In today’s world, a perplexing trend has emerged as many of us strive to balance adulthood and parenthood. This phenomenon manifests itself as an incessant reminder to transform our daily experiences into impeccably crafted social media moments—those Instagram and Pinterest-worthy snapshots that seem to define modern parenting.
The challenges of adulthood and parenting have always existed, but since 2019, they have intensified significantly. I’ve come to recognize this shift as the “Megan Effect”—a nod to the archetype of a supermom who seems to do it all with grace and ease.
The story begins around 2010 when social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest gained popularity. Megan represents that quintessential mom we all know: the overachiever who makes everything appear effortless. She thrives on minimal sleep and has mastered various skills from calligraphy to photography. She crafts everything from playful dough to bath bombs and even manages to sew her children’s costumes.
Megan is organized to the core. Her freezer is stocked with homemade meals, and she has a cookie cutter for every occasion imaginable. Her kids are perpetually engaged in enriching activities, with no trace of boredom in sight. They don’t even own a TV.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with Megan’s pursuits and accomplishments, the issue arises from her social media presence. As she started sharing glimpses of her seemingly perfect life, others began to emulate her, creating a ripple effect that has altered the expectations of what it means to be a parent. Fast forward to today, and many of us feel pressured to mirror Megan’s lifestyle, which has become the benchmark for modern parenting.
It’s this pressure that has led to elaborate gender reveal parties, where extravagant displays of pink or blue smoke or glitter are now commonplace. It has also fueled the trend of over-the-top bridesmaid proposals that often surpass the marriage proposal itself. Families feel compelled to hire professional photographers to capture every milestone, from pregnancies to first birthdays, rather than opting for simpler arrangements that might have sufficed in the past.
Birthdays now require themed celebrations that often entail elaborate planning and hours of effort to ensure everything aligns with a cohesive aesthetic. The once-simple act of celebrating a child’s birthday has transformed into a meticulous event, complete with tailored decorations and custom cakes, lest the event feel incomplete.
The pressure extends to seasonal traditions as well. The Elf on the Shelf, once a charming novelty, has evolved into an elaborate undertaking for many families, with creative scenarios planned to keep the magic alive.
As we approach holidays, the quest for matching Christmas pajamas has led to frantic shopping sprees in a race to achieve the perfect holiday aesthetic, all thanks to Megan. Monthly baby pictures and creative pregnancy announcements have become the norm, with many feeling the need to keep up with the standards set by social media.
It’s essential to recognize that engaging in these activities can be fulfilling when it stems from genuine desire rather than external pressure. If crafting a themed birthday party brings you joy, then by all means, go for it. However, we must also assess the tasks that become burdensome and lead to frustration, such as last-minute sewing or failed baking attempts. It’s perfectly acceptable to acknowledge that we may not all excel in the same areas as Megan and to seek simpler alternatives, like purchasing party supplies or cakes, that can alleviate stress.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to grant ourselves the grace to step back and evaluate what truly serves our families and us. The pursuit of perfection is exhausting, and it is essential to remember that no one achieves it—except perhaps Megan.
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In summary, while social media can serve as a source of inspiration, it can also create unrealistic expectations for parents. Embracing our unique strengths and relinquishing the pressure to conform to an ideal can empower us to find joy in our parenting journeys.