Children's infancies are taxing for mothers. Hence, a study reveals that the most challenging years for mothers are the middle school years.
According to Science Daily, the study involved 2,200 mostly well-cultured mothers with offsprings from infants to young adults. They evaluated the mother's parenting, personal well-being and views of their children.
The outcome of the study revealed that most mothers of middle school children aged 12 to 14 had experienced stress and depression which was categorized as "poor." And the mothers of infants and adult children were rated "doing the best."
The researchers explained why the early teen years seem so chaotic. There were several factors affecting the teens that make them boisterous. One reason for this was that they were dealing with puberty which refers to changing bodies, acne and hormones.
"They are also coping with a transition to a relatively impersonal school environment with large buildings and different teachers for each class, as opposed to the relative safety of smaller elementary schools with the same teacher all the years," Professor Suniya Luthar, the researcher from Arizona State University said.
"Their academic performance is now evaluated in a much more public way than before as are their extracurricular talents," she continued.
"Finally, as they strive to separate from their parents, the peer group takes an enormous significance. Early adolescents are very invested in 'being popular,' desperately wanting to fit and be admired by the peers. That is a lot to deal with simultaneously." The research findings also include that mothers also struggle as their children face the new major challenges of their lives.
According to Parent Tool Kit, in middle school period, the children think that their parents are over protective, do not know anything, and perhaps "dumb." They also think that they know everything and they become a "know it all" individual.
Their moods are rampant and they mostly think of their attire, body image and being cool. Though these may seem troubles and difficulties for nursing parents, they still need to keep their children in the right track and make them safe.
Watch this video that highlights some tips on how to guide your children through their middle school years.
