Slovak Politician Criticizes Overprotective Parenting as Birth Rate Declines

Former Slovak politician Miroslav Beblavý criticized what he sees as overprotective parenting in Slovakia, comparing children to "rare orchids" that require constant care and supervision. Beblavý pointed to the example of parents escorting their 16-year-old children on two-day trips as evidence of excessive protection. He argued that this overprotective approach contributes to Slovakia's declining birth rate, suggesting that treating children as precious but fragile objects may be deterring people from having more children. Beblavý, a former member of parliament and presidential candidate who now works as a policy analyst, has been vocal on social and demographic issues affecting Slovakia.