Biodiversity Project Report PDF

MOTHER HOOD Shreya Tharakesh 12 D Academic Year: 2024 - 2025 INDEX Statement of purpose 01 Acknowledgement 02 Plan of Action 03 Introduction 04 05 Questions and Answers 09 Report...

MOTHER HOOD Shreya Tharakesh 12 D Academic Year: 2024 - 2025 INDEX Statement of purpose 01 Acknowledgement 02 Plan of Action 03 Introduction 04 05 Questions and Answers 09 Report Student Reflection 13 Bibliography 14  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This project titled “MOTHERHOOD” is a part of the Grade 12 English Practical Coursework. The project aims to gain an in- depth understanding of how mothers navigate their daily lives, whether they are homemakers or working professionals. Through this project, I seek to gain a comprehensive insight into the challenges and choices that shape a mother's role. It has helped me to probe deeper into personal enquiry, hone my speaking and listening skills, and reflect on the knowledge gained during this learning experience. This has resulted in the production of an independent piece of work. Readers appreciate Readers appreciate accurate information accurate information 1  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Through this acknowledgement, I express my heartfelt appreciation to all those people who have been associated with this assignment, helped me with it, and made it a worthwhile experience. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my school, ‘GEMS Our Own English High School’ for providing me with the golden opportunity to embark on this project work. I sincerely thank my English teacher, Ms Jisha, who rendered her excellent guidance, assistance, help, and encouragement during the period of my project and allowed me to learn the subject through a practical approach. I also want to thank my team members for all their help and support towards this project, for without their opinions and contributions, I wouldn’t have received the required information crucial for completing this project successfully. Readers appreciate Readers appreciate Readers appreciate accurate information accurate information accurate information 2  PLAN OF ACTION TASK COMPLETED ON Research and decision on the topic of the project June 20, 2024 Submission of synopsis of the project for June 22, 2024 approval to the teacher. Synopsis read and approved by teacher. June 23, 2024 Submission of questionnaire for initial evaluation July 2, 2024 (if required). Research work, consulting teacher, conducting interviews, and writing essays based on August 5, 2024 observations. Complete documentation of report attached with September 12, 2024 survey answers. Student submission of report for initial September 19. 2024 evaluation Teacher evaluation and feedback on report. September 22, 2024 Final submission of project after incorporating September 30, 2024 all pointers and feedback. Viva voce by examiner January-February 3  INTRODUCTION An interview is conducted to explore the bittersweet journey of motherhood through the perspectives of different families. By including the interviews of different mothers and children and their responses to the same, I hope to bridge any gaps in understanding between them and gain insights into their relationships. This interview will consist of real-life incidents from each family and will illustrate how differently a solution to a single problem can be dealt with. My goal is to cover various aspects of motherhood, not just the physical challenges, but also the emotional and sentimental dimensions, as well as the sacrifices mothers make. Ultimately, I hope to open the readers' eyes to the profound and often unappreciated nature of a mother’s love, thereby leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds. Readers appreciate Readers appreciate Readers appreciate accurate information accurate information accurate information 4  QUESTION AND ANSWER GENERAL QUESTIONS: What is your best advice for mothers of little kids? ANS. A new parent should remember that children are children. One should not expect them to know how to do everything. We must help them learn to navigate their emotions and feelings just like we help them learn to tie their shoes. Patience is key in the early childhood years. When did you realize you are no longer a child? ANS. It was not a sudden realization, but more of a gradual one. As I learned more and interacted with the world, I started seeing things in a different light. I began to see responsibilities and complexities in life that I hadn't noticed before. It's like stepping into larger shoes, taking on more understanding, and recognizing that the world is vast and intricate. If you had to choose one parenting mantra for yourself, what would it be? ANS. A parenting mantra that I find effective is "Show, don't tell." This means leading by example and demonstrating the behaviours and values I want my children to learn, rather than just instructing them. What would you have done differently as a mom? ANS. 1. You may tell your kids the importance of scoring marks in exams and how much you look forward to them excelling in exams and activities, but make it clear that the love you have for your child has nothing to do with it. Make them understand that your love does not depend on these conditions. 2. Always encourage them to make decisions but tell them that their decisions should keep their conscience clear. What are you most proud of in your motherhood journey? ANS. I am most proud of the fact that I could inculcate the same values that my parents taught me as a kid in my children. I am the person I am today because of my mother, and I would love my kids to have the same values as well. MyReaders kidsappreciate Readers have already started picking upappreciate Readers on these values and as time goesappreciate by, they will only grow accurate information accurate information accurate information richer in values. 5  QUESTION AND ANSWER TO A WORKING MOTHER: Do you have to work because of your circumstances or is it something you choose to do? ANS. Working is what I have chosen to do. I worked hard to get to the position I wanted and to become the person I am today. Who I am today and what I do today is what defines me, and I believe that all the hard work that I have put in for many years has led me to the position I so proudly hold today. What things have you learned as a working mother? ANS. As a working mother, I've learned a great deal about balance, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing time management, and putting my children's needs before mine. How has being a working mother affected your children? ANS. I have never let my children be affected due to my work and nor will it ever be that way. I spend most of my free time with them and I have never let them miss me nor would they ever let me miss them. We have daily conversations about all their worries, happenings in school and simply general concerns so that they feel included and know that their mother is always there for them. How do you balance your family life and your work life? ANS. I keep a helper at home to help my kids with their daily essentials when I'm not home. I try to finish my work at the office itself so that my time at home and weekends can be reserved for spending time with my kids. As a mother, I know how important a mother's role is in their kids' lives and so I try my best to be there for my kids even if I work. How different do you think your life would have been if you weren’t a working mother? ANS. I would have regretted it all my life. I worked hard for many years to get to a good position. I did this not just to increase my self-respect, but also to show my children the sheer importance of hard work. I never want my children to leave Readers work, and I don’t want appreciate to appreciate Readers be the person to show them a way Readers like that. I want to appreciate accurate information accurate information accurate information show my kids the way to live an independent, balanced life and show them how much hard work can give you in the future. 6  QUESTION AND ANSWER TO A HOMEMAKER : Did you choose to be a homemaker or is it your circumstances that forced you to do so? Is being a homemaker enough? ANS. Well personally, people think you don’t know yourself, your family or relatives think that you have no life/interests outside your children, or they think you’re too stupid to do anything else. People say that you are a burden on society, and all you do is sit at home, you’re lazy, you’re irresponsible and you’re letting down 'womankind' and 'feminism'. Everyone makes choices about their professional and personal lives. For me, I chose to be a homemaker not because it was my circumstances that forced me. I felt that being there for my kids during their early years was more valuable than any high-paying job, due to which I believe that being a homemaker is enough for me. Have you ever regretted leaving your job? ANS. For the longest period, yes, I did regret quitting my job to be a stay-at-home mom. However not anymore, as being with my kids and living through every small and big joy of motherhood with them made me feel it was all worth the time, effort and sacrifice I made when they needed me. Now that my kids are more independent, I have started up my venture and am working alongside my priorities. And all I can tell you is that it is the best situation to be in! What is the most rewarding part of being a homemaker and how different do you think your answer would have been if you were still working? ANS. At first glance, it seems silly to refer to homemaking as a privilege. After all, you don’t need to achieve a certain level of wealth or education to become one. You don’t need to be particularly smart, or strong, or beautiful to qualify for this position. All you need is a family who supports you. The most rewarding part of being a homemaker is, of course getting to live through every small moment with your kids. If I was still working, however, I would never be able to experience all those little joys firsthand. Readers appreciate Readers appreciate Readers appreciate accurate information accurate information accurate information 7  QUESTION AND ANSWER TO THE CHILDREN : What is your favourite thing about your mother? ANS. My favourite thing about my mother is her kindness. She always goes out of her way to help others and has such a caring heart. Another thing I love about my mother is her sense of humour. She always knows how to make me laugh, even on the toughest days. One thing that stands out about her is her creativity. She's always coming up with unique ideas and finding beauty in the world around her. Whether it's through her artwork or the way she decorates our home. What is one thing you think should have been different from your mother? ANS. Well, I think if there was one thing I wish was different about my mother, it would be her busy schedule. She's always juggling multiple responsibilities and sometimes it can be hard to find quality time to spend together. Do you support her working or not? ANS. I support my mother whether she's working or not. It's important to respect and appreciate the choices and decisions that our loved ones make. Whether she's pursuing a career or taking a break, I believe in supporting her happiness and well-being. What matters most is that she's fulfilled and content with her choices. How close are you to your mother? ANS. Some might feel a bit distant due to various reasons like differences in personalities, Readers appreciate communication accuratestyles, or simply the challenges that come with growing up. However, I information have a very close bond with my mom, sharing everything with her and relying on her for support and guidance. She is like a best friend to me. 8  JUGGLING MOTHERHOOD AND CAREER Motherhood is a journey filled with both overwhelming challenges and immeasurable joys. A mother’s love is a boundless force, always ready to embrace and uplift, no matter the circumstances. An interview was conducted to explore the dynamics of motherhood, including 2 mothers and their children. This interview explored the bittersweet journey of motherhood through the perspectives of these different families. By including a working mother, a homemaker and the children, our aim was to bridge any gaps in understanding between them and to gain insights into their relationships. The goal is to cover various aspects of motherhood, not just the physical challenges, but also the emotional and sentimental dimensions, as well as the sacrifices mothers make. Balancing motherhood and a career can be a difficult task, as these two important parts of a woman's life often seem to conflict. Finding a way to manage both requires thoughtful decisions and is influenced by personal choices, societal expectations, and different life situations. Hence, this interview was conducted with the intention of highlighting the profound and often unappreciated nature of a mother’s love, and how different mothers sacrifice different things for their children depending on their circumstances. The interview consisted of real-life incidents from each family's lives and how differently a solution to a single problem can be dealt with. This report aims to delve deep into the subject of how some mothers balance their careers with parenting, how some others sacrifice their careers and how their children feel about this balance. 9 The analysis of the responses offered several perspectives to ponder upon. Based on the same, we have segregated our responses into different categories: Working Mothers Motherhood and career are often seen as conflicting aspects of a woman's life. Balancing these roles requires meticulous navigation, often affected by personal choices, societal expectations, and individual circumstances. Ann, a working professional sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and choices of a working mother, and about her viewpoints on parenting, career, and the intricate balance between the two. Her response suggests that she worked not just for financial reasons but also because she found personal fulfilment in her job and wanted to achieve her professional goals. This scenario is similar to most working mothers nowadays. They set an example for their children, showing them the importance of hard work and independence. Impact on Children Conversations with children of working mothers reveal mixed feelings. On one hand, they take pride in their mothers' hard work and learn valuable lessons about responsibility and perseverance. On the other hand, they sometimes miss spending more time with their mothers. It can be challenging for them when their mothers are busy with work, leading to feelings of loneliness or neglect. While they understand the necessity of their mothers’ work, they still long for more shared moments together. Challenges Kids Face Children of working mothers may face judgment from others due to their mothers’ absence at school events or after-school activities. This can make them feel different or even embarrassed. They might also experience internal conflict, knowing their mothers are busy with work but still desire more time with them. The constant switching between their mothers' work and home roles can be confusing and stressful for them. 10 Perspective of a Homemaker A mother who chooses to stay at home encounters her own set of challenges. Elizabeth, a stay-at-home mom says that the hard work of managing a household and caring for her family often goes unrecognized. She believes that outdated views that undervalue the role of a homemaker leave her feeling unappreciated or under pressure. This is also the case for most homemakers like her, who might struggle with their sense of identity, feeling like they have lost a part of themselves outside their family role. Though all these mothers face countless challenges, one thing remains true – they sacrificed their careers for their children, and it is the little joys from the moments with them that push all these mothers through the tough times. Kids’ Views on Homemaking Children of stay-at-home mothers often appreciate the stability and care their mothers provide. They value having their mothers around for daily activities and support. However, some children feel their mothers should also have the opportunity to pursue their interests or hobbies. They recognize the pressures their mothers face and hope for them to find personal fulfilment beyond their role as a homemaker. Regrets and Fulfillment It is evident in the interview conducted that working mothers and stay-at-home mothers may experience regrets at times, but they also find joy in their choices. Some stay-at-home moms may later choose to return to work or explore new interests, finding satisfaction in combining family life with personal goals. Working mothers, however, may experience regret in not being able to spend much time with their children. For children, witnessing their mothers navigate these different roles teaches them resilience and the importance of following their dreams. They learn from their mothers’ experiences, gaining an understanding of the challenges and rewards of balancing work and family life. 11 Emotional Impact on Kids As evident in the interview conducted, children had a wide range of emotions regarding their mothers’ roles. Children of working mothers might feel proud but also somewhat left out when their mothers are busy. They learn about the sacrifices their mothers make and the effort required to balance work and family. Children of stay-at-home mothers enjoy having their mom around but may also wish for her to pursue her interests. These feelings highlight the importance of recognizing the emotional impact of their mothers’ choices. Conclusion The experiences of working mothers and stay-at-home mothers underscore the difficulty of balancing personal goals with family responsibilities. Both groups face unique challenges but find fulfilment in their ways. It is crucial to respect and value the choices women make, acknowledging that both career and home roles are significant. By understanding these challenges and experiences, we can foster a supportive environment for all women, whether they work outside the home or focus on family life. Appreciating these roles, helps us honor the diverse contributions women make in many different ways. To sum up, it is time that we acknowledge the herculean task of working mothers and homemakers to knit the family together. It is imperative that the challenges of mothers must be recognized, and as a society we must work towards better support systems and attitudes that empower women in all their roles. 12  STUDENT REFLECTION This project has deepened my appreciation and understanding of the vital role that mothers play in shaping individuals and society. It brought to light their selflessness and dedication, which often go unrecognized. I’ve seen the significant sacrifices mothers make for the well-being of their children, even when it means putting aside their desires and needs. The project highlighted how love and sacrifice are intertwined in motherhood, showcasing the endless devotion that mothers display every day. Throughout this project, my group and I worked collaboratively, dividing tasks among each member. By interviewing various mothers and their children, we gained a deeper insight into how mothers frequently set aside their dreams and careers for the benefit of their children. This project also greatly helped us bond and strengthened our teamwork skills. Overall, the experience broadened my perspective on the roles and contributions of mothers in today’s world. 13 Shreya  BIBLIOGRAPHY 1.“Questions to Ask Your Mom While You Still Can.” Once Upon, 2022, onceupon.photo/stories/questions-to-ask-your-mom-while-you-still-can? srsltid=AfmBOoqpwxXl2VrGyr-od6dOw9NzOxAbQDmVQZBocNwb4-eAj9pN6sLu. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024. 2.“20 Questions to Ask Your Mother.” Greater Good, 2022, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/20_questions_to_ask_your_mother. 3. Rise, Root &. “Challenges and Struggles of Motherhood | Embracing Motherhood.” Root & Rise, 1 July 2021, www.rootandriseblog.com/embracing- motherhood-challenges-and-struggles 14 Thank you Shreya Tharakesh 2024 - 2025