What Child-Rearing Generations Want Most Now is "Mental Space"

i-links Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Hakata Ward, President: Kiyoshi Ishii) has begun accepting applications for the third term of the online course "Happy Mama Course" for mothers raising children aged 0-6.

Details and application here

Moms' True Feelings Revealed in Instagram Survey

An Instagram survey targeting mothers raising children, operated by Happy Mama Life Academy, asked "What do you want most right now?" and received responses from 34 individuals.

The results are as follows:

Mental space: 44% (15 votes) Physical strength: 32% (11 votes) Personal time: 18% (6 votes) Dialogue with someone: 6% (2 votes)

When thinking about parents raising children, many might imagine voices saying, "I want more personal time."

However, in this survey, the response "I want mental space" was more frequent than that.

The Reality: "Mental Space" is More Sought After Than Time

When raising children, there are countless things to do every day.

Work, housework, school runs, meal preparation, putting children to sleep.

In the midst of busy days, many parents feel "there isn't enough time."

On the other hand, what they truly desire is not time itself, but perhaps:

"The space to calmly listen to my child's stories."

"The space to laugh off small mistakes."

"The space to not blame myself too much."

As one continues to seek the "correct" way to raise children, that mental space can be lost.

Before Changing the Child, What Adults Can Do First

In our work at childcare facilities, interacting with many parents and children, we have encountered more concerns about "I don't know how to interact with my child" than requests to "change my child's behavior."

Before trying to change a child's behavior,

First, observe the child's actions closely.

And, become aware of your own state.

These small accumulations can significantly change the parent-child relationship.

Instructor and Director

Ritsuko Hirano General Director, Happiness Nursery School Group Certified nursery teacher. International Montessori Association (AMI) 0-3 years Diploma. Mother of three sons, aged 16, 13, and 6.

Drawing on her own parenting experience and perspective as a nursery teacher, she started a parenting salon and opened the "Montessori at Home Course." She has discussed ways to interact with children and parenting philosophies with over 1,000 mothers. She served as director for four nursery schools since the opening of Montessori school Happiness Nursery School in 2019. Currently, she serves as General Director overseeing the educational quality of the entire group. With the motto "Family is a team!", she practices a lifestyle where mothers do not give up on parenting, work, or their own lives. She is currently expanding her activities through "Hapimama" to improve the quality of Japan's childcare environment from the home.

~Message from the Instructor~ For the past 10 years, I have discussed parenting, work styles, and life with many mothers.

Observing mothers in distress, I've noticed that while their love for their children is abundant, they sometimes focus their efforts in the wrong places, or they overexert themselves and become completely exhausted.

And they try to do everything alone.

Many were on the verge of being crushed by anxiety and guilt, not knowing how to channel that love into action.

However, I have repeatedly seen them regain smiles and confidence by gradually incorporating learning and practice, thinking, "I can do it too!"

When the relationship with your child changes, your own daily life becomes more peaceful and enjoyable.

Such wonderful changes will surely come to you as well.

Ritsuko Hirano, General Director, Happiness Nursery School Group Certified nursery teacher. International Montessori Association (AMI) 0-3 years Diploma. Mother of three sons, aged 17, 13, and 6.

Happy Mama Course "Hapimama" Term 3 Course Outline

Dates

July 24, 2026 (Fri), August 7, 2026 (Fri), August 21, 2026 (Fri), September 4, 2026 (Fri) (Total of 4 sessions + 60 days of support, with archives available)

Time

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM each session (Online Zoom event)

Application Period

June 8, 2026 (Mon) 12:00 PM - July 17, 2026 (Fri) 11:59 PM

Target Audience

Mothers raising children aged 0-6

Details and Application

【Free Individual Consultation Available】

Happy Mama Life Academy is currently offering free individual consultations.

"I sometimes struggle with how to interact with my child."

"I want to parent more peacefully."

"I want to discuss whether this is the right learning for me right now."

We listen to each person's story for those who feel this way.

We do not engage in high-pressure sales tactics, so please feel free to consult with us first.

Apply for Free Individual Consultation

【Contact Information for Inquiries】

Happiness Mama Course (Hapimama) Administrative Office

Email: happiness.mamalifeacademy@gmail.com (within i-links Co., Ltd.) 080-1298-6123 (Contact: Nakayama)