Five Reasons Parenting Was Simpler in 1984

Reflecting on the journey of parenting, I can’t help but feel a bit envious of the simpler times my mother experienced. As my son, Max, approaches his fifth birthday, I find that raising a child today is far more complex than I ever imagined. I was just five years old in 1984, and while motherhood has always had its challenges, it seems that today’s parents face a myriad of additional pressures. Here are five reasons why parenting was more straightforward back in 1984.

1. Television Simplicity

When I started using streaming services like Netflix, I thought it would be a game changer. However, I’m beginning to think Netflix is a double-edged sword. Max has become completely enamored with it, constantly asking, “Mom, is that on Netflix? Can I watch it now?” The immediacy of streaming only heightens his impatience; if something doesn’t load in an instant, it’s a minor crisis! Back in my day, I had two options: watch whatever was on—often something unappealing like reruns of “MASH”—or play outside. There was no need to explain why certain shows were available while others weren’t. Plus, I never had to deal with the return of shows like Caillou, which our mothers missed entirely.

2. Social Media Pressure

Ah, Facebook. This platform has become the bane of many mothers. It’s all too easy to compare your parenting journey with others; when Sally posts pictures of her child’s amazing Montessori projects, I feel the urge to rush out and buy supplies for sensory play. And when Mary shares a snapshot of her zoo visit while I’m stuck at work, guilt sets in. Our mothers didn’t have to scroll through a constant feed of curated lives, feeling inadequate because they weren’t keeping up with every trend. Facebook can help us connect with friends, but it can just as easily create unnecessary anxiety about whether we’re doing enough.

3. Crafting Envy from Pinterest

The world of Pinterest can be overwhelming. Our mothers didn’t have to navigate a sea of perfectly pinned crafts, recipes, and home organization hacks that make you feel like you’re falling short. Instead of enjoying the moment, I find myself stressing over whether I should be turning cookies into holiday-themed shapes. In 1984, I wouldn’t have known that was even a possibility!

4. Google’s Overload

The ease of searching for information has turned into a source of stress for many parents. I often find myself “Googling” every little symptom Max has, leading to unnecessary panic. A minor rash can suddenly feel like a sign of something catastrophic. My pediatrician recently told me, “Just call me, don’t Google,” which echoed advice I’ve heard from friends too. Today’s parents are navigating a landscape filled with misinformation, something our moms didn’t have to deal with.

5. The Free-From Craze

I spend countless hours pondering whether products are non-toxic, BPA-free, and all the other “free” labels that seem to dominate the market. I often joke with my partner, Jake, that he just chooses whatever says “FREE” on the label. While being health-conscious is undoubtedly important, it can be exhausting trying to keep up with all the latest dietary debates. Our parents didn’t scrutinize every label; they simply fed us what was available and we survived just fine! I can’t help but chuckle at how absurd it feels to stress over the origins of a juice carton.

In conclusion, while parenting has always come with its own set of challenges, the landscape is markedly different today. The pressures from technology, social media, and an overwhelming amount of information can make it feel much more complicated than it was in 1984. Our mothers had the luxury of focusing on the moment without the distractions that come with modern parenting.

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