As a mother of four young children, I often find myself caught in the whirlwind of expectations and realities that come with parenting in today’s world. Recently, I stumbled upon an article on social media discussing the impact of technology on our children’s mental health. It sparked a flood of reactions—moms and educators chiming in about the critical importance of limiting screen time. While I fully acknowledge the value of balance and outdoor play, this message hit me hard, but not in the way you would imagine. I felt unseen, unheard, and judged as a Mother. My first thought was, “what about my mental health?!”
The Struggle is Real
It’s July, and for many of us, this means a summer life filled with endless demands and little respite. My husband is working long hours, and I’m home with our children: ages 10 months, 2.5, 6, and 8. Just yesterday, we spent a long day at an amusement park, which was fun, but today, I woke up exhausted. With little sleep, as the baby stirred throughout the night, and my two-year-old’s early morning requests felt like an avalanche of impossible needs. When those needs aren’t met, it results in tears—hers and mine.
I’ve learned that some days, the only thing that saves me is screen time. It allows me time to wash the dishes, fold laundry, or simply take a moment to breathe. In a world where our children have access to constant stimulation, it can be daunting to expect them to entertain themselves the same way we did as kids. The pressures we face as parents are immense; we’re expected to be chefs, teachers, counselors, and playmates—all while looking effortlessly put together. So I ask again, “What about our mental health?”
The Weight of Expectations
The reality is that as mothers, we often place these unrealistic expectations on ourselves. We scroll through social media and see curated versions of motherhood—moms baking organic snacks, leading nature hikes, or engaging in educational crafts with their children. It’s easy to feel inadequate when we’re struggling just to get through the day. On that particularly hard day when my kids were glued to their tablets, I felt the familiar wave of guilt wash over me. Even though I had prepared a wholesome breakfast, I organized a fun/educational scavenger hunt for them and yet, all I could focus on were the moments when I felt like I was falling short.
Even the simplest tasks can become monumental on days such as these. My toddler wants to wear a pink dress, but also doesn’t want to wear a pink dress. My 10-month-old is teetering on the brink of walking and tends to fall easily, while my boys either wrestle, yell, play or roll around the floor.
Watching my geriatric dog also have an accident on the carpet nearly threw me over the edge. I felt like the weight of the world was resting squarely on my shoulders.
Finding Balance in a Busy World
The truth is, sometimes technology is a necessary tool. It provides a moment of peace in the chaos. Sure, I try to ensure that what they’re watching is educational. But I won’t deny that there are moments when I just need a breather, and some mindless content often slips through. In a world that demands so much from us, is that really such a crime?
If you’re an overwhelmed mom facing similar struggles, take a deep breath with me and remember: no one is perfect. You are doing your best and you are a wonderful mama. If you really think about it, I am sure you spend plenty of time in fun activities with your kids during the day.
Social media can distort reality, creating an illusion that we must all strive for an unattainable ideal. We often feel like we’re failing when, in truth, we’re doing our best with the resources we have.
Embracing Our Imperfections
Bottom line, it’s okay to use technology to help manage the whirlwind of motherhood. It doesn’t make you a bad mom; it makes you human. We’re navigating a unique set of challenges, often without the support systems that previous generations relied on. In the absence of a “village,” we must find ways to be kinder to ourselves.
So, the next time you see a post about limiting screen time or the “perfect” way to parent, remember that your reality is valid. Give yourself grace on those tough days, and know that your love and effort are what truly matter to your kiddos. You are not alone on this journey, and sometimes, a little screen time can be just what we need to recharge.
