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- Baby-tracking applications are increasingly popular, particularly among first-time parents.
- As a mother and educator, I believe that parents require genuine connections rather than just information.
- There is no universal method for raising children effectively.
Almost 12 years ago, I discovered a basic application designed to help me monitor my baby’s feeding times and durations. Eager to share this advancement with my mother, I excitedly explained how much things had evolved since her own experiences. Her response was straightforward: “Sweetheart, you don’t need all that. Just let the baby nurse when she’s hungry.”
I felt frustrated by her nonchalant attitude and asked what seemed like an obvious question: “How will I know when she’s hungry?” She replied simply, “Babies are quite adept at signaling their needs.”
As it turned out, she was correct. Eventually, I deleted the app after realizing my baby was quite skilled at communicating her requirements. This experience not only freed me from constant data tracking but also planted the first seeds of skepticism regarding parenting technology in my mind. As I went on to have three more children, although I occasionally searched online for advice, I largely avoided the trend of baby-tracking apps.
Insights from Friends Using Parenting Apps
Lately, several friends of mine have welcomed new babies into their families. They often discuss the various applications they utilize to monitor developmental milestones, nap routines—including duration—and even track every ounce of liquid consumed by their infants as well as every diaper change.
These new mothers seem to experience a complex relationship with these tracking tools; they appreciate having concrete data on hand—proof of their attentive parenting—but simultaneously sense something unsettling about it all.
In many instances, these apps appear to possess more knowledge about their daily lives and those of their babies than do their partners. They ponder whether these tools provide genuine support or contribute instead to feelings of isolation and heightened anxiety surrounding parenting decisions. As someone who began teaching before smartphones became ubiquitous, my perspective is somewhat different; I’m less inclined to question this phenomenon.
The Growing Isolation Among Parents
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought optimism regarding technological advancements like household appliances meant to alleviate homemakers’ burdens. However, conveniences such as washing machines or electric irons did not necessarily lead to greater ease in domestic life.
Nicholas Carr discusses this phenomenon in his book “The Big Switch,” noting that while technology can simplify tasks physically it can also introduce feelings of alienation within homes: “For many individuals,” he writes “electrification brought forth a profound sense of loneliness.”
I can’t help but observe that today’s surge in social media platforms alongside app-based technologies has similarly affected modern parents—what promised increased convenience has often resulted in greater isolation from community support networks along with rising societal pressures.
Consider apps designed not only for tracking infant care details but also guiding parental practices through research-backed methodologies aimed at fostering well-adjusted children. Some offer expertly crafted scripts for addressing challenging behaviors such as hitting or saying hurtful words like “I hate you.”
This focus tends toward extreme child-centeredness; while marketed as supportive resources for parents they often position them merely as conduits delivering expert advice rather than empowering them directly—a dynamic some may find beneficial while others might view it as outsourcing essential aspects of parenting expertise.
Embracing Individual Approaches in Parenting
Your experiences raising children will reveal there is no singular approach nor quick fix when navigating the complexities inherent in meeting children’s evolving needs effectively over time.
“Parenting can be tedious labor-intensive baffling yet equally rewarding.”
“This sentiment could easily apply too if we were discussing hand-washing clothes using traditional washboards.” ....
Pursuing solutions aimed at easing parental burdens remains natural yet it’s crucial we assess whether our perceived remedies inadvertently distance us from our instincts or one another instead bringing us closer together..
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Pondering upon my mother’s candid insights taught me two invaluable lessons: I could trust myself interpreting cues given by my child
I could seek authentic support freely amongst fellow mothers without hesitation!
While apps abound filled with information they lack what has historically made household responsibilities including childcare manageable over generations—elements such as connection community acceptance imperfections inherent within family dynamics which though intangible may yield something far superior:
the space & encouragement necessary allowing us discover personalized solutions tailored uniquely towards ourselves!
Christine Carrig M.S.Ed., serves currently founding director Carrig Montessori School located Williamsburg Brooklyn You’re welcome subscribe via Substack follow Instagram @christine.m.carrig
Read original article Business Insider here!
