While some kids go through school without paying much attention to status, some people consider popularity to be very important. Some kids feel different, and others can’t really fit in, while some have it easy and feel comfortable being liked and enjoying popularity. However, according to one research, parenting is key when it comes to popularity among kids.

Popularity Is About Status and Likability

According to research, there are two types of popularity, and those are status and likability. Kids who seek status are exposed to a higher risk for risky behavior, over-dependence on others, unhappiness, and relationship problems. On the other hand, likability creates a positive feedback loop, showing that likable people are usually treated better, and that makes them more upbeat and more likely to get opportunities to practice social skills and be even more likable. Over the years, being popular can translate to benefits like better jobs and more stable relationships.

How parents can encourage kids to enjoy more popularity is something the research tries to address. It points out that it’s important to note that a lot of factors that make people more likable are beyond anyone’s control. So, neither parents nor kids should be blamed for anything. Yet, there are mental frameworks and learned behaviors that can impact kids’ likability, and caregivers can make changes to help in the long run.

Popularity Is Important for Kids

Parents who worry about popularity can start with several guiding stones they can use. Being less critical is one. Criticism is definitely a factor when it comes to bringing up kids, and the amount of criticism can predict popularity. In general, kids who know aggression well tend to be less liked, and that’s something they pick up at home. So, being less critical of a kid can be very beneficial for their popularity.

Exposure to positive role models can help a kid become more cooperative, altruistic, and kind. Being emotionally attuned with a kid is also crucial, but shouldn’t be overdone. While some parents make the mistake of dominating, setting stern limits, and keeping themselves reserved while playing with their children, others get too emotionally attuned to their kids and become hypersensitive to their children’s emotions. This can be negative because being overly protective is a strong predictor of unpopularity. Securing attachment through a combination of reliability and autonomy is the right way to achieve a good balance.

Discussing Popularity With Kids Is Vital

According to research, there are various other factors when it comes to popularity among kids. These include the level of intervening in a kid’s friendships. While being too hands-off isn’t acceptable, being too intrusive can damage a kid’s popularity. Dominating a conversation with a kid or letting the kid dominate the conversation can also lead to problems with popularity. Another factor for popularity is building up self-esteem. Kids shouldn’t be taught to attribute negative characteristics to themselves but shouldn’t always consider themselves almighty and all-knowing.

Finally, discussing popularity and likability with kids is very important. Kids shouldn’t be taught to prioritize likability but should know the difference between the two types of popularity and why it’s important to differentiate between them.

Gone are the days when mothers were only depicted in films as always organized and put together characters. After years of portraying unattainable models of what it means to be a good mom, it seems we’re finally ready for more authenticity. The nominees at this year’s Oscars certainly proved that.

A New Era for Moms in Cinema

For generations of cinema movements, there was one specific character that somewhat remained the same. The depiction of a good mom largely revolved around building the character of a mythical mother figure that was ever-smiling, ever-present, ever-prepared. Think Leigh Anne Tuohy from The Blind Side or Mary Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life.

Pop culture wasn’t too kind to mothers’ characters either. When they were allowed to stray from the common depiction, mothers were often portrayed as the other extreme — overbearing, cold, distant, evil even, and selfish. Think Mommie Dearest and Arrested Development — both iconic films and signature performances, but ones that send the wrong message once again.

As we are entering a new era, we’re finally beginning to see the many layers of motherhood going beyond the singular devotion to their kids, but also showing the raw reality of everyday life as a mom and as a woman. One-dimensional characters aren’t going to cut it anymore, and more and more filmmakers are beginning to see that. This renaissance for mothers in films is also due to the fact that more and more female directors are entering the spotlight.

The Many Faces of Motherhood at the 2022 Oscars

It’s an exciting time in the film industry for mothers. Filmmakers, albeit slowly, are dipping their toes into the chaotic and messy world of parenting that women occupy. From Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley’s enthralling performances in The Lost Daughter to Penelope Cruz in Parallel Mothers, it’s definitely been a year of celebration for the complicated mother at this year’s Oscars. Ann Dowd in Mass and Gabby Hoffman in C’mon, C’mon are an absolute must-see as well.

While all of these new films try to ponder the fabric of motherhood, there’s still a lot to be achieved. Filmmakers continue to focus on the image of white women, thus leaving women of color off the screen. Yet, there’s never been a more receptive time for films to offer a brutally honest and raw portrayal of what it means to be a mother in the modern world. If the 2022 Oscars are anything to go by, we’re definitely headed in the right direction.