Life is different for everyone in different ways, but no matter what ups and downs fall to our lot, the dream of a woman to give birth to a happy and healthy baby from a loved one lives in a woman’s soul. At the same time, each epoch has its own ideological features. What does the collective portrait of the mother of the beginning of the XXI century look like?
1. Modern women ask questions
Fighters for the rights of women can be proud of the work done, because our contemporaries began to critically consider gender roles and stereotypes. If in previous centuries the “purpose” of a woman was predetermined, then nowadays women can choose their way of life from a variety of options. The extensive choice of paths is sometimes fraught with danger, since many women deliberately postpone or refuse to give birth at all. According to statistics, the percentage of childless white women increased by 80% compared with the 1970s. and amounted to 18% in Europe and America.
2. Modern moms are older
The global average age of first births has steadily increased in recent decades: in Russia and the United States it has reached 25 years, and in wealthy Germany, Norway and Japan, it has exceeded 30 years. Today, women pay more attention to health and proper lifestyle, so a young mother and at 35 can be just as active as at 25. But one should not forget that at an older age, the risk of diseases increases both among women in childbirth and at the fetus.
3. Modern mothers use technological innovations.
Studies by American experts have shown that progress has facilitated women's domestic work by about 11 hours a week compared with 1965! Scientific achievements rush to the aid of young mothers and their beloved children, satisfying all needs and eliminating obstacles in their way. In modern society, a woman with a child is not afraid to travel, because ramps, changing tables, child seats and much more are provided for them. The newest educational methods and interactive programs also help babies to develop quickly physiologically and psychologically.
4. Modern mothers are trying to achieve a balance in career and personal life
Maternity leave does not turn into a premature retirement for a working mother. Many women decide to return to service and continue the assault on the career ladder. Such a choice means strict obedience to the strictest daily routine, comparable to discipline in a military barracks. But the reward for selflessness is high: a woman receives the possibility of harmonious realization both as a mother and as an individual. The tough demands of the world of business sometimes do not give young mothers a chance for success in work, but even here women have found a solution. Many people choose activities in freelancing, start-ups, advertising campaigns and other areas that do not have a strict working schedule.
5. Modern moms distribute responsibilities
Increasingly, the father plays an equally significant role in the upbringing and care of children, as does the mother. Position "This is not a man's case!" no longer finds widespread support in modern society, oriented to Western standards. Young couples are increasingly aware that the decision to have a child is mutual, and therefore the responsibility for it lies with both parents equally.
6. Modern moms feel guilty
The ideal today is the woman who always and everywhere has time and cracks down on household and work duties with a smile on her face. But like any other model of excellence, this benchmark is hardly achievable. Nevertheless, it causes growing anxiety in many young mothers, because they so want to be the best in the world. An endless stream of self-imposed demands can cause real depression. Recent surveys by British researchers have shown threatening numbers: about 87% of mothers feel guilty about their imaginary “nonideality.”
7. Modern moms don't want to lose themselves.
Our contemporary does not want to consider motherhood as a form of imprisonment within four walls. Having her own interests, living life to the fullest and, finally, just a happy woman gives her child much more love and warmth than a life-tormented victim. Mom should not strive to be perfect in everything, but she is simply obliged to be an interesting conversationalist and friend for her children.
Text: Tatyana Isaeva
