Parenting today's child is harder than ever - Pediatrician tells mothers

Raising children in today's world requires far greater intentionality than previous generations experienced, Specialist Pediatrician at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), Dr. Sharron Makafui Aglobitse, has observed.

Addressing mothers at the Convergence of Mothers, Dr. Aglobitse said modern mothers are navigating an increasingly demanding landscape where they are expected to balance careers, marriage, businesses, household responsibilities and parenting, all while confronting the growing influence of technology and social media on children.

"Motherhood these days is hard," she said. "I dare say it is harder now than it was before."

According to the pediatrician, unlike previous generations where children spent more time interacting with family members, today's parents are raising children in a fast-paced digital environment where smartphones, social media and online content increasingly shape children's behaviour and attitudes.

She noted that many parents are simultaneously trying to figure out adulthood while raising children of their own.

"Every year of your life comes with new challenges," she said. "At the same time, you are responsible for raising one, two or more human beings who are also trying to figure out life."

Dr. Aglobitse observed that the demands placed on mothers today often leave them physically exhausted and emotionally stretched, making parenting decisions even more difficult.

"You are balancing work, taking care of your home, being a wife, building your career and sometimes even running a side business," she said.

She acknowledged that because of these competing demands, parents sometimes resort to shortcuts simply to survive the day. However, she stressed that children still require intentional guidance despite the pressures of modern life.

"We have to decide what we want for our children," she said. "What do we want their emotional wellbeing to look like? What do we want their psychological wellbeing to look like? Those decisions require intentional parenting."

The pediatrician also pointed to the growing influence of technology, cautioning that children today are exposed to information much earlier than previous generations.

"The fact that your child doesn't own a smartphone doesn't mean they are not receiving information," she noted. "They are learning from friends, classmates and many other sources."

She therefore encouraged parents to stay actively involved in their children's lives through regular conversations, shared activities and close relationships that allow children to discuss difficult issues freely.

Dr. Aglobitse further urged mothers to stop comparing themselves with others, noting that every parenting journey is different and filled with unique challenges.

"There is no perfect parent," she implied throughout her presentation. "We are all learning."

She concluded by encouraging mothers to give themselves grace while remaining deliberate in raising emotionally healthy, resilient and confident children.

"Parenting today is difficult," she said. "But with intentionality, consistency and love, we can still raise children who thrive."

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