17/02/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

23

Perfect parent myth

S CROLL through social media and parenting can look effortless – clean homes, smiling children, homemade meals and calm routines. For many parents, this steady stream of curated and polished images creates pressure for them to measure up, even when they know it is unrealistic. Research from organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Psychological Association shows social comparison is a known effect of social media use. As such, people tend to compare their everyday lives to highly curated online content and parenting content is no different. Most posts show highlights – not exhaustion, conflict or failure. Social media raises expectations Social platforms reward content that looks good and feels aspirational. Posts that show neat routines or “successful” parenting attract likes, shares and followers. Over time, this creates a narrow picture of what parenting should look like. Studies on digital well-being, such as those reviewed in Royal Society for Public Health’s #StatusOfMind report, consistently show frequent exposure to idealised content can increase stress, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. As parenting already involves constant decision-making and even self-doubt, parents are especially vulnerable. When online advice conflicts with real-life limits such as time, money and energy, frustration will inevitably grow. Myth of constant optimisation Online parenting culture often promotes the idea that every moment must be optimised – the right food, the right activity and the right response. However, on the other hand, child development research shows Ű BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR o How social media fuels unrealistic expectations

Parents should not see curated social media content from ‘influencer’ parents as a yardstick of performance. – PICS FROM FREEPIK

Healthier

perspectives

on

children do not need perfection, as stable routines, emotional support and consistent care matter more than flawless execution. Organisations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund stress parenting quality comes from responsiveness and safety, not curated experiences. Ordinary activities, such as sharing meals, playing and resting, support development just as much as planned enrichment. Pressure at home Research published in Frontiers in Psychology identifies parental burnout as a real condition linked to chronic stress, unrealistic expectations and lack of support. Social media amplifies this by reinforcing narrow ideas of what “good parenting” looks like, with parents describing pressure in simple ways: 0 Guilt when meals do not look “healthy enough”. 0 Anxiety when their child’s behaviour does not match

stress rather than provide help. 0 Reality-check content. Remember that most posts show selected moments, not full days. 0 Focus on basics. Safety, sleep, nutrition and emotional connection matter most. 0 Share honestly offline. Real conversations with other parents reduce isolation. Digital well-being studies show reducing time spent on comparison-heavy content improves mood and self-confidence.

online examples. 0 Feeling judged for children’s behaviour in public. 0 Constant comparison with other families’ routines. The WHO links prolonged stress in caregivers to mental health strain and reduced well-being, especially when parents feel isolated or unsupported. What helps reduce pressure Experts recommend practical steps: 0 Limit comparison triggers. Unfollow accounts that increase

parenting Social media does not show the full picture of family life. Parenting includes fatigue, conflict, and trial and error – none of which usually make it online. Research and health guidance are clear – children benefit from consistency and care, not perfection. Letting go of online ideals allows parents to focus on what works in their own homes, away from the pressure of comparison.

Handling hidden emotional risks in family business successions

VERITAGE International has released a new report highlighting hidden emotional risks in family business transitions worldwide. Titled Missing Link in Family Business Transitions: How Emotional Disconnection Threatens Family Legacy , the report identifies a growing gap between current owners and the next generation in preparing for ownership and wealth succession. According to Veritage in a statement, the research finds this disconnect is driven by misaligned communication and differing expectations, which can undermine long-term family unity and business continuity. Key findings show many next-generation members feel excluded from wealth decisions and ownership roles. However, when families engage in open dialogue and mutual respect, transitions proceed with greater confidence and cohesion. The report emphasises successful succession is not just financial – it requires well-being, shared vision and sustained investment in family relationships. Emotional alignment is

Open dialogue and mutual respect can allow for intergenerational transitions to proceed with greater confidence and cohesion. – 123RFPIC

aims to transform succession from a source of conflict into a coordinated process supporting family and business longevity. The firm urges families to integrate structured dialogue, clear roles and relationship-building into wealth planning to safeguard legacy and foster unity across generations. – Bernama

critical for personal and business legacy. Veritage frames the report as a practical resource for family offices, advisers and business families, encouraging conversations about emotional governance alongside traditional succession planning. By addressing often-overlooked emotional challenges, the research

Social media rarely shows the less glamorous and more challenging aspects of parenting, such as the constant caregiving.