Parenting being one of the most back-breaking jobs in life, it turns out, is not just a simple saying. More than 60% of adults in America have said that parenthood was somewhat more difficult than they imagined, according to the newest research by Pew Research. Likewise, 26% stated that it was much harder than they thought it would be.
These fascinating statistics also range between genders and different social backgrounds. For example, 30% of women have reported that they didn't expect motherhood to be this hard, compared with 20% of dads, with 3-in-5 saying they do an "excellent or very good job" at it. We can't help but wonder what their partners think about that.
But becoming a parent comes with great responsibility. Also, with a lot of terrible advice and misconceptions that we can blame on television. "The list is endless when it comes to misconceptions about parenting on TV and in films," Vicki Broadbent, the founder of Honest Mum, a lifestyle and parenting blog, and a mother of three, told Bored Panda.
"I've noticed a culture shift recently, thankfully," Broadbent said, naming Netflix's "Working Moms" as the best example. "But for the most part, the 'fairytales' we're presented with usually start in the delivery room with, 'two pushes and the baby is out' style births. C-sections, PND, breastfeeding, moving from 1-2 or 2-3 plus kids, etc., and the realities of juggling kids with work/relationships are rarely depicted honestly."
One of the most prevalent issues for modern parents is: how can you manage your kids’ screen time in a way that’s good for them? Is it actually possible, or I'm just bribing them with it to carve out some breathing space to get some work done?
Vicki thinks that it's not so black-and-white, when it comes to screen time. "It's far easier to implement a no screen time rule if you wish before they start school," she said, "but it's important to understand using a screen isn't synonymous with bad parenting. Quite the opposite when done in moderation."
Although 3-in-5 parents agree that their child spends too much time staring at a screen, according to one of the most comprehensive studies on the subject that examined over 350,000 teenagers, the use of technology was linked to only 0.4% of the total variation in their mental well-being. "Children are learning all the time (and having fun!) from watching age-appropriate content (my daughter, for example, loves the teacher, Mrs. Rachel)," said Broadbent. "Your child will be using screens to learn once they are in school or via their homework."
Vicki suggests that moderation is key when wrestling with the screen time dilemma. "Implement specific tech time periods so your child doesn't rely on tech (and enjoys a full and varied childhood)," she advised, "but don't chastise yourself, or them, for wanting to engage in digital activities - just because you didn't as a child."
Another great fear of many parents is the so-called 'developmental milestones'. Or skills, like being able to speak or recognize oneself in the mirror/photo, that your little one should develop by a certain age. "I think first-time parents understandably concern themselves with developmental milestones far more than those with more kids," Broadbent explained, "purely because once you've got a child, you realize children are unique and develop at their own pace."
Understandably, many parents can't help but worry that there might be something wrong with their munchkin. In fact, reportedly nearly 1 in 4 parents say they have worried their child was or might be delayed in their milestones. And only 20% of parents didn't worry about it too much. However, Vicki thinks sometimes it's best to let kids take everything at their own pace.