Relations Between Mother and Child and Parental Attitudes Analysis

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present the course of relations between mother and child, and adopted parental attitudes presented by mothers. The literature indicates that the correctness of relations depends on many factors, which lie both in the family and the whole social system. Therefore, the educational and professional activity of women has a significant impact on shaping relations between mothers and children. The paper presents results from the research that was conducted among women-mothers, who are educationally and professionally active. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used in the research. The survey was conducted using the M. Braun-Gałkowska Scale of Parental Attitudes, and also open in-depth interviews with elements of narrations, parts of which were quoted in the paper, were conducted with chosen women-participants. The analysis of the results proved that despite adopting and performing numerous roles by women (role of a pupil/student and a worker) their relations with children are correct. Women, who suffer from lack of time connected with performing roles of a pupil/student and also a worker, are always able to find time with their children. Their attitude towards children is always open, sincere and friendly and the other way round (children towards their mothers adopt the same attitude). The analysis of parental attitudes also points to those attitudes, which are adopted by women and which are in the category of moderation, so they are characterized by the “mature, parental love”. The results induce to draw the following conclusion: women, despite adopting and performing numerous social roles, know which one is the most important to them – that is namely: being the mother.