Are We Too Prepared for Parenting?

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The other day, two friends came over and we got to talking about our kids. Somehow, the conversation drifted into the great debate: Moms on Call vs. Taking Cara Babies. One of them was stressed—she was trying to follow the program but something wasn’t clicking. I nodded, completely understanding the pressure to get it “right,” according to all the manuals.

It got me thinking: Are we, as modern parents, too prepared?

We live in a generation where every aspect of parenting comes with a detailed guide. Entire threads dissect what kids should and shouldn’t eat—debating every ingredient as “good” or “bad.” Should snacks be organic, gluten-free, sugar-free, or free of anything remotely fun? Meanwhile, you’re left wondering if a simple PB&J is now considered a parental faux pas.

There are rules for everything from tummy time to screen time and everything in between.

On the surface, it sounds amazing—like we’ve cracked the code to parenthood. But have we?

I can’t help but wonder if all this preparedness is backfiring. Instead of helping us feel more confident, it’s making us more anxious.

When you have a how-to manual for everything, you start to rely on those checklists instead of trusting your own instincts. We second-guess ourselves because someone, somewhere, said there’s a “better” way to do it. We get caught up in comparing our efforts to the “perfect” examples we see online. And let’s not forget how quickly all of this noise fills our already-overwhelmed minds.

What if this over-preparation is stealing some of our magic?

I think back to my mom or my grandmother—parenting without a TikTok tutorial or a downloadable PDF. They didn’t have an app for baby sleep schedules or a viral reel filled with school lunch ideas. They just did it. And sure, they made mistakes (we all do), but they relied on their intuition and trusted their ability to figure things out as they went.

Now, I’m not saying we should throw out all the guides and wing it. Some of these resources are incredibly helpful (hello, I owe my sanity to a sleep-training program). But maybe we need to find a balance. Maybe we need to remind ourselves that we’re capable—even without a step-by-step plan.

So, here’s the question I’ve been asking myself: Is all this preparation actually making us better parents? Or is it making us doubt ourselves more?

The next time you find yourself frustrated that your child wasn’t potty trained after completing the 3 day program, or mad because you’ve allowed your kids more screen time than the recommended amount, take a deep breath. If the guides and manuals are causing more heartache than help, are they really worth it?

What do you think? Is all the noise helping, or is it getting in the way? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

👖 I’ve been living in these corduroy cropped pants. They comfortable, and warm, and give off a trendy retro vibe.

🥣 This chicken and vegetable soup is one we make repeatedly in our house. It’s warm and comforting on cold days, and full of nutritious ingredients! I leave the protein powder out, but you can certainly use it.

🧴 If you’re suffering from dry skin right now, I can’t recommend this melting balm enough. It soaks into the skin quickly, without leaving a greasy residue behind.

In 2025, I want to help you feel more confident using AI to make your daily life easier. From meal planning ideas to quick bedtime stories, these simple tips will save you time and help provide solutions to common parenting challenges.

Copy the prompt below and paste it into your favorite AI tool (like ChatGPT). Make sure to tweak and adjust it to fit your needs.

Parenting Challenge: Keeping kids entertained on a rainy day without screen time.

Prompt: It’s a rainy day, and I need a list of indoor activities to keep my kids (ages 2 and 4) entertained without relying on screens. The activities should be simple, use items we already have at home, and hold their attention for at least 20-30 minutes. Please provide a mix of creative, educational, and physical activities.

Example Response: The response below came directly from the free version of ChatGPT.

• Living Room Obstacle Course – Use pillows, couch cushions, chairs, and blankets to create a simple obstacle course. Have them crawl under tables, hop over pillows, and balance on a “tightrope” (a piece of tape on the floor).

• Sensory Bin Treasure Hunt – Fill a plastic bin with rice, beans, or pasta and hide small toys or household items inside. Give the kids spoons, cups, or tongs to dig and find the treasures.

• DIY Car Wash – Use toy cars and a bin of soapy water for a car wash station. Provide washcloths, toothbrushes, and small sponges for scrubbing.

• ….

Happy Friday, Friends! I hope you all have a great weekend!

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