By Jewel Khufia Noor
In examining the challenges faced by dual working parents and their impact on child mental health, the author of the article “Balancing Act: Dual Working Parents, Family Ties, and Children’s Mental Well-being”, clinical psychologist Wasim Kakroo, skillfully navigates the intricacies of the issue, maintaining a commendable balance on the gender front. However, the article appears to be built on assumptions, a trend prevalent in discussions of contemporary social issues ,resulting in generalised solutions susceptible to selective application. My aim is to underscore the importance of inclusivity in addressing grassroots causes, directing our focus towards genuine solutions for a society that is both balanced and just.
Overlooked factors in dual working parents struggle
As we navigate the challenges of dual working parents, the focus turns to women. Society’s weighty expectations often dissuade women from embracing the role of a working parent. This underexplored aspect lies at the core of this examination, revealing the delicate interplay between societal norms and women’s gravitation towards the idea of being a working mother, rooted in ingrained expectations of their nurturing capabilities.
Reconstructing Self-Worth: The Dilemma Faced by Women
Women often derive their self-worth from being labelled as “working” due to the shortcomings of our traditional values. Despite having the potential to offer women worth beyond their professional roles, our traditional values fall short. Western culture provides an alternative by emphasising the value of being a working woman. The absence of competitive equal options in our societal framework leaves women with no alternative. Society should counsel women to seek self-worth beyond their professional identity, but this necessitates providing alternative avenues, a realm where our societal support has faltered.
The Silent Struggles: Home makers and Forgotten Self-Worth
In examining the choices of mothers who opt not to work, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the majority often find themselves engrossed in household responsibilities and child nurturing. This entanglement leads many women to forget their own worth and self-love. The prevalent narrative reveals that these women, dedicated to domestic roles, often lack the time for personal activities and contribute less to society through volunteering or other impactful endeavours.
Dependency Dilemma: Non-Working Mothers and the Impact on Child Mental Health
The choice of many women to prioritise motherhood over a career often leads to financial dependence on husbands and in-laws, making them vulnerable to abuse. The gradual societal sensitization required to address this issue may take centuries, leaving women in a precarious situation. Particularly in third-world countries, the adverse effects of domestic violence on a child’s mental health become starkly apparent. Urgent attention to these challenges is essential to prevent lasting consequences on the well-being of the next generation.
Misused Insights: The Peril of Limiting Women’s Educational Aspirations
A potential consequence of the selective application of insights from the article is the misuse by conservative families. By wrongly interpreting the emphasis on prioritising child care over a career, some may use it as a rationale to curtail women’s pursuit of higher education. This regressive stance not only restricts individual potential but also curbs the broader impact women could make on society. It inadvertently reinforces the troubling pattern of limiting women’s educational opportunities, echoing historical challenges that hinder progress.
Limitations of the proposed solutions and the proposal of realistic solutions
While suggesting flexibility in working arrangements and corresponding policies, it’s crucial to consider the immediate impact. Waiting for policy changes may lead to prolonged challenges. Exploring proactive, individualised solutions is the key.
In tackling the dual challenges of childcare and contributing to society, a practical solution emerges—mandating entrepreneurial skills for women. With the growing momentum of women empowerment initiatives, making entrepreneurial skills compulsory provides a way for women to manage childcare responsibilities while actively contributing to societal progress. By becoming their own leaders, women can effectively balance nurturing a child for a better nation and simultaneously impact society through their professional endeavours. This solution aligns with the current focus on women’s empowerment and presents a realistic, easily achievable step toward fostering a more balanced and empowered future.
While therapy may be a viable suggestion, it’s imperative to acknowledge the limitations, especially in third-world countries. Access to affordable and qualified therapists can be scarce.
Additionally, the cultural stigma associated with seeking therapy may further deter individuals, hindering the practicality of such a solution for many dual working parents.
Therapy Empowering Women in High-Profile Professions
In addressing the aspirations of women in high-profile professions , a realistic solution emerges — the role of therapy. For women pursuing such ambitions, therapy becomes a practical avenue, given the likelihood of having the courage and family support to defy associated stigmas. Through various psychological analyses, therapy can assess a woman’s ability to handle the pressures of being a working mother effectively. It becomes a tool to facilitate communication with her partner and family, teaching her additional skills to enhance her effectiveness in both roles. This approach challenges the notion of limiting capable women, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society while excelling in demanding professions.
Beyond 9 to 5: Cultivating Ethical Living for All
Addressing the challenges faced by both men and women, the root issue lies in the traditional 9-5 work paradigm. The solution involves reconnecting with ethical and moral values, transcending gender boundaries. Encouraging both men and women to delve into the essence of being human, utilising their intellect to formulate realistic and innovative solutions, becomes paramount. This approach aims at reshaping our lives in alignment with the values we inherently aspire to, fostering a collective journey towards a more meaningful existence.
Conclusion
In navigating the evolving challenges, we must seek new and innovative solutions to shape a nation, echoing the wisdom of Iqbal:
“Jahan e taza ki afkar e taza se hai namood, Ki sungo kisht se hotey nahi jaha paida”
“New worlds derive their pomp from thoughts quite fresh and new
From stones and bricks, a world was neither built nor created”
- Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
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