Navigating adulthood and parenting in today’s world can feel like an uphill battle. There’s a persistent pressure that seems to shadow our daily lives, intensifying during significant moments like birthdays or holidays. This pressure pushes us to do more than just live our lives; it compels us to create “Moments” — those picture-perfect, Instagram-ready snapshots that seem to be the standard now.
Being an adult, a parent, and specifically a mom, has always been challenging, but in 2021, that challenge has multiplied. The source of much of this complexity can be traced back to a certain archetype that we’ll refer to as “Megan.”
Megan, who emerged around 2010 with the rise of Instagram and Pinterest, represents the quintessential mom we all recognize. She’s the overachiever who appears to juggle it all with ease, thriving on minimal sleep. Crafting, photography, and DIY projects come naturally to her. Megan doesn’t just have a crafting corner; she possesses a whole room dedicated to it.
She seems to have a cookie cutter for every conceivable occasion, from National Donut Day to Earth Day. Megan fills her freezer with homemade meals and always has time to volunteer, ensuring she’s the go-to for school events. Birthdays are no exception; she makes everything from play-dough to elaborate cakes, capturing each moment and sharing it online.
When Megan started showcasing her ideal life on social media, it sparked a trend. Her beautiful posts not only attracted attention but also inspired others to emulate her lifestyle. Fast forward to today, and many of us feel the weight of Megan’s expectations, believing we should live up to her standards.
Because of this, we find ourselves planning extravagant gender reveal parties, complete with elaborate decorations and smoke bombs. We’re compelled to ask friends to be bridesmaids in ways that often eclipse the marriage proposal itself. Professional photography sessions document stages of our lives, from pregnancies to monthly baby milestones — all to capture “the perfect moment.”
Even birthday parties, once simple gatherings, have morphed into themed extravaganzas. A child’s birthday cake isn’t just a cake anymore; it must be a “Smash Cake,” complete with custom decorations and outfits, often resulting in more stress than joy.
The influence of Megan extends to traditions like Elf on the Shelf, which has become a high-stakes endeavor rather than a fun holiday feature. We scramble to find matching Christmas pajamas, convinced that our holiday spirit hinges on our children’s perfectly coordinated outfits.
Monthly baby photos and creative pregnancy announcements have also become the norm, all thanks to Megan’s influence. None of these trends are inherently bad; if they make you happy, embrace them. But it’s crucial to differentiate between what we do out of genuine desire and what we feel forced to adopt because of someone else’s highlight reel.
We all have our “Megan” moments, showcasing our unique talents or interests. However, it’s just as important to recognize when we’re forcing ourselves into roles that don’t fit. Sometimes, you have to step back and acknowledge that it’s perfectly okay to choose convenience over perfection — whether it’s buying a grocery store cake or finding easy online solutions for party favors.
Let’s grant ourselves permission to step away from the relentless pursuit of being a “super mom.” It’s a challenging journey, but it’s essential to prioritize what truly matters to us and our families. Take a deep breath, set down the glue gun, and remember: no one is flawless, except maybe Megan (or so we think).
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In summary, while social media can make modern parenting feel overwhelming, it’s crucial to focus on what brings joy to you and your family. Embrace your strengths, but don’t hesitate to let go of unnecessary pressures. Remember, it’s okay to just be, without the need for curation.