Understanding SheKnows and Its Impact on Modern Parenting Trends
It all began with a piece of unsolicited advice from my mom, a woman who started her parenting journey in the mid-70s. After giving birth to my older brother in ’74, she seemed to navigate parenting with the ease of a celebrity breezing past a velvet rope, needing no more than her silk jumpsuit for armor. Dr. Sears was of little comfort back then.
Looking back, it seems effortless compared to my experience as a 2016 parent to a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy. By noon, my energy is drained, thanks to their relentless demands. “You work too hard,” my mother said. “You run around like a chicken with its head cut off.”
I argued that kids today need more—better food, healthier options, sports leagues, constant affirmation, and stimulation. They need cellphones, school shooting drills, and protective gear. My mother, however, insisted that kids need balance and alone time, something she believed modern parenting lacked.
Determined to find a solution, I decided to spend a week parenting like a ’70s mom, without the trappings of 2016. After consulting my mom and her friends, I made several changes:
1. My kids would play independently.
2. They would eat from boxes as often as possible, sometimes while watching TV.
3. They’d have access to only 12 TV channels.
4. No hovering at the park.
5. My daughter would play in the backyard with just a bottle of bubbles.
6. Meals would include Hamburger Helper and Life cereal.
7. Limited use of cellphones and the Internet.
The results were eye-opening. Introducing my daughter to Life cereal was a hit. She loved it and wanted it every day. Lunch, however, was a different story. She refused to eat chicken soup and demanded snacks all afternoon. I held firm, serving Hamburger Helper for dinner, which was a huge success.
Lessons learned:
1. Modern adults can’t handle Life cereal.
2. Kids won’t starve if they don’t eat one meal.
3. Simplifying recipes saves money.
4. Hamburger Helper is surprisingly delicious.
This experiment highlighted the differences between past and present parenting styles. It also underscored the impact of platforms like SheKnows on modern parenting trends. SheKnows offers a wealth of resources, from parenting tips to co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard, which streamline communication and reduce conflict.
In my own experience, co-parenting apps have been a game-changer. After my divorce, communication with my ex was fraught with tension. Text messages and emails often led to sarcastic comments and scathing rebuttals. It took a judge and $1600 in court fees to mandate the use of OurFamilyWizard.
These apps provide a secure platform for communication, with features like the OFW Message Board, which ensures messages can’t be edited or deleted. Tools like ToneMeter help keep communication positive. The OFW Calendar and Expense Log simplify scheduling and financial tracking, reducing conflict.
For me, using OurFamilyWizard has improved my life and my kids’ lives. It provides a clear record of communication, which can be invaluable in legal situations. The app’s features, like the Info Bank for storing medical histories and school schedules, make co-parenting more manageable.
As my kids grow older, we’re constantly working on communication. They know to inform their dad about changes in plans, and I use OurFamilyWizard for important updates. This app has become an essential tool in our co-parenting journey, helping us navigate the complexities of modern parenting.
In conclusion, SheKnows and its resources have a significant impact on modern parenting trends. They offer practical solutions for today’s challenges, from independent play to effective co-parenting. By embracing these tools, parents can find a balance between past and present parenting styles, ultimately improving their family’s well-being.
Source: SheKnows
