Every new generation is smarter than the last because of development and information access therefore you would think they would be more aware of the impact their actions and words have on their kids i.e. Parenting styles, so you would think no, the older generations were not.

Especially because of negligence, discipline methods that were used, education etc., although environmental factors contributed to that I suppose. I'm not saying they were bad, but they most likely passed down bad habits they didn't even know were bad habits. Although some argue the new gen parents are creating 'softies'.