Two-thirds of new mothers criticised over parenting choices, but experts side with mums
Nearly two thirds of American women claim they are being “mum-shamed”, experts have revealed. Research shows six in 10 mums with young children reporting criticism over their parenting style. Alarmingly, their critics are close to home:
- 37% mum’s own parents
- 36% mum’s husband or partner
- 31% mum’s in-laws
- 14% mum’s friends
- 12% other women
The University of Michigan’s CS Mott Children’s Hospital study questioned a sample of 475 mothers with children ranging from newborns up to five-years-old, with 70% saying they were most “shamed” for how they disciplined their child, followed by diet (52%), sleep (46%), breastfeeding choices (39%), safety (20%), and general child care (16%).
Sarah Clark, co-director of the poll, said: “There are very few things that are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Putting your child in a car seat is right, but what day-care they go to, or how you feel about breastfeeding is just a choice.”
Clark urged family members to consider the quantity of new information available about child health and safety, which often challenges the parenting choices of previous generations.
“Unsolicited advice – especially from the people closest to her child – can be perceived as meaning she’s not doing a good job as a mother. That can be hurtful,” said Clark.
It’s not all bad news. The study also says new mums are taking the results with a large pinch of salt. Clark reported 67% of polled mothers said the criticism made them feel more resolute in their parenting decisions.
