People are people. Different people have different needs, and I guess that a parent detects the requirement for those needs and provides.
You'd think - but most people don't seem to look at it this way. They want to parent by social algorithm.
but I have definitely observed that there are all of these things existing in our world:
For sure there is. I think that it is also worth considering what are the outliers, and how they are the ones presented in the media - exclusively on the negative side of the equation.
Or even worse, by whatever is the trend at the time. Then you have a confused kid wondering why all their toys are no longer reflecting the familiar frequency of light, and are now reflecting another frequency of light (its okay for kids to play with toys of whatever colour)
Ahh, I think the representation of anything in media is problematic. It is usually intentional, and with a pre-calculated bias. Not because it is malicious, but because there is a view point.
So, does that mean that raising a child should be a merely scientific endeavour?
Nutrition, Nourishment, Play, Education? What have I forgotten, abstract concepts such as love? :D