The days of mothers wanting to be ‘supermum’ are gone with more preferring to ‘go with the flow’, according to new research.
The Fisher-Price survey shows that younger mums are more relaxed and flexible mothers with more than half of Aussie mums saying their biggest priority in an average day is spending time with their child playing and helping them to develop (53%).
Shared experiences is a bigger priority over day-to-day chores such as washing and cooking the dinner (18%) or sticking to their child’s routine (15%).
In a clear shift in parenting style, the Fisher-Price survey found that nearly three quarters of Gen Y mums would describe themselves as flexible or preferring to ‘go with the flow’, a far cry from the previous generation who described themselves as structured (37%).
Parenting expert Fiona Baker says, “It’s great if mums are putting less pressure on themselves to do everything so they can cherish every moment with their little one and enjoy every step of their development.”
The survey also uncovered the rollercoaster of emotions that new mums feel. The things that made them feel most overjoyed as a mum were the cuddles and kisses from a little one (37%) and feeling unconditional love (28%). Understandably, they find the constant juggling of activities (24%), having no time to themselves (23%) and being overtired (21%) overwhelming at times.
The survey also showed that one-third (33%) of new mums across all age groups prefer to look to online communities over friends (31%) or Mother’s groups (21%) when they are feeling overwhelmed as a mother.
“Mums today are able to be more connected than ever before thanks to the digital world,” says Baker.
“Social media provides not only a great support for new mums who are hungry for information, but is also a way to help them feel less isolated when at home with a baby. Support and information is just a click away.”
“I have definitely seen a shift in the way that today’s new mums get the help and engagement they need. With the abundance of easily-accessed information on parenting around as well as the chance to gain support from online communities new mums can take a more relaxed but informed approach to motherhood,” Baker said.
Fisher-Price has launched a new App where parents are invited to submit photos, videos and stories from their parenting journey.
For further information visit: www.fisher-price.com.au
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