The pace of change varies based on culture
As an Australian teacher and mum working in various countries over 18 years, changes to the nature of motherhood in contrast to how I was raised — and hence raised my own children — have been quite noticeable. However, we need to take into account various variables, including culture, when explaining these differences, given that beliefs are all relative to the situation.
For example, in some cultures, nannies are responsible for raising the child. This is unlike my own culture, where we raised our own children. In contrast, whole families, for example, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, besides the child’s own birth parents participate in the upbringing in other cultures. With today’s fast-paced competitive world, advancing technology and economic downturn, we also witness changes in the nature of parenthood and families, as a whole. There are various reasons behind this change. Firstly, there are fewer children being born into families. The fact that both parents are working today might be a direct result of economic hardship. Children, then, are left in the care of others, or forced to grow up on their own, which might result in a decrease of family guidelines and values.
Job competitiveness can also result in one very overworked mum (or dad). In trying to keep their job, tiredness and worry can contribute to health issues.
Some mothers will be able to balance their lives depending on their personality types and priorities, whilst others might have a hard time of it. We are all different; mindset and circumstances play a large part in the direction individual motherhood takes and pans out. From Ms Erica Maxene Dodds Teacher living in Kaluga, Russia