Raising a five-year-old is definitely more complex than I ever imagined, especially as I approach EJ’s fifth birthday. Reflecting on my own childhood in 1984, I can’t help but feel a tinge of envy for how much easier parenting seemed back then. While motherhood has always had its challenges, today’s landscape is filled with complications that our moms didn’t face. Here are five reasons why parenting in 1984 felt a lot more straightforward:
- Television Choices: When I was five, my viewing options were limited to whatever was on TV at the time—usually something like M*A*S*H, which I didn’t really care about. I could either watch what was available or play instead. Now, with streaming services like Netflix, EJ constantly asks, “Mom, is it on Netflix? Can I watch it now?” The immediacy of streaming has made him more impatient, leading to endless questions about loading times and WiFi issues. Not to mention, Netflix has brought back some shows I’d rather not deal with, like Caillou—thank goodness our moms didn’t have to endure that!
- Social Media Pressure: Facebook has become a double-edged sword for moms. While it can be a great way to connect, it also makes it easy to fall into the comparison trap. Seeing Sally’s photos of her kid doing Montessori projects or Mary’s zoo visits makes me feel guilty for not taking EJ out more often. The constant updates can overwhelm, especially for new moms. Our mothers didn’t have to worry about keeping up with everyone’s highlights online; they just lived in the moment.
- Crafting Overload: Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas, but it can also be a source of stress. Our moms didn’t have to see how Johnny’s mom is pinning all these cute crafts or the countless recipes that I’ll never have time to try. Feeling inadequate as a mother is hard enough without a constant stream of perfect projects and DIYs haunting our feeds. Back in 1984, I didn’t have to worry about reindeer-shaped cookies—I just ate the cookies!
- Information Overload: Google has become both a blessing and a curse. I find myself Googling every little thing, turning small rashes into major medical concerns. My sister’s doctor even told her, “Please don’t Google.” Our parents didn’t have access to an endless stream of information that could lead to unnecessary panic. They just went with their instincts, whereas I’m left second-guessing everything.
- The “Free” Craze: The obsession with products being non-toxic, BPA-free, and free from all sorts of additives is enough to drive anyone insane. I spend way too much time wondering if what I’m buying is safe. While this awareness is a positive change, it can be overwhelming. I even texted my partner about juice from China, realizing I couldn’t explain why it mattered. My parents didn’t stress over labels; they simply bought what they thought was best.
In conclusion, parenting in 1984 had its own challenges, but the simplicity of that era seems like a distant memory amidst today’s complexities. With the constant noise of social media and the pressure of perfection, sometimes I wish I could throw my phone out the window and just enjoy the messiness of motherhood.
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Summary: Parenting today is filled with complexities stemming from technology and social media, making it far more challenging than it was in 1984. From streaming services and social pressures to the overwhelming amount of information available online, modern parents navigate a landscape that often leaves them feeling inadequate and anxious.