This is controversial, but can we stop with the mom hacks. In a world filled with shortcuts for every aspect of motherhood, I think it's time to pause and reconsider our approach to parenting. As mothers, we have a huge responsibility on our hands that shouldn't be taken lightly. We're all tired, the dishes seem never ending, and the tantrums will test you, but we just stop complaining and trying to shortcut our way through it and rediscover some of the magic?
My algorithm is full of content that offers quick fixes for entertaining our kids while we cook breakfast, surviving a trip to the grocery store with children, or creating Instagram-worthy playrooms and restaurant activity bags. After awhile, the message this unintentionally conveys is that children are a burden, needing constant entertainment and distraction. Instead of setting our morning screen free busy bags while you cook breakfast, let's invite them to scramble some eggs and find the joy in cooking and pride in making yourself a meal.
How can we expect our children to grow into functional adults with cherished childhood memories and family traditions if we view them as burdens? How can they expand their horizons and learn the art of conversation if we constantly segregate them at the "kids table"?. Sure it takes a little longer to navigate the grocery store with a cart full of kids and you might have an extra grey hair by the checkout line, but it's likely that this is the highlight of their week -- spending time with you.
Motherhood is undeniably challenging, but instead of complaining and searching for shortcuts, let's embrace the hard work. Life as a mother becomes more demanding when we believe our primary job is to entertain our children constantly. The never-ending craft boxes and trampoline parks can be exhausting. It's time to say goodbye to the overkill of mom hacks and hello to a more intentional and meaningful approach to motherhood. Children may slow us down, but maybe that's the point.