- By Tooba Abbasi
FROM LULLABIES TO LOGIN SCREENS
By Tooba Abbasi
We may have traded bedtime stories for screen time—but the warmth of her hug? Still irreplaceable. The world has witnessed motherhood evolve through generations—from whispered lullabies passed through generations to storytime replaced by screens. But some things remain unchanged: the warmth of her hug, the rhythm of her voice, and the comfort she brings. Even in a world with baby monitors and several parenting apps, it’s her love and care that remain irreplaceable.
There was a time when a mother’s intuition was all she had—no parenting apps, no internet forums, just a bit of know-how and a whole lot of love. Now, a tap or swipe delivers solutions faster than grandmothers. While technology has offered support and convenience in a mother’s life, it will never be able to replicate the profound comfort and warmth of her gentle touch: a unique connection of love and strength that no machine can replace.
Though compassion and nurturing remain at the heart of it all, what sets this era apart is the beautiful blend of timeless affection with the tools of the digital age. It’s not about what’s been lost—it’s about how beautifully it all adapts.
Motherhood has always been central to a woman’s journey. Previously, it was categorized by simplicity, tradition, and close-knit relations. Mothers keenly followed ancestral practices and engaged their children in various hands-on and offline activities that nourished both mind and soul. With the help of extended families and ancient customs, children were raised.
When a child had a fever, a herbal remedy that was warm was sufficient to treat it. The custom of postpartum diets and the healing power of food made with love by aunts and grandmothers were deeply ingrained. There were no WhatsApp groups or parenting guides, only common sense and intuition; mothers relied on elders’ wisdom and the shared experience of women before them.
It was simply calmer, uncomplicated, and woven with love and care.
Fast forward to today, and motherhood looks different—but its core remains unchanged. Mothers still hold the same hopes, fears, and dreams for their children. The difference lies in the tools they use and the challenges they face.
Modern-day mothers are navigating this journey in nuclear families or even solo, leaning on technology. From sleep cycles tracked on apps to online support groups and video calls with distant relatives for guidance. But even with tech at their fingertips, the emotional labor and depth of love remain as profound as ever.
“Can an app really know how a mother feels?”
Parenting in the 21st century is a data-driven and app-dependent venture where every step is guided by a robotic rhythm. From baby monitors that track sleep cycles to educational YouTube channels for toddlers, technology is a constant companion. But it is not less than a double-edged sword.
Saira, a Gen Z mother of a two-year old boy believes that parenting is a structured chapter where a mother has to be vigilant and broad-minded when it comes to technology. As we discussed further she stated that her son spends more time in front of a glowing screen rather than playing outdoors which has made her be more conscious in the consumption of media.
“My mother raised us when technology was slowly taking us over, whereas now, I’m raising a child who is going through rapid changes. Obviously, it’s different and hysterical when comparing our parenting styles because at most times I’m defending myself against dependency on technology.” – Saira
While all the technology has gotten kids addicted to the sounds of Cocomelon and other rhymes, it has also made parenting a lot easier, especially for mothers who are either office workers or even homemakers, so while they work, they can also keep checking on their baby.
“… I cannot imagine living a life without a baby monitor or support groups. However, I do miss the old-school way of motherhood, where motherhood was more about the simple joys.”
Saira’s story will relate to a lot of mothers who have recently stepped into the motherly phase where they are in constant fear of rejoining the office or leaving the baby on the bed and getting done with house chores or even going and taking a bath. She reflects that motherhood is a deep-rooted emotion, similar across generations and differently accessible across cultures.
There is no doubt that technology can lighten the load—but it can’t replace a mother’s intuition. And when overused, it risks becoming a wall instead of a window between a mother and a child’s bond.
With technology there also comes a lot of pressure—to be perfect. Between Pinterest-perfect birthday parties and Instagram-worthy playrooms, the pressure to parent flawlessly is real.
Research indicates that, exposure to idealized portrayals of motherhood on social media can lead to decreased self-esteem and lower perceived parenting competence, particularly among mothers with a high tendency for social comparison .
In truth, behind those polished posts are mothers just trying to make it through the day; behind every perfect post is a tired, exhausted mother juggling chaos and comparison. Today’s modern world has made motherhood a competition, which has increased the mental health risks.
On the basis of another research, mothers who spend more time on social media platforms about motherhood report higher stress levels.
In a world where mothers struggle between careers, houses, and continuous digital distractions, it’s easy to make them feel like they aren’t doing enough. But every time a mother scrolls, there’s somebody else just trying to keep up, too.
Today’s children are born into a digital world. They are “digital natives,” familiar with screens before speech. And while this opens doors to learning, it also presents risks.
A study by The Lancet Psychiatry found that teens who spend more than 3 hours per day on social media face an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The Cyberbullying Research Center reports that over a third of school-aged children experience online harassment.
Mothers now have an added responsibility: to raise children who are not just tech-savvy but also emotionally intelligent and safe online. From setting screen limits to teaching online etiquette, the role has expanded—but so has the impact. Mothers are continuously navigating technology to make sure of their children’s safety and protection.
Raising Digital natives is one of the most exhausting parts of modern motherhood, often overlooked, rarely appreciated. Yet somehow the way a mother feels never goes unnoticed by the ones who matter the most: her children.
It’s high time that we understand that there is no such thing as perfect parenting. As the child grows, a mother evolves too, either then or now.
In a world where technology continues to reshape our lifestyle, the essence of motherhood, rooted in love and care, is timeless. As you read this, let’s honor all the mothers who are on a journey to navigate this evolving landscape with grace and resilience. A mother’s love is the thread that ties us across time—timeless, tireless, and true.
Whether surrounded by extended family or juggling devices in a tiny apartment, a mother’s love continues to be the most enduring force in a child’s life. She is the one who comforts, protects, and nurtures—whether with lullabies or voice notes. Generations may change, but the essence of motherhood will remain like the scent of first rain. Pure and comforting.
