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Parenting
(n.)
The spread of the parental instinct beyond the child: the same care redirected toward pets, plants, and even digital companions.
Empty nesters know how fast nurturedrift arrives: a month after the youngest left, the dog had a birthday cake and an orthopedic bed.
Does it ring true?
From the future, or already here?
As people have children later (or not at all), they’ll seek out alternative objects of affection, from robot dogs to emotional support plants, and will mourn with a similar parental anguish if these objects disappear. Basic needs migrate, rather than dissipate.
Future Words: A Non-Obvious Glossary of Terms That Don’t Exist (But Soon Will) collects all 100, each with its example sentence and coinage notes, from the bestselling authors of The Future Normal. Hardcover, October 20, 2026.