Despite the technological conveniences associated with modern family life, such as cell phones and GPS devices, being a mom or a dad hasn't gotten any easier. Rates of both adolescent and adult anxiety and depression are rising, and the societal pressure to raise blue ribbon children has swelled. But it's not all bad news out there, either. On average, American families spend more time together than previous generations, and science is uncovering fascinating biological and neurological changes that take place when people become mothers and fathers. The following images represent just a snapshot of what it's like to dive into the exhausting and exhilarating world of parenthood in the 21st century. (Justin Pumfrey/Getty Images)