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A bumpy ride

Becoming a mother for the first time, or any number of times, is not easy. It’s not just the pain and discomfort of pregnancy and delivery, but the moral responsibility a mother feels bringing new life into the world.

Bringing up a child is a challenge in this age of nuclear families where the young mother doesn’t have any guidance or support of elders in the house. The father is generally juggling office work with duties at home to be of any real help. Never mind what the problem is, the mother is expected to have all the answers! Whether it’s the baby crying incessantly or not feeding properly, being a mom automatically graduates you into being a doctor, nanny, and walking encyclopaedia!

If only there were experienced people in the house, it would make a world of a difference to everyone, but most importantly to the mother, especially if she is a first-timer. When you have someone to talk to and share your problems with everyday, the daunting task of 
tackling baby blues will also become easy.

Congratulations, Tasneem Ali, on your winning entry! We will be in touch with you shortly.

Baby blues

From Bumps to Blues (Oct 19) reminded me of a decade’s worth of personal experiences. Admittedly, 10 years ago I had no clue that women go through postpartum depression. In fact, when a friend experienced a complicated pregnancy and showed up at a month-long dance training session — leaving her sickly six-week-old infant with her nanny and husband — I judged her big time.

I remember thinking she was 
selfish, irresponsible, and frankly, unfit to be a mom. It was only after a long talk with her (years later) that I learned she suffered from postpartum depression, but at a time when the public was less aware and sensitive to the condition.

Fast forward a decade — it was my turn to have a child. While I didn’t personally experience postpartum depression, I knew exactly what to look out for, thanks to my friend’s experience. When another friend exhibited signs, I knew that her low mood and detachment were not by design, and certainly not her fault. With this fresh understanding, I now empathise with women who may not have the support needed to identify their issues and reach out for help. I applaud wknd. for bringing this to the public’s attention.

Rekha C, by email

Cyber secure

Security Net (Oct 19) is very relevant to modern life. Being a teenager, I feel there is a great need for parents of teenagers to look into their child’s virtual life. Information from peers made me realise how misleading the Internet can be and what improper usage can lead to. Parents must understand cyber security to necessary levels and act appropriately to diminish threats to their teens.

Swathy Sanjay Sindhu, Sharjah

Going strong

Life Begins at 60 (Oct 12) made for interesting reading; I am sure it rejuvenated many readers who are on the verge of retirement.

Recently, I met an ex-boss, nearly 15 years after he retired. Initially, I did not recognise him thanks to his looks, reflecting perfect health and a changed lifestyle. On enquiring about his secret, noting that he wasn’t this fit in his prime, he said with a smile, “At my retirement 
party, a colleague told me that ‘you should have a purpose to wake up to everyday, all through the remaining years of your life.’” This simple 
remark left a profound impact on him, and resulted in the change.

You don’t need a grand vision of turning things around or big goals 
to achieve after 60. All you need is a purpose for living, however small it may be, and that will develop a zest for life and keep you motivated. 
Occasional comfort and joy in the company of grown-up children and grandchildren will add more value and purpose as you move on.

I have lined up an array of activities for my retirement, and I look forward to that day.

Dileep B. Menon, Dubai