Parenting is harder than it ever used to be.
First, there’s all the guilt about raising perfect kids. Our mothers never had those hang-ups. Some say that the perfect parenting movement is a plot by conservatives to subjugate women. Others point to different factors.
Second, EVERYTHING has to be perfect, including the food. Martha Stewart may you have have a mean roommate named, “Large Marge”.
Third, children receive too much attention, because other responsibilities at home have been outsourced,
Fourth, there are less women home with kids that there used to be, so those that are at home are far more isolated and lonely. Over scheduling Junior may be less about raising a perfect kid and more about the parents just looking for an excuse to interact with other adults.
Fifth, there is less support from the extended family. The grandmothers are liberated. Grandmothers feel that they already raised their kids and now it’s their time to relax. Or the grandparents just live too far away. Instead of help, the grandparents just send vast quantities of plastic toys that litter the basement.
Sixth, the modern parent is much older than he/she used to be. It’s not easy to chase a toddler when you’re in your forties. And that also means that the grandparents, even if they are available and willing, might be way too old to help out.
Seventh, people spend more time at work than in the past. It is harder for workers to leave their jobs at 5:00 and be home for dinner together. That means that usually one person is doing the bulk of the work at home.
