by Maureen | Nov 25, 2011 | Eye on Culture, Indonesia, Scoops of Joy, Toys
The November 19th Saturday Sidebar question was so interesting I couldn’t help but take a deeper look into the whole gender issue, especially from an Indonesian mother’s point of view.
(Disclaimer: it is not easy to characterize the existing patriarchy in Indonesia, as there are more than 200 ethnic groups organized along patrilineal and matrilineal lines. Also, I have no experience raising a girl here in Indonesia–-in fact, I had no experience in child rearing before my son was born. And finally, before I became a mother myself, I never paid much attention to how people raise children here.)
About two years ago, when my son was a toddler, who dearly loved stuffed animals, I took him to a store here in Jakarta. He immediately grabbed a stuffed pig off a bottom shelf and started loving it. The store attendant quickly made a comment that caused my defensive mama-bear mode to jump into action: (more…)
by World Moms Blog | Nov 20, 2011 | Canada, Indonesia, Israel, Salma, Saudi Arabia, Scoops of Joy, South Korea, Susie Newday, World Moms Blog Itinerary
We are starting this week in Canada, where Multitasking Mumma is preparing for the holiday season! We know how Christmas shopping can send a busy mom absolutely loopy, right? Save your sanity by following these helpful – and hilarious – tips.
On Tuesday, we fly across the ocean to see Susie Newday in Israel. Susie writes a poignant post about the circle of life and how we move from dependance as babies, to independence as adults, and back to dependance as senior citizens.
On Wednesday,we stay in the Middle East as we go to Saudi Arabia. Mama B talks about the advantages of having a big family, where the older siblings play a big role in the care of the younger ones.
On Thursday, we are back in Canada! Salma talks about the difficulties that come with knowing that her child is a “token minority” and offers advice to well-meaning strangers who may inadvertently cause offense.
And on Friday, we’re off across the sea again, this time to visit with Tatterscoops in Indonesia. Would you let your son play with toys designed for girls, or vice versa? If a stranger criticized your child’s choice of toy, how would you respond? This mom gives us her views on this interesting topic.
Stop in on Tuesday afternoon to read an interview from a new writer, Ms. V. from South Korea.
On Saturday, check out the Saturday Sidebar with Eva Fannon, where the World Moms give their thoughts on an important topic, and chime in with your answers to the week’s question!
— World Moms Blog
Our World Moms Blog logo was designed by the creative Erica Joyner Designs in Virginia, USA.
World Moms Blog is an award winning website which writes from over 30 countries on the topics of motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. Over 70 international contributors share their stories from around the globe, bonded by the common thread of motherhood and wanting a better world for their children.
World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman as one of the "Best 100 Websites for Women 2012 & 2013" and also called a "must read" by the NY Times Motherlode in 2013. Our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan, was awarded the BlogHer International Activist Award in 2013.
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by World Moms Blog | Nov 19, 2011 | Babies, Communication, Culture, Education, Eva Fannon, Eye on Culture, Family, Husband, Indonesia, International, Kids, Motherhood, Multicultural, Parent Care, Parenting, Saturday Sidebar, Saudi Arabia, Scoops of Joy, South Korea, Third Eye Mom, USA, World Moms Blog, World Motherhood
This week’s Saturday Sidebar Question comes from World Moms Blog writer, Diana @Hormonal Imbalances. She asked our writers,
“Are there any differences in your culture on how boys and girls are raised? For example, is there a change in discipline when dealing with one gender versus the other? Education? Expectations in behavior? Changes in rules as they grow up? Do you agree or disagree with your culture’s parenting methods?”
Check out what some of our World Moms had to say…
Mama B. of Saudi Arabia writes:
“Where to start? I am going to generalize now so… in general, in our culture there is a big difference between what is expected of boys and what is expected of girls. As far as discipline goes, girls get the iron fist, while boys get a slap on the hand. (more…)
World Moms Blog is an award winning website which writes from over 30 countries on the topics of motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. Over 70 international contributors share their stories from around the globe, bonded by the common thread of motherhood and wanting a better world for their children.
World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman as one of the "Best 100 Websites for Women 2012 & 2013" and also called a "must read" by the NY Times Motherlode in 2013. Our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan, was awarded the BlogHer International Activist Award in 2013.
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by Maureen | Oct 26, 2011 | Indonesia, Motherhood, Parenting, Scoops of Joy
Growing up in Indonesia, I don’t really remember hugs, cuddles and the like. Yes, of course, there was the dutiful kiss on the cheek once in a while that felt more like a custom. It is not in our culture to say “I love you.”
In their own way, I know my parents love me and my brothers. We, the children, tended to show our love with actions, such as paying respect to our parents, never arguing or talking back and being, pretty much, good kids.
Our upbringing was laden with disciplines ala Dutch style. My parents were stern and
(more…)
by World Moms Blog | Oct 23, 2011 | Canada, France, Indonesia, Scoops of Joy, UK, USA, World Moms Blog Itinerary
Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Indonesia! We are in for a busy week!
We start off this week on Canada, with Multitasking Mumma. Babyhood – and motherhood – is full of milestones, and Multitasking Mumma talks about one of the most precious, most eagerly awaited – a baby’s first steps.
On Tuesday, we head south of the border to Arizona! Jeanelle Marshawn recently spent time in New York helping her son get settled as he embarks on an exciting new phase of his life. Jeanelle tells us about how being in New York turned out to be as much for her benefit as it was for her son’s.
On Wednesday, we fly across the ocean to visit with Tatter Scoops in Indonesia. She talks about how the expressions of love she experienced as a child were different to those that she and her family now share with her own child.
On Thursday prepare to be spooked! We are off to the United Kingdom, where new writer Sophie talks about Halloween! She tells us about what Halloween means to her family and her special needs child.
We end this week where we started it: in Canada! Kirsten Doyle, who remembers the unveiling of her school’s very first computer in eleventh grade, talks about the role of technology in her children’s lives.
We will also be hearing from two new writers in their interviews this week! On Tuesday, we will meet our Human Rights Warrior, Jennifer Prestholdt from Minnesota, and on Thursday we will hear from A Lady In France!
On Saturday, check out the Saturday Sidebar with Eva Fannon, where the World Moms give their thoughts on an important topic, and chime in with your answers to the week’s question!
— World Moms Blog
Our World Moms Blog logo was designed by the creative Erica Joyner Designs in Virginia, USA.
World Moms Blog is an award winning website which writes from over 30 countries on the topics of motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. Over 70 international contributors share their stories from around the globe, bonded by the common thread of motherhood and wanting a better world for their children.
World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman as one of the "Best 100 Websites for Women 2012 & 2013" and also called a "must read" by the NY Times Motherlode in 2013. Our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan, was awarded the BlogHer International Activist Award in 2013.
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by Maureen | Oct 4, 2011 | China, Indonesia, Motherhood, Parenting, Scoops of Joy
I’ve been lucky enough to look at motherhood from different cultural aspects. From the American side, the Indonesian side and to a glimpse of the Chinese side.
When I was still in the States, I lived a life like most American stay-at-home moms do. I cooked; I cleaned; and, I took care of my son, the ex husband and my stepsons to the best of my ability with the help of my ex husband, of course.
Then I came home for the first time to Indonesia when my son was 9 months old. We flew over 23 hours to introduce him to my parents and my family, just him and me. (more…)
The November 19th Saturday Sidebar question was so interesting I couldn’t help but take a deeper look into the whole gender issue, especially from an Indonesian mother’s point of view.
