Motherhood Made Easy – How to Stay Calm During Motherhood?
The modern world presents many challenges for becoming a mother. While our ancestors often relied solely on their experiences and the advice of older generations, today we are inundated with a flood of information about parenting. There are countless books, websites, forums, and community groups on the subject of child-rearing, which can often lead to confusing situations where it is difficult to navigate through the multitude of opinions.
These pieces of information certainly come with numerous advantages. It is particularly helpful to see that other mothers face similar challenges as we do. We can find writings on almost everything online and in various literature, from childbirth to breastfeeding to getting children to sleep. Moreover, we can read about topics that were previously considered taboo to discuss.
The continuous advancement of science brings new knowledge, and in many cases, old, traditional approaches become outdated. For example, we no longer find it appropriate to let a baby cry, and sugary drinks are no longer viewed as the best source of nutrition. Despite all this, it is worth thoroughly informing ourselves, as this can help us form our own opinions and parenting principles.
Knowledge and Information Flow
The abundance of information offers many opportunities for parents, but it also poses significant challenges. Amidst the plethora of opinions and advice found online, it can be difficult to determine what is right and what is best for our own child. Family members, friends, and even professionals may represent different viewpoints, which can create confusion in parents’ minds.
Additionally, on social media platforms, we often encounter contradictory information. The heated debates and sometimes hostile atmosphere in mommy groups can further increase anxiety among uncertain parents. Instead of being a supportive environment, often parents feel even more confused due to the multitude of differing opinions.
It is important for parents to understand that every situation is unique. What works for one family may not necessarily work for another. The mother’s mental state, the child’s temperament, and the family’s living circumstances all influence what the best solution is in given situations. We need to be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Importance of Individual Solutions
During child-rearing, it is essential for parents to find solutions tailored to their own family situation and needs. A mother’s personality and the individual needs of the children determine what works best. For instance, if a mother finds it comforting to have her child next to her and can check at any time that everything is alright, then this approach may be the best for them.
At the same time, for others, it may be important for the children to sleep in a separate room so that parents can spend time together. With knowledge in hand and by setting our own boundaries, we can make decisions more easily. If gathering information causes anxiety, it may be wise to limit time spent online and selectively consider friends’ advice.
In parenting, it is important not to strive for perfection. As Donald W. Winnicott said, we do not need to be perfect mothers; it is enough to be “good enough.” Mistakes are inevitable, and most of the errors made during childbirth can be rectified. Emotional connections and apologies always help keep the parent-child relationship strong.
Experiencing Everyday Joys
Amidst the flood of information and constant awareness, we sometimes tend to forget the joys of motherhood. It is important not to focus solely on mandatory developmental activities but also to spend time enjoying being with our children. Hiking in nature, playing together, and observing our children’s curiosity can bring real joy.
Motherhood is not just a task; it is an experience as well. Those moments when our child laughs or discovers something new remain valuable memories for us. Let us not forget that the most important things do not require a book or an expert; we just need to trust ourselves and be open to the moments we can spend with our children. Confidence and love are the keys to keeping our parent-child relationship strong, regardless of the challenges we face.