea behind „sittervising“ is often something else. In the following article, the reader will learn more about what exactly it is, how „sittervising“ works, and in which areas it is particularly common.
Interpretation of the term „Sittervising“
The term „sittervising“ comes from the English language and is composed of the words „to sit“ and „to supervise“. „Sittervising“ can therefore be roughly translated as „to supervise while sitting“ or „to educate while sitting“.
What is meant by this is the fact that „sittervising“ is often carried out only as a secondary activity – for example, while sitting at the workplace at home. While parents are sitting or at least otherwise occupied, children pursue their play instincts or engage in other activities. This is then done with simultaneous (indirect) supervision of the parents.
Sittervising“ is considered an effective and popular form of education because it leaves room for individual activities. For example, the household can be taken care of, work can be done on the laptop, or other activities can be pursued.
Where does the term „Sittervising“ come from?
The term „sittervising“ is a typical U.S. term that emerged on social media platforms in the last two to three years. Here, users recognized in various videos that child-rearing is often „just done on the side“ for many parents. Instead of actively taking care of the children, playing with them or actively responding to them, they were often just left to their own devices (but supervised at the same time). A new term was quickly coined for this new form of education – namely „sittervising“. Immediately, the term went viral and spread to many areas of daily life. Sittervising“ is very polarizing – one side considers it a practical, modern form of parenting, while the other side almost equates it with neglect.
In what contexts is „sittervising“ often used?
„Sittervising“ has sometimes established itself as a common term (also in the German language). Mainly, however, one encounters the use of „sittervising“ in the following areas:
- social networks
- child education
- spoken everyday language
The following paragraphs are intended to give the reader a deeper understanding of the main uses of „Sittervising“.
Social networks
In social networks, „sittervising“ has now become a common term that is mainly used within comments, picture as well as video descriptions and also in the form of hashtags. „Sittervising“ is considered neutral, especially in the social media context – it has neither positive nor negative connotations and generally corresponds to the current zeitgeist. Users of social networks accordingly frequently post pictures or videos showing them during „sittervising“ (and how this can be optimized if necessary). In this way, the term spread rapidly and sometimes expanded to many other areas of life.
Child education
In child rearing, „sittervising“ is now an established concept that corresponds to a rather passive parenting style. Instead of actively responding to the children, they are raised (mostly due to time constraints) rather indirectly and left to their own devices (without, however, endangering or neglecting their individual well-being). „Sittervising“ also encourages the child’s imagination, as they must learn to develop their own ideas and concepts for play. It also teaches personal responsibility.
Spoken everyday language
Sittervising“ has also arrived in spoken everyday language. This is where it spilled over, especially from social media. Sittervising“ is mostly used in everyday conversations, such as: „Are you coming to the office today? No, I’m doing home office and „Sittervising“!“. „Sittervising“ is thus used in spoken everyday language to refer to a form of parenting that is largely passive and in which other secondary activities can take place simultaneously.
By which groups of people is „sittervising“ often used?
The main target group for the term „sittervising“ includes young parents. These are usually between 18 and 30 years old and are more or less firmly in their professional lives. It is striking that the expression „Sittervising“ is used particularly frequently by people who pursue a home office activity. At the same time, the likelihood that „sittervising“ is understood is increased by the fact that the person uses social media in some form. This suggests that „sittervising“ is a typical trendy term that sprang from social media and then gradually crept into everyday usage.
Criticisms of the term „sittervising“
Not without reason, „sittervising“ is quite polarizing in places. It is often perceived by critics as a toned-down form of neglect. After all, less attention is paid to the child than would normally be the case. In this way, there is less promotion and less communication with the child. Critics fear serious developmental disorders in the child as a result. Sittervising“ is therefore sharply criticized and generally corresponds to a negative trend: namely that society is becoming more and more negligent and inattentive (which is a great disadvantage, especially when it comes to raising children).
Conclusion on the topic of „sittervising“ and similar trend terms
The bottom line is that „sittervising“ can be understood as a new, controversial form of parenting in which parents only indirectly supervise the child while they pursue other activities. These may be work or household chores, for example. Sittervising“ is sometimes sharply opposed by critics, who equate it with neglect.
In addition to „sittervising,“ there are other trendy terms in the field of parenting, such as „sharenting“ or „mindful parenting.“ Sharenting“ refers to the uncontrolled (and sometimes dangerous) sharing of children’s photos or videos on the Internet. Mindful parenting, on the other hand, refers to a conscious and mindful upbringing of one’s own children.