Mothers represent a nurturing spirit whose love is unconditional.
As the nurturing figures in the family, they help ensure that their loved ones receive tender, loving care — from getting enough sleep to eating nutritious meals to dressing in clean and comfortable clothes.
However, even the toughest moms sometimes feel overwhelmed, especially in an already fast-paced, digital-heavy society, which has presented itself with new challenges and expectations.
Below are some of the hurdles mothers face in the modern world, along with helpful tips and suggestions:
CHALLENGE #1: TEACHING KIDS GOOD BEHAVIOR
One of the most challenging aspects of becoming a parent is teaching children good behavior. And when a child misbehaves or makes a mistake, they are given appropriate disciplinary measures by their parents.
However, some forms of discipline can sometimes include spanking, hitting, or yelling at a child. And these come with risks.
Studies have linked aggressive disciplinary actions to negative outcomes in a child's social, mental, emotional, and physical development. These include low self-esteem, increased aggression, and even depression.
While parents must also remain firm when helping children learn right from wrong, they can do so without imposing harsh disciplinary measures. Also known as positive reinforcement, parents can help encourage good behavior in their children by:
- Showing and telling kids the dos and don'ts. Set clear and consistent boundaries by using age-appropriate language they can easily understand.
- Listening and letting kids explain before solving a problem together, no matter how big or small it is. Open communication helps strengthen the bond between parent and child.
- Appreciating children for good behavior, like when they share toys with their siblings or when they learn to say ‘thank you’ or ‘sorry.’
- Giving kids a time out when they misbehave, helping them (and even the parent) calm down and think and act more thoughtfully before solving an issue together.
- Offering kids task-oriented, time-specific (such as completing a brief activity), and behavior-related consequences (meaning, the specific behavior you want your child to improve on).
- Maintaining a level head whenever a child misbehaves or commits a mistake.
It may be difficult to maintain calmness, but parents must act as role models for the positive habits they want their children to adopt.
CHALLENGE #2: BALANCING ONLINE AND OFFLINE ACTIVITIES
Raising children in a tech-savvy world where nearly every person (even kids!) has access to electronic gadgets, such as smartphones or tablets, can often feel overwhelming to some parents.
The goal, therefore, is to strike and keep a balance between online and offline pursuits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under two-years-old limit their screen usage to video conversations with long-distance relatives. On the other hand, it suggests a one-hour screen time limit for children aged two to five.
Setting certain boundaries gives them more time to engage in other things, including connecting with adults and other kids, playing with toys and musical instruments, and interacting with nature like strolling through the garden.
Apart from spending time playing, children also require adequate sleep. The Sleep Foundation advises 11 to 17 hours of sleep for infants under two years and 10 to 13 hours for children aged three to five.
And to help kids get a calm sleep, moms can use IPI Aceite de Manzanilla.
Not only does it help relieve the effects of colic or kabag, cough, colds, and fever, but it also promotes a night of restful sleep for youngsters, thanks to the relaxing properties of its key ingredient: chamomile.
Although it appears that digital media is here to stay, it is still important to strike a balance between screen time and time spent in the real world for both parent and child.
CHALLENGE #3: SPOTTING MISLEADING POSTS
We used to get news about current events and trends from television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and even letters. These days, we now get such information from the internet with a single tap or flick of our fingertips.
While social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube provide near-endless (and free) information, like any sigurista mom, we must approach them with caution.
It may appear daunting, but sifting through false posts or claims is a crucial social obligation in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from falling prey to misleading content. When scrolling through social media, remember these maalaga tips:
- Examine the consistency of a post.
Avoid relying solely on one source. Take time to research if a story or topic is being reported consistently by verified news sites and pages. Additionally, check if a post or social media page is merely being satirical.
- Read the full story or article.
Headlines often immediately grab our attention, but it does not tell the whole story. So, always take time to read the entire article to gain an in-depth knowledge of an issue or topic before commenting, sharing, or reacting to it.
- Consider the authors and sources.
Consider doing a background check by viewing the About Us section of a website or social media page, including their writers and editors. Examine whether they mention multiple sources in their articles, including professionals and experts in their respective fields of expertise.
- Check the website URL.
The URLs of reputable news organizations finish in .com. However, if it ends in .co, it might contain misleading info. You may also utilize online tools, like ScanURL or NortonSafeLock, to help identify if a URL is safe or not.
- Seek help from professionals or fact-checking tools.
Consulting with qualified specialists and professionals, such as lawyers and doctors, is one method to combat disinformation. Another option is utilizing media watchdog websites like Snopes or FactCheck.org.
- Constantly check the label.
Before buying products online, like childcare supplies, go over the product reviews. Check if the product is registered and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA-approved products are generally safe to use, like IPI Aceite de Manzanilla.
CHALLENGE #4: BREAKING GENDER STEREOTYPES
One of the modern obstacles parents encounter today is helping break gender-based stereotypes.
Common stereotypes include letting boys play only with toy cars, while girls should only play with cooking sets and other indoor activities.
Kids, regardless of gender, need enough space and time to explore, engage, and play to develop their skills, like their social and cognitive skills. And parents, like moms, have a direct influence on the development of their children.
When gender-based stereotypes are removed, parents help their kids reach their maximum potential — from their social and cognitive skills to their creativity and problem-solving skills.
One way is to allow children to play with toys or engage in activities typically associated with the opposite gender, such as allowing boys to play with cooking sets or learn about various flowers or letting girls play with soccer or toy cars.
Ultimately, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), toys and games should be tools that help kids become more flexible and adaptive learners, allowing them to have a broader experience and understanding of the world around them.
Being a mother or taking on the position of a maternal figure requires tremendous effort. Given the various hurdles they face, especially in the modern world, they are deserving of more than a pat on the back.
As a mom, confronting these challenges and stigmas is an extraordinary feat. And amidst the passing of time, their strength is already enough to ensure what is best for you and me – their kids.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, IPI Aceite de Manzanilla thanks every maalaga and sigurista #HaplosMommy around the globe. Sa bawat haplos, ginhawa ay lubos! If you enjoyed reading this article, follow and like us on our Facebook page for more parent and child-related content and tips!
IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
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