Being a mother has become more challenging than it has ever been before. Next to all the usual parenting issues, mums today also have to introduce their children to technology while being aware of all the dangers that accompany it.
Moreover, most mums today lead much more hectic lifestyles than mums in the past did, which adds another aspect that needs to be balanced with parenthood. If this is something you can identify with, here are four biggest challenges of being a modern mum and what you can do to overcome them.
The lack of time
Being a mother is a full-time job, especially if your kids are still young. There are just so many things you need to do, from feeding them every few hours if your child is a baby to helping them do their homework if they go to school. And of course, you need to make time for some entertainment as well ? playing with your child, helping them develop various skills, etc. Assuming that you already have an actual full-time job, everything you do can feel like just another thing on the never-ending list.
The best way to deal with this problem is not to do everything on your own. If you have a partner, split the parenting and home-maintenance responsibilities so neither of you feels overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you are a single mum, there are many organisations and support groups that help mums keep everything under control, so maybe you should consider joining one. After all, it takes a village to raise a child, so make use of every option.
The loss of identity
The above-mentioned lack of time can very often lead to another problem ? the loss of identity. The first few years after your child is born, it might seem like everything you do revolves around your child. Even when you go out with your friends, your child could turn out to be the only topic you can talk about. Eventually, you might start feeling like you?re losing yourself. As much as you love your child, it should never become your entire life, which is why this issue can often lead to stress and eventually even depression.
In order to solve this problem, you have to actually find time for yourself. Even if it?s once a week or once a month, you should set aside one day that you will dedicate to your needs alone. The way you spend it is completely up to you-you can read a book, spend a day at the spa, or simply rest for a bit. So, ask your partner, parents, or even close friends who love kids to take your child off your hands for a day, and use that day to regain your identity.
Technology and fun
In the past, being entertained by technology usually meant sitting in front of the TV and watching cartoons. Today, though, we live in the digital age where many children have access to everything from phones and tablets to laptops and computers. In other words, as a parent today, you will probably struggle to balance between digital entertainment and the kind of care-free childhood that you had.
The thing is, there is nothing wrong with technology in itself, but too much of anything can be harmful ? especially while kids are too young to understand the dangers of the Internet. So, let your kids use technology, but always supervise them, and limit the amount of time they can use it. Also, make sure they get plenty of social entertainment as well. For example, they can join an educational playgroup where they would both have fun and develop many useful skills.
Keeping your kids healthy
There is another problem that can be linked to technology. Unlike us who used to stay outside all day just to play with our neighbourhood friends, most kids today would rather spend their time indoors sitting at the computer. This can lead to obesity, low immunity, muscle atrophy, and many other health problems that are the result of lack of exercise.
In order to prevent this issue, introduce your kids to sports and other physical activities while they are young. If they fall in love with a certain activity, even if it?s something as simple as riding a bike, they are more likely to stick to that activity while growing up. It might not also be a bad idea to get a dog ? walking their dog even for an hour a day can help them stay healthy.
As mentioned, it takes a village to raise a child, and in the modern world, it can often seem like not even two villages would be enough. However, there are ways to overcome any challenge and improve your child?s lifestyle as well as your own. So, think about the above-listed challenges and suggestions, and make sure to tackle any potential issues in time.
Article provided by Stella van Lane.
Stella van Lane is a mother and mental health advocate based in Sydney. She spends her free time blogging. Stella is in love with coffee, chocolate, music, books and good vibes. Her top interests are health, yoga, meditation and interior design. She enjoys helping other people by sharing her experience and knowledge.