Jane Park on Parenting Without a Village: How the Internet Became Her Guide to Motherhood
By
Jane Park
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
In an exclusive essay for PEOPLE, author Jane Park reflects on her journey into motherhood without a traditional support system or parental role models. She describes her father's conflicting parenting style that left her uncomfortable with physical affection, and how she turned to the internet as a substitute for the "village" she didn't have. Park explores the generational gap in parenting knowledge, noting she is the first in her family to read parenting books, and shares how online resources helped fill the void left by absent familial guidance.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMy father has a signature hug that represents his parenting style: one hand pats my shoulder towards him, the other pushes me away.
I am the first generation from either side of my family to have ever read a book on parenting.
if I couldn't even hold a baby I wondered if I had the basic skills to raise one.
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