In today’s world, there’s a lot of chatter about how technology complicates our lives, making everything feel busier and more chaotic. Many parents express concern that their children are glued to their screens instead of playing outside. You can often find couples in restaurants, engrossed in their phones, and subway cars filled with people who are oblivious to their surroundings.
However, as a mother, I can honestly say that technology has significantly lightened my load. I can’t imagine how my mom navigated the challenges of parenting in the ’70s without the conveniences we have now, especially when it came to planning events like PTA parties without the luxury of email. Reflecting on the effort my mom put in every day leaves me in awe. Honestly, I doubt I’d have survived the toddler years without the help of Google. Here are some ways that technology has made my life as a mom easier:
1. Classroom Party Coordination
Back in the day: My mom would have to make 25 phone calls just to get a classroom party organized. She’d call her friend Carol, whose phone would just ring endlessly. Then there was uptight mom Linda, whose son would answer and drop the phone on the counter mid-conversation. The entire planning process took weeks, leaving my mom frazzled.
Now: I can simply shoot out one email to everyone involved. Aside from the few who hit “reply all” too many times, the party planning gets done in the blink of an eye—often while I’m waiting at traffic lights on the way to dance class. Plus, I can avoid any awkward conversations with uptight mom Linda.
2. PTA Meetings
Old school: PTA gatherings were monthly affairs filled with well-dressed moms who adhered to strict protocols. Missing a meeting meant missing important updates and local gossip.
Today: I follow my kids’ schools on social media. I can easily catch up on PTA minutes while parked at soccer practice. Honestly, who even goes to PTA meetings anymore?
3. Grocery Shopping
Back then: My mom would painstakingly navigate local grocery stores for essentials like bread and bologna, hauling them home in her old station wagon. It took ages, and let’s just say we weren’t the most helpful kids.
Now: I can lounge in my pajamas with a glass of wine and order groceries online. A friendly delivery person brings everything right to my doorstep. I can finish the whole process in about 20 minutes—what a breeze! And yes, I still order bread, just like my mom did.
4. Balancing Work and Home
Old school: My mom went to a job and stayed there from morning until evening, dressed for success and focused on her work with minimal interruptions. She had a lunch break and a paycheck to show for it.
Now: I work from home, often in my yoga pants, while juggling snack requests from my kids and drowning out the Disney Channel. I have to remember to look presentable for video calls, and my workday blends into my personal life thanks to constant emails. Maybe my mom had a point about this one.
5. Communication
Back in the day: My mom had no email or texting. She had to interact face-to-face to get things done, navigating a social landscape that felt overwhelming at times.
Now: I can go a whole day without speaking to anyone if I choose, thanks to modern technology. I can coordinate playdates over email and chat with friends through texts. I even attended my high school reunion through a Facebook group set up by our committee.
While it’s true that my mom faced tougher challenges, technology has allowed me to find a better balance between work and home life. Has it made some aspects feel a bit impersonal? Maybe. But at least I can avoid putting on real clothes for a PTA meeting and still catch my favorite shows.
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Summary
Technology has transformed motherhood, making tasks from party planning to grocery shopping significantly easier. While past generations faced unique challenges without the conveniences we have today, today’s moms enjoy new ways to balance their responsibilities thanks to the digital age.