After giving birth to my first child in 2019 I experienced mental ups and downs of caring for her during the first couple years of her life. I know many parents can relate!
Most of the time I enjoyed motherhood and was happy to have her, but occasionally there were moments where I felt really down. I felt exhausted, bored and lonely, as though I was in a dark tunnel where the light at the end seemed so far away. I took each day at a time and gradually dug myself out of pits of uncertainty and doubt.
During the difficult moments I often wondered how mothers have historically handled their own mental challenges while caring for children, especially the ones who had 10 or more children! I often reassured myself that if a woman can make it through with 10 children, I can make it through with caring for this one child.
I also became more curious about parenting throughout history. How did parents care for their children over time? How did they discipline them? How did they keep an eye on them while working?
This gradually led me to think of the concept of the Museum of Parenting History. I want to showcase research on the subject with the public and open discussions about it. I also want to provide insight to parents and help them gain an understanding of how their method of parenting compares to historical parenting.
The Museum of Parenting History was launched in April 2022 and is currently completely virtual. We look forward to publishing information on our website and through social media platforms.
If you have any feedback or information to contribute, please contact us at info(at)museumofparentinghistory.com.
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels.
Museum of Parenting History is a virtual museum dedicated to discussing parenting techniques throughout history. It was launched in April 2022 and is currently completely virtual. We can be contacted at info(at)museumofparentinghistory.com.