Mothers; Their Evolving Role in Society

Mothers have always played a significant role in society, but this is constantly evolving over the years. From being primarily homemakers in the past, mothers today are modern role models, balancing all the hats needed as a spouse and mom at home, in their workplaces and within the community. In a society like Singapore where both parents working continues to be the norm, can mothers really have a safe space to evolve and grow?

Today, many women have a career outside the home and contribute significantly to the economy as mothers have become more empowered. This includes the changes in society’s values and norms in the ever-increasing living expenses especially in Singapore which has led to more opportunities for women to continue pursuing their career aspirations.

The changing role of mothers has also been facilitated by government policies that support work-life balance. For example, Singapore is considered to have one of the most generous maternity leave in the world and will continue to increase from Jan 2024. The government has also introduced flexible work arrangements, such as remote working, to help parents balance their work and family responsibilities.

Balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging, and some women may face discrimination or bias in the workplace, making it difficult to pursue their career aspirations. Additionally, the pressure to be a perfect mother and a successful professional can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and mental health issues.

To address these challenges, it is essential to continue supporting policies that promote work-life balance and provide support and resources for struggling mothers who can also help alleviate the stress and pressure they may be facing. If you are a mom, here are some ways you can live more internationally as you navigate through your modern and evolving role in this world.

Make Time For Yourself
It’s hard to prioritize yourself and just carving out some me time makes us feel guilty. But even a little self-care routine is crucial as a way to repair, heal and love yourself. Whether it’s an online exercise routine, preparing the right foods to fuel your body or the weekly hair and face mask – there are ways we can look after ourselves.
Application: Carve out time this week to do something you enjoy! It can be finally going for brunch with the ladies or reading a book in your TBR (“to be read”) list.
Be Kind To Yourself
It can be overwhelming trying to juggle the different hats you wear throughout the day and it’s easy to get swept away by the little mistakes. It’s okay to reflect on them but remember to dust yourself off and let’s move forward. Studies show that even a few moments to look after yourself positively impacts your well-being and how you treat those around you.
Application: It may feel silly but going through positive affirmations does help. You can do them while doing your skincare routine at night or in the morning, or even while running your errands.
No Such Thing As A Perfect Mom
Some days will be challenging, so assess where you need help and how you feel and know you are trying your best. Optimism is important but identifying difficulties and having a practical plan to tackle them decreases stress. The best thing you can do for your mental health is to be positively realistic.
Application: Try limiting your time on social media. Constantly feeding yourself with somebody else’s highlight reels may create comparisons and unrealistic expectations for you and those around you.

Getting To Happy™ New Mom cards set is available with 31 cards, each designed to be a daily reminder with an activity or tip with the science-based strategies proven to increase well-being. You may click here to shop. Shireena also does maternity coaching for mothers. Reach out to us at shireena@gettingtohappy.sg if you’d like to know more.