In the age of advanced technology, parents are increasingly relying on digital tools to monitor and track their children's every move. From baby monitors to tracking apps, the market is flooded with products promising to provide parents with peace of mind and a sense of control. But as one mother's personal experience reveals, this surveillance can come at a cost to both parents and children.

The author, who became a mother at an advanced age, recounts her experience of using a baby monitor to track her daughter's every move. At first, the monitor provided a sense of comfort and reassurance, allowing her to keep tabs on her child from another room. But as time went on, she began to realize that her reliance on the monitor was not only creating anxiety but also affecting her relationship with her partner.

The use of surveillance technology in parenting is not a new phenomenon. The first baby monitor was invented in 1937, and since then, the market has grown exponentially. Today, parents can choose from a range of products, from simple audio monitors to advanced video cameras and tracking apps. But as the author notes, this technology can create a sense of distance between parents and children, rather than promoting proximity and intimacy.

Experts argue that the use of surveillance technology in parenting can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it can provide parents with a sense of security and reassurance, allowing them to feel more connected to their children. On the other hand, it can create anxiety and a sense of mistrust, particularly if parents become overly reliant on the technology.

The author's experience highlights the complexities of modern parenting, where technology is increasingly playing a role in shaping our relationships with our children. As she notes, the use of surveillance technology can be both a blessing and a curse, providing comfort and reassurance while also creating anxiety and affecting relationships.

Ultimately, the rise of surveillance technology in parenting raises important questions about the boundaries of parental responsibility and the impact of technology on our relationships. As the author concludes, "figuring out the right distance from which to parent is a problem that existed long before pregnant people added video monitors to their digital gift registries." The challenge for parents in the digital age is to navigate this complex landscape and find a balance between technology and intimacy.

The debate surrounding the use of surveillance technology in parenting is far from over. As the market continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that parents, policymakers, and technology developers engage in a nuanced conversation about the implications of this technology on our relationships and our children's well-being.