I wonder a lot about what parenting has turned into. I don't want to sound like a grumpy old person bemoaning change, but ...

Back in my day (lol), kids' lives weren't so busy and intensely structured that parents (moms especially) had to run around stressed from dawn til bedtime.

Sports travel leagues, organized group playdates, music groups, tutoring groups, etc. I know of kids with busy schedules that would rival those of corporate executives.

And who's getting the kiddos from appointment to appointment? Moms, of course, with the occasional assist from Dad when events conflict.

It's like good parenting has come to mean running yourself ragged so you can help run your kid ragged.

In the meantime, the kids are exhausted, and mental health professionals are trying to remind parents that unstructured playtime is an important part of child development.