Thank God for the Internet
Being a parent can be a life-changing experience. It can be beautiful, exhausting, and chaotic. At times, it’s even downright confusing. You can be cradling your newborn with awe and then, the next moment, you are frantically searching for answers to whether green poop is sinister. The internet is a modern marvel that parents cannot live without in the age of smartphones, high-speed Wi, FI and other technological advances.
Yes, the internet has its downfalls–comparison culture, misinformation, endless scrolling–but when it comes to parenting, it’s also a lifeline. It has helped me get through some of the hardest nights, most random questions, and lonely moments. The internet and Google have saved my sanity many times as a parent.
1. Doctor Google: My Midnight Lifeline
Let’s say that the Internet’s improvised medical advice has given me peace of mind and maybe even a few extra hours of sleep. Since I discovered I was pregnant, my searches for “Is This Normal?” and medical forums have increased.
I can still remember a particular night. When my son was just two weeks old, I noticed an odd red rash on his neck. It was 2 am. Naturally, I panicked immediately. I couldn’t see a doctor before morning, and I was on hold when calling a 24-hour assistance line. So I went to Google. I was able to find photos and testimonials from parents within minutes that indicated it could be a common heat rash for newborns. I took him to the doctor’s the next morning, but I could sleep a little better knowing that it was not likely to be a life-threatening condition.
We joke that “Doctor Google”, a search engine, can turn our colds into deadly illnesses. But when used with common sense and professional guidance, it’s a valuable tool for tired and worried parents.
2. Educational Resources at my Fingertips
I am a new parent and wanted to do everything “right”. What is the best nap schedule for a three-month-old child? What are the signs of developmental delay? What can I do to help my toddler adapt to a new baby?
The days of relying on outdated parenting books and family advice are over. Internet access allowed me to find out what works best for my child. I was able to read up-to-date research, articles by experts, evidence-based approaches to parenting, and different opinions.
I could learn about topics such as:
- What is emotional intelligence, and how can it be developed in toddlers?
- What to do when you have sleep regressions?
- Gentle discipline methods versus traditional time-outs
- Picky eaters: My nemesis.
I felt more confident as a parent after reading the information. It also helped me to advocate for my child better during medical appointments, transitions from daycare, and family discussions when old-school parenting beliefs clashed against modern parenting.
3. Finding My Tribe – Online Communities and Support Groups
It can be very isolating to be a mother, especially when your baby is a newborn. There were many days when I did not leave my house. Sometimes, it was just the living room. And there were long periods where adult conversation seemed like a luxury.
Then, online communities became my “virtual village”. I felt connected to other parents, whether it was in the local mums Facebook group, on the subreddit for gentle parenting, or through parenting threads at BabyCenter. I could ask questions such as:
- Is your baby still crawling after 10 months?
- Is it teething, or is there something else?
- How do you handle unsolicited advice given by your mother-in-law?
It was then that I realized just how common my struggles are. It was reassuring to read posts by other mums who were up at 3 am, feeding their children, or laughing at memes of toddler tantrums. I felt like a part of an international sisterhood of women who were all trying to do the best they could.
These aren’t only emotional lifelines, but also practical ones. Through my online parenting groups, I have found trusted pediatricians, daycare suggestions, bulk diaper sales, and even last-minute babysitters.
4. Online Shopping: The Miracle
When I learned that I could order groceries, diapers, and birthday party supplies online from my couch, I was a truly modern parent. Finding the time to shop peacefully and efficiently can be difficult between feedings, naps, and meltdowns.
Online shopping is a great way to save money. It was revolutionary. It was revolutionary. No more trying to hurry through the store with a screaming child or trying on dresses while a baby is strapped in a carrier. With the help of e-commerce companies and local delivery services, I was able to do everything in my pajamas.
I’ve:
- I ordered a costume for Halloween at midnight to be used the following day in daycare.
- On the way to a party, I bought an emergency gift for my birthday.
- You can refill the formula after 10 pm and have it delivered in the morning.
It is not laziness, it is survival. It has allowed me to save time, reduce stress, and even make money by comparing prices and shopping online.
5. Fun for the Kids (and me)
I didn’t realize how important 22-minute animations could be until I became a parent. Let’s say that Netflix Kids and YouTube Kids have been my uninvited parents more than once, and I am not ashamed.
When you are sick, your partner’s away, or just need 5 uninterrupted minutes to use the bathroom, a little screen time can save the day. Internet content can be educational, calming, or even safe for children. It can also inspire ideas for play in the real world.
It’s not all about the children. The internet provided for me when I was in need of entertainment and distraction. I have laughed at “Mum Truths”, found comfort from parenting popodcaststsbinge-watchedd a series while cluster-feeding.
Don’t forget about the memes and cat videos. They have made me laugh when I was ready to cry.
6. Online Tools for Life Management
As a parent, you have to juggle dozens of tasks. From managing household bills and filing medical claims to juggling vaccinations and applications for school. The Internet has made it easier to manage adulting tasks.
Now:
- You can book a doctor’s appointment using a website or an app
- Pay your bills in a matter of taps
- You can order repeat prescriptions online without having to queue up.
- How to access government documents on my mobile
I was able to accomplish errands that would have otherwise consumed entire afternoons. This convenience was crucial to maintaining a healthy balance, particularly in the early years.
7. Remote Career Opportunities and Work from Home
The internet has allowed me to work at home, even after I had children. This is not an option available to all parents, but it can be life-changing for those who have this opportunity.
Upwork and Fiverr are websites that I used to find freelance work. LinkedIn allowed me to reconnect with former employers. Online courses helped me upgrade my skills and gave me the confidence to return to work.
Many mums see remote work and digital entrepreneurship as more than just a side gig. It’s an opportunity to maintain their professional identity while raising a child.
8. Ideas, Inspiration, and Creativity
Do you have a day when it rains and your toddlers are energetic? Do you need a costume at the last minute for Book Week? You want to redecorate the room of your child on a tight budget? The Internet is a treasure trove of ideas.
Pinterest, Instagram, and parenting blogs provided me with:
- Toilet paper and glue: DIY crafts for kids
- Sensory bin activities using rice and food coloring for toddlers
- Even picky eaters will love these healthy lunchbox recipes
- Affordable and creative birthday decoration ideas
Five minutes scrolling on the internet can inspire an idea to save the day. It makes me feel like I am a rockstar mom or dad.
Conclusion
Parenting is a very different experience today than it was 30, 50 years ago. We are faced with new challenges, increased expectations, and, yes, even more distractions. We also have access to more support and tools than ever before. Thank God for the Internet.
Google has saved my sanity one search at a time. Whether it was answering a 3 AM question, letting me work in slippers, finding a teething remedy, or reminding me I wasn’t alone, Google has truly helped me.
Next time you hear someone say that mothers today have it easy, just smile, nod, and Google a perfect response.
