The United Stress of America: Relevant Families

News of the parenting variety:

• It seems like a perennial state of affairs that when a group of mothers gets together, inevitably talk turns to the deficiencies of their mate, parenting among them, and venting commences. It should come as no surprise then that a recent survey found that moms are really mad at dad. Really mad. I tend to go with my pastor on this one, it seems to be a matter of what you chose to focus on.
• Some have solved this issue by foregoing dad all together and creating supportive communities of single mothers.
• Role shifting is prevalent in our society these days in relation to parenting. The recession and attendant job losses are forcing, and in some views, giving dads opportunities to find their place in the home, a shift that many professional women are already familiar with.
• The idea of extended family is also resurging, and grandma Obama isn't the only grandparent who is moving in or closer to their children to share more in family life. But, the boomers are still a little stuck on what they want their grandchildren to call them, lest they feel to old.
• The U.K. has really been grappling with the changing trends in relationships and parenting, and its effects on their society, also worrying that parents are merging their identities with their children, neglecting their fundamental needs, and increasing their anxiety levels.
• In the U.S. the economic conditions are seriously testing the familial bonds, and the anxiety level of America's families is increasing by the day.
• Complicating this trend is that parents don't seem to allow their kids and themselves to just play anymore. 
• Many parents were inspired by the recent inauguration, and some even to apply some presidential leadership principles to the homefront. But of course, I have found myself saying "this is not a democracy," (particularly in relation to eating vegetables) so I suppose I'm on a little different path on this one. And I definitely don't have the kind of funds Obama is talking about for a bailout!
• So with all this news...who needs some comic relief? Check out this mother's list of parenting workshop she wishes they would offer. And everyone has dealt with the unexpected death of a pet, but maybe not quite like this.