We must create opportunities for collectiveness & community. No one can raise children alone. Part of the problem with our neoliberal, capitalist society is that we created this model of nuclear families where all the adults now work & childcare is outsourced. It doesn't work well.

Petra, I talk & think about this a lot. Both things are true. Parents (mothers) often cope with huge emotional loads / living circumstances and also parents' emotional patterns shape infant development. I talk about shame as one response to knowing this. I hope that helps reduce shame.

Very very bleak. Agreed.

Hey Petra. I agree this piece didn't talk about that much. It is why we need to contextualise lives. If you are in the midst of grief or in a scary neighbourhood or in a violent relationshp or workng in a stressful job, those will create tough emotions -- that go on to shape the child's development.