Parenting has been a lot of work since the beginning of time. It seems as though every generation of parents has had obstacles and challenges to overcome. 

In many ways, parenting today is easier than ever. We have modern amenities, more advanced education, and fewer needs for “hard labor” that had to go into raising a family a hundred years ago. 

So, why does it seem like parenting, in general, is harder these days? How could we have come so far from past generations, only to struggle with parenting in the modern world? 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and challenged by your kids, you’re not alone, and there are plenty of good reasons why. 

Let’s take a look at why parenting seems harder these days, and what you can do to make things a bit easier on yourself. 

It Takes a Village

You’ve undoubtedly heard this saying when it comes to raising a child. In decades past, it was such a popular saying because it was true. Communities were closer. Two-parent households were more common. 

Today, there are more single-parent households than ever. Communities aren’t as tight-knit. We spend more time connecting with people online than in person. 

While there are exceptions, of course, many parents are taking the complete brunt of child-rearing on their own, and it can be overwhelming to carry everything on your shoulders without feeling any support. 

parents with kidsGuessing With Technology

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace. While that seems like a good thing (and it can be, in many ways), it’s also a little scary. 

The technology we have today could be obsolete and outdated in just a few years. Trying to keep up is exhausting, and you don’t know what your children will be exposed to. You don’t know how technology will end up impacting their lives or their future, and that kind of uncertainty can make it difficult to know how to prepare them. 

Social Norms vs. Science

Another result of having so much information at our fingertips is that it’s easy to look up just about anything nowadays. 

If your child gets sick, a quick Google search of their symptoms will give you a variety of possible causes. If you’re not sure how to get your little one down for a nap, you’ll find a dozen different answers. 

While this instant information can be helpful, it also takes away from the “heart” of childcare. Scientific information and answers are at our fingertips, but when you’re consistently following that science to do what’s “best” for your children, you could risk becoming extremely rigid. 

Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but when you’re always leading with your head and never your heart, it could end up leading to attachment issues and extra stress in your household. 

A Lack of Exposure

In centuries past, it was more common for parents to have older people in their lives that could show them how to do things. That includes everything from breastfeeding to swaddling. 

While that still happens in some families, it’s the exception more than the rule. Many of today’s parents don’t have examples of what to do or how to raise their children, so they look to the internet or ask others who might not have the best advice. 

If you feel overwhelmed more often than not, it’s not “just you.” Modern parenting has its challenges, and while they might not be the same ones people faced in the past, they are very real and can be exhausting. 

If those struggles are causing you to feel anxious or depressed, make sure you’re prioritizing your mental well-being. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself will make it easier to care for your kids the way you want to. Parenting counseling can help you get there.