Why Is Parenting So Hard Today?

Parenting has never been easy. In many aspects, it’s “cushier” today than in centuries – or even decades – past. We have a lot of modern conveniences, women are seen as equals and are able to work outside the home and balance motherhood. There are many different types of parents. Technology has even made it easier to get information in seconds. 

However, in many ways, parenting is also harder than ever. 

“Modern world” parenting comes with many challenges, and one of the biggest ones for parents is exhaustion. 

Parents being tired is nothing new, but with so many things to balance and juggle nowadays, the burnout from parenting can be more impactful (and potentially harmful) than ever. 

Let’s take a closer look at why parenting is so hard today and what you can do to make it easier on yourself. 

A Lot of the Work Is Falling On One Person

The number of children living in single-parent households is greater than ever. If you’re raising your kids alone, the classic “it takes a village to raise a child” mentality doesn’t really apply. 

Many parents today feel overwhelmed by everything they have to do on their own. While they may not change their circumstance, it doesn’t make it easy. 

Raising your kids alone can lead to a lack of self-care, free time and can even impact your mental health. It also makes it difficult to share time with your kids evenly, especially when they’re involved in activities. After all, you can’t be in two places at once. 

Technology Has Its Drawbacks

Again, one of the advantages of parenting today is that we can get information in seconds by quickly looking something up on a phone or computer. 

Unfortunately, there are some “cons” to that. 

While so much information can build confidence and empower parents, it can also lead to more rigidity and even boost anxiety. We’re all aware that not everything you read online is true. Any information you take in needs to be double-checked, and even then it’s important to make sure you’re taking in accurate advice. Finding that “balance” isn’t always easy. 

As your kids get older, technology can bring about different challenges. It’s not uncommon for children to be attached to phones and tablets from a very early age, and we’re starting to learn about some of the negative effects of so much screen time. 

Changes in Work and School

In decades past, school and work have been largely out of the home. Kids attended classes for several hours each day, and parents went to their jobs, making it easy to find a work-life balance and improve socialization skills for kids. 

Today that isn’t the case. 

Remote work and virtual schooling have been on the rise for several years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed their popularity quickly. Now, more people are working from home than ever. While many kids are back to in-person learning, some are still being homeschooled or going for a virtual education option. 

That can create a lot of excess stress and pressure for parents and children alike. Working remotely isn’t as easy as some people think, and it requires a lot of discipline. Some children struggle more with learning from home than they do in a school setting. Finding a balance and a routine that works for both of you often takes time. 

On the surface, so many things can make parenting easier today. However, if you’re a parent, you already know the struggles that things like modern technology and a “lack of a village” can bring. Don’t lose heart or hope, and continue to make your well-being a priority. The more you take care of yourself and your mental well-being, the better you’ll be able to care for your children. 

If you are facing parenting issues, reach out to us for support.