Parenting Is Different Today And That's Okay

The Story of Sarah's Parenting Journey

Sarah always knew she wanted to be a mom. She daydreamed about it during college lectures and carefully planned her career around having a family. When her first child was born, Sarah was overjoyed and excited to embark on the journey of parenthood. She read all the parenting books she could find, diligently followed pediatrician recommendations, and joined a mommy group for support. But as her child grew older and she added more children to her family, Sarah began to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

Everywhere she looked, there seemed to be a new parenting trend or advice contradicting what she was already doing. Some friends were letting their children co-sleep, while others were sleep-training at 3 months. Some moms were feeding their babies purees, while others were promoting baby-led weaning. And don't even get her started on the debate over screen time.

It wasn't until she confided her concerns to her own mother that Sarah began to understand that parenting had evolved since she was a child. "We didn't have all of these books and opinions and resources when you were growing up," her mother said. "We just did the best we could with what we had."

That conversation was a turning point for Sarah. She realized that the reason she felt like she was struggling was because she was holding herself to an impossible standard. She couldn't possibly follow every new trend or advice out there, but that didn't make her a bad mom. Instead, she decided to embrace the changes in parenting and find what worked for her family.

The Evolution of Parenting

Parenting has changed dramatically over the years. As society has evolved, so too have our attitudes towards childrearing. Back in the day, children were seen and not heard and discipline was often harsh. Parents didn't read books on child development or rely on the internet for advice - they followed the example of their own parents or sought out advice from friends and family.

But as time passed and research in child development grew, so did the number of parenting styles and techniques. The 1960s and 70s saw a rise in permissive parenting, where children were given more freedom to express themselves and make their own choices. The 80s and 90s were all about authoritative parenting, where parents set clear boundaries and expected obedience, but were also warm and nurturing. Today, we see a mix of these styles, as well as some new ones like attachment parenting and positive parenting.

With the advent of the internet and social media, parenting has become even more complex. There are hundreds of parenting blogs, forums, and Facebook groups dedicated to discussing the best way to raise a child. This abundance of information can be helpful, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing.

New Parenting Trends

Some of the newer parenting trends include:

• Co-sleeping
• Baby-led weaning
• Elimination communication
• Positive discipline
• Unschooling

These trends can be appealing to parents who want to try something different or who feel that traditional parenting isn't working for their family. But it's important to remember that not every trend will work for every family. You need to find what works best for your unique situation.

For example, attachment parenting, which promotes nurturing and close physical contact with your child, may not be practical for a single parent who works long hours. On the other hand, positive discipline, which focuses on teaching children through positive reinforcement rather than punishment, can work well for any family.

Adapting to Modern Parenting

So how can you adapt to the changes in parenting? Here are some tips:

1. Be open-minded: Don't dismiss a new trend or technique just because it's different from what you know. Be willing to learn and try new things.
2. Take it with a grain of salt: Not every parenting expert or blog is reliable. Do your own research and trust your own instincts.
3. Find your tribe: Seek out other parents who are going through the same struggles as you. Having a support system can make all the difference.
4. Take care of yourself: Parenting is hard work and it's important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Make time for self-care and don't feel guilty about it.
5. Remember that you're doing your best: As long as you love your children and are doing your best to take care of them, you're doing a great job.

Conclusion

1. Parenting has evolved over the years, and that's okay.
2. There are new trends and techniques out there, but not every one will work for every family.
3. The key is to be open-minded, do your research, and find what works best for your unique situation.

Parenting is hard work, but it's also one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. By embracing the changes in parenting and finding what works for you, you can enjoy the journey and raise happy, healthy children.