Modern Motherhood: Ways to go Easy on Yourself

Author:
Dr. Anand Philip
MBBS, MRCGP[INT]

Career woman, homemaker, part timer or job seeker- no matter what your social standing is, there is one thing that makes you a superwoman nonetheless: Motherhood.

Motherhood has been described by many as being more demanding than a tough corporate role. Rightly so, because being a mother involves being continually available to care for little human beings, who always seek your dedicated attention.

New mothers realize that no education or experience has quite prepared them to take on the role of motherhood. However, this is only one side of the arduous, yet powerful role of being a mother. Despite all the hard work involved, motherhood makes the sweetest portion of a woman’s life.

Here are three cheers to motherhood. Below are a few tips that can help to ease the stress of modern motherhood:

1. Be clear about your priorities: Being a mother means that you are loaded with multiple tasks. Knowing what’s important helps to prioritize and focus on doing things one at a time.
2. Don’t try to fit in: Modern mothers are torn between conforming to society’s stereotypes, and being able to raise their kids well. Do not attempt to live according to conventions, as long as you know that you are doing the best for your children.
3. Take your time off: A few hours or minutes by yourself can do wonders to help you wade through the routine demands of raising a family.
4. Ask for help: One dangerous myth associated to motherhood is that strong mothers do it all by themselves. This is untrue. You cannot make it happen without help, from your husband, friends, parents or in-laws. When you need it, seek support.
5. Socialize, make friends: If you are a homemaker, motherhood can make you further homebound, affecting you adversely in the long run. Make some friends, and venture outside so that you don’t get trapped in the insecurities linked to loneliness.

Do not let your family’s demands blind you to the significance and joy of motherhood. As a mother, you play the central role in shaping your child’s personality, and future. You are the de facto role model and best friend, who will command the biggest influence in your child’s life. Raise a toast to yourself. There will be a time when the tantrums end, and believe it or not, you will miss this phase of your life when your children grow up.