When you think about it, parenting children today should be easier than ever before. Thanks to technology, you can check in on your kids often, stay connected with your whole family, have groceries delivered to your front door, and even monitor your little ones from your phone.
However, multiple studies have shown that many people actually believe parenting is harder today than in generations past.
Have you ever thought about how simple things may have been when you were growing up? What about your parents? While there are undoubtedly some things you’re grateful for in today’s world, a faster pace and more technology don’t necessarily make everything easier.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the major stressors of modern parenthood, and while parenting might actually be harder today.
Busier Schedules
Many families today live in dual-income households. Some do it out of necessity, while others do it by choice. Whatever the case, both parents working full-time makes it harder to spend as much time with your children as you might want.
That’s different from past generations. Women, especially, are working now more than ever. Many women in the past would stay home to raise their families, spending almost every moment with their kids.
Obviously, there are pros and cons to both situations. But not having a lot of time to spend with your children each day can make you feel disconnected, as a parent. It can also cause concerns about what your child thinks you prioritize. Challenges arise in whatever situation we choose.
Social Media
As your child gets older, they’re likely going to spend time online, including on social media. Things like bullying have always been problematic for some kids. But it’s taken on a whole new meaning in this high-tech, social media-forward world.
Today, parents have to worry about things like cyberbullying, or their child talking to someone online that could end up being dangerous. While the internet is a fantastic resource and tool for kids, it adds another layer of stress for parents because it needs to be constantly monitored.
More Demands
Some surveys have shown that today’s parenting is more demanding than in generations past. Think about how many activities your kids are in and what’s required for each one. You might feel like you’re constantly on the go, taking one child to soccer practice and another to their piano lesson.
These things cost money, whether it’s for equipment, instruments, or uniforms. When you have more than one child involved in multiple activities, it can take a toll on your mental and physical health, creating more stress and chaos within your family.
More Distractions
Busy schedules aside, today’s kids and parents seem to be more distracted than ever before. A lot of that has to do with technology. Instead of spending quality time together as a family when you’re at home, how often is everyone off doing their own thing? Maybe your son is playing video games in his room while your daughter is Snapchatting with her friends.
You might even be guilty of getting distracted, yourself. We live in a world where we want instant gratification, and it’s easy to let those things pull us away from the relationships that are important.
If the stressors of modern parenthood are taking a toll on your family, it’s never too late to turn things around. Prioritize spending as much time as you can with your kids without distractions. Set boundaries within your home and make sure you set an example to let your kids know they are your top priority.
Yes, modern parenting might be harder, but by being more mindful of everyone’s needs each day, you can fight back against the common stressors and enjoy every moment spent with your family.
Having said all of this, we get how hard this can all be to implement. It sounds easier than it really is. If you are struggling with boundaries, coping, or navigating these busy times, our team at Onyx can help. You an work collaboratively with our therapists to get the support you need. You are not alone!
