Modern Mother in the Heart of Children : Reflection from an Essay Honoring Mother

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze reflections of the characteristics of modern mothers from the perspectives of their children, based on 359 essays submitted to the National Mother’s Day Essay Contest in 2023, organized by the National Council on Social Welfare of Thailand under Royal Patronage.

The analysis reveals seven themes. (1) The differences between traditional and modern mothers such as   working outside the home, refraining from scolding or hitting, and enjoying improve  living conditions, and practicing more principle-based child-rearings .(2) The similarities between traditional and modern namely the enduring and unconditional love of mothers. (3) The value placed on maternal love (4) The importance of  the maternal role, highlighting mothers as talented, strong, patient, responsible, technologically literally, and role models (5) Children’s expectations of their mothers including being gentle rather than strict, offering encouragement and comfort, understandings technology, being accepting of diverse genders, and providing care and attention.(6.) Children’s understanding of their mothers as sources of love and goodwill (7) Children’s responsibilities toward their mothers,such as doing good deeds in their honor.