With my son about to turn five, I’ve been reflecting on just how complex parenting can be these days. I was five back in 1984, and it feels like a time when parenting had its own unique simplicity. While motherhood has never been a walk in the park, the current landscape is loaded with challenges that my mom didn’t have to face. Honestly, I sometimes find myself wishing I could swap places with her and experience the straightforwardness of 1984—especially since the internet seems to amplify every parenting anxiety I have.
1. Streaming Services
When we first started using streaming services, I thought it was a game changer. Now I’m convinced they might just be the cause of my sanity slipping away! My son, Leo, is obsessed with streaming. “Can we watch that on Netflix? Is it on your phone? How about on my tablet?” The immediacy of it all only fuels his impatience. The other night, when I was watching TV, Leo barged in and asked, “Are you watching Netflix?” After I said no, he kept digging. Explaining why some shows are on Netflix and others are not? Not an easy task! Back in my day, I could choose between whatever was on TV (usually something boring like M*A*S*H*) or just go outside to play. Much simpler choices!
2. Social Media
Facebook can be a real downer for moms. It’s like a never-ending competition. You see Sally posting photos of her kid doing fancy arts and crafts, and suddenly you feel the need to buy all the supplies for a sensory table. Mary’s at the zoo with her kids while I’m at work, and I can’t help but feel guilty for not taking Leo out more often. Then there are those perfectly plated healthy dinners that make me feel like a failure for serving pizza for the third night in a row. Our moms didn’t have to contend with the constant updates and comparisons that come from social media; they just had to focus on what was right in front of them.
3. Pinterest
Oh, Pinterest! The platform that turns every mom into a wannabe Martha Stewart. Back in 1984, no one was inundated with pictures of crafts. My mom didn’t have to see what Johnny’s mom was pinning or feel pressured to create the perfect DIY project. Today, I find myself scrolling through endless ideas for crafts and recipes that I will never have time to execute. I would have been blissfully unaware of the possibility of turning cookies into reindeer back then.
4. The Google Effect
Google has made every small parenting concern into a full-blown panic attack. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve “Googled” a minor rash, only to convince myself Leo has a rare disease. My sister’s pediatrician told her the same thing mine did: “Just don’t Google it!” There’s a level of anxiety from online searches that our moms didn’t have to grapple with. They relied on their instincts and their own experiences, which seems far less stressful!
5. The Health Craze
Nowadays, I spend half my time worrying about whether everything is non-toxic, gluten-free, or organic. Every item in our pantry seems like it might be hazardous to our health. I often find myself overanalyzing labels, and honestly? I can’t keep up. I text my partner, “Did you see that juice was from China? We don’t eat anything from there!” But when he asks why, I realize I can’t quite explain it. Back in the day, my parents didn’t read labels for every little thing, and they didn’t go crazy over dietary trends. They just fed us, and we survived!
In summary, while parenting has always been a challenge, the influx of information and comparison in our current age makes it seem more complicated than ever. If you’re navigating the world of home insemination, be sure to check out Home Insemination Kit for insights, and Make a Mom for essential tools. For a comprehensive understanding of pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent resources.