Being a mother is something that has evolved over time. The role of women in raising and caring for children is adapting to the needs and changes in society. But what is the feeling of mothers today? What do you think of modern motherhood? An Australian study was given the task of finding out and we shared its results.
This research was conducted by an Australian marketing agency called The Korn Group, which is dedicated to analyzing the audience and the market in different segments. They talked with groups of mothers who had children from newborns to six years of age. His main interest was discover the concerns and feelings of modern mothers.
For the study, the mothers were divided into groups according to their age, socioeconomic status, and family structure at home. However, something they found very dominant in all groups, was that most mothers feel highly judged.
In addition to this common feeling, five important observations were found:
1. Motherhood is still women's work
Although there is still a differentiation in the upbringing of children between genders, establishing each parent's responsibilities and equity is currently defining modern homes. But nevertheless, Although many fathers are more involved in parenting issues, most mothers believe that this continues to be women's work.
An example they gave of this is that mothers have an entire system organized in their minds where they take control of all their family's needs, such as a spreadsheet. While men still do not do something like that.
2. Guilt is innate in motherhood
Many mothers intend not to give importance to the opinion of others as they recognize that sometimes they feel guilty when they should not, and although they make the effort for that they do not overwhelm them, they do not always succeed. This is because the pressure of being perfect mothers continues to be very intense, especially in new mothers.
The study mentions that this may be the reason that mothers have loved the "Bad Mothers" movie. Blaming yourself off can be a very liberating thing for mothers, as well as understanding that it's okay not to be a perfect mom.
3. Online mother groups are real communities
Mother tribes still exist but have changed radically. Now most of these groups are in the digital world. From active groups in social networks to bloggers and influencers and online discussion forums. These digital spaces are now the places where mothers share, explore and debate all issues related to motherhood. Having ideas and experiences of other women in similar circumstances is something credible and reassuring for mothers.
4. They would like to trust their instinct
Another discovery of the study was knowing that mothers wish they could rely more on their own instinct. Being in this era where we are saturated with information and advice everywhere, sometimes it is counterproductive, as we find ourselves with opposing views that make us doubt and that becomes somewhat tiring.
They know their children well and know what is best for them, so they would like to feel less fear when following their instincts.
5. His greatest wish is, of course, to have more time
Of course, this is the universal desire of all mothers, not just Australians. Maternal life can be very exhausting and chaotic, and it is to do so many things that really time is not enough for us to do everything we can or need in the way we would like. We need time to do everything in the house, to work, to care for our children, to be with our partner and to attend pending issues that we have.
Mothers also stated that they need time for them, to be alone and dedicate it to thinking or doing things they like. They consider that a small break to recharge energy is necessary, and it can be something as simple as having a cup of tea or going to get your hands fixed. What most of the mothers consulted in this study resort to have time alone and not feel guilty, is to exercise.
In general, although the study was only done with mothers in Australia, it reflects a lot of what we currently live and feel mothers around the world.
