In the quest for their children's approval, they give in to anything their children desire, including even those things which they know are harmful. They are so afraid of abusing their children, they won't ever say no to them or hold them accountable to their obligations and promises. Meanwhile, they think nothing of abusing them passively by letting them sit for hours in front of the television screen where they learn to tolerate gratuitous violence and willful sexual promiscuity, but to respond eagerly to advertisements for plastic toys and overpriced tennis shoes. Rather than caring for the children God has given them, the parents care more about themselves and what their children think of them. It is this demon of popular opinion which makes parenting so burdensome today.
Religion also burdens people today, even as it has through the centuries.
For most people religion is a system whereby you do good and get a reward for it. The alternative is doing evil and being punished. The fear of punishment used to drive people to church, but now what brings them is the lure of a reward. When you read the publicity put out by many churches, you get a very clear picture that by attending this church or that one, you will be more than amply rewarded by God for doing so. Your health will improve, your kids' grades will improve, your outlook will be brighter, and you'll get more of the things you want out of life.