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Parenting style: how does it influence the development and behavior of children?

Posted on 26/01/2022 - 16:35 by

By: Psychologist Ileana Torres Ruiz* / Guardianes

Being a mom or dad is not easy. Bringing up girls and boys, taking responsibility for them, even for a few hours, can be one of the most fun and tender experiences and challenging for an adult, whether you are a mother, father, caregiver, or teacher.

In general, we don’t ask ourselves how to deal with our kids; we simply resort to the strategies that other adults applied to us to get us to brush our teeth, stop jumping on benches, wake up on time, and eat broccoli, or do math homework.

Without a doubt, everyone has his particular style to solve the challenges that the education of our children presents us with; however, when we ask ourselves, what the best way to educate them will be, this is when the topic becomes interesting.

When we ask ourselves, “How does the way I teach him what he finds most difficult to understand in class influence his self-esteem? Will it be positive or negative for his development to allow him to do everything he wants? Focusing on my cell phone when we are at home will affect our communication?”

Regardless of the role we play for children, each of us frequently resorts to certain parenting styles; this generates a family climate and affects their emotional, intellectual, and social development.

Parenting styles are defined as adults’ general attitudes or beliefs about a proper upbringing for girls and boys.

We learn these parenting styles in our families of origin, so we commonly repeat with boys and girls what we experienced as children or, just from reflecting on our childhood and the experiences that we consider painful, we choose to apply different styles of upbringing, to avoid going through the same situations as us.

Developmental psychologists have been interested in studying these processes; Diana Baumrind (1991) is one of the first to catalog these styles, which she called: Authoritarian, Permissive and Assertive Styles. Later other authors included the Indifferent style and used it as a synonym for Assertive, Cooperative, or Democratic style.

Authoritarian parenting style

In general, in this style of upbringing, adults value the obedience of girls and boys; demanding treatment and rigid rules predominate. Mothers, fathers, and teachers tend to seek control; they focus on negative behaviors and failures and not on their daughters and sons’ positive behaviors and achievements.

When parenting practices with this style predominate, girls and boys grow up insecure and anxious, doubt their ability and their self-esteem is not so positive because they get used to focusing on their failures.

Permissive style

This style is characterized by limited, confusing, changing, and ambiguous rules. In the classroom or at home, girls and boys do what they please and are in control, adults do not have clear ideas of what they expect from these girls and boys, avoiding confronting their conflictive behaviors, but they enjoy rewarding and pampering them.

On the contrary, parenting practices with this style are highlighted. It is commonly found that children do not know how to regulate their impulses their emotions, and it is difficult for them to complete tasks or activities.

Indifferent parenting style

Here we find that a cold, distant attitude prevails with the boys and girls, communication is scarce, adults forget the needs of the little ones, and among their priorities, the upbringing of girls and boys is left out, so they try to solve their needs on their own with the resources they have. Still, they are often unable because they require support and guidance.

When an indifferent parenting style prevails, the development of girls and boys is stuck or hindered in general; they need adults who are there to guide them, the indifference on the part of adults who are significant to children favors a poor self-concept and low self-esteem; to feel and know that they are loved, valued, every girl and boy needs attention, listening and company.

Democratic or cooperative style

The axis that guides this parenting style is the will to educate girls and boys to become autonomous, combining affectionate treatment, good communication, and clear, well-defined rules and limits. Adults attend to the needs of girls and boys. Still, they teach them to fend for themselves, think about the consequences of their actions, accompany and support them in their development challenges, and offer them options considering their abilities and needs.

Undoubtedly, this style promotes the integral development of girls and boys, who know rules and order, feel loved and supported to grow with independence and positive self-esteem.

In everyday life, no adult uses a pure parenting style, that is, only cooperative, authoritarian, permissive, or indifferent, and much less educates all girls and boys with the same style.

This is because all parenting styles provide valuable tools. Can you imagine parents whose children are about to become independent from home? They will undoubtedly resort to an indifferent parenting style, or a teacher in charge of a group that needs firm rules will surely resort to a different parenting style, authoritarian.

Thus, the important thing is to begin identifying the positive tools that each style entails, taking the best of each one, and thinking about favoring the autonomy, development, and happiness of girls and boys.

Sometimes being authoritarian is necessary when they are in danger of accident or illness; at other times, acting with a permissive style is valid when enjoying a celebration, being exhausted, or very sick. A small dose of nonchalance when he has a tantrum or needs to learn to figure something out on his own will make him more independent. Each situation calls for a different reaction. Faced with this adventure of accompanying girls and boys in their development, it is worth taking a short break, giving ourselves a relaxing break, and asking ourselves,

“What parenting style do I use the most with girls, boys, and under what circumstances? How can I transmit my affection to them and promote their growth with the style I have used so far? In each style, what would I like to apply from now on?”

Guide us by expressing affection and support, responding to their needs, and exercising their regulation and discipline through limits and expectations to promote the growth of our girls and boys.

Ileana Torres Ruiz is a teacher in Child Psychotherapy and a university professor. Lecturer on issues of prevention of mistreatment and child sexual abuse in Guardianes.

Guardianes is an Affectivity and Sexuality AC program dedicated to seeking the best interests of children and adolescents, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. Our organization has, since 2017, with the Special Consultative Status granted by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Throughout its 19-year history, it has collaborated with civil society organizations to defend the rights of children and adolescents, focusing its efforts on the prevention of mistreatment and child sexual abuse. www.guardianes.org.mx

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Anahí: When mom is sad

Posted on 21/01/2022 - 11:48 by

Sadness is a normal feeling in all human beings and it happens to us moms, too. Today I am going to tell you about something that has been hard for me and we are all still struggling: Covid-19. It just started when Emiliano came into our lives.

Every pregnancy is different. With Manu I did not experience any kind of sadness, I felt happy, but with Emiliano it was different. I can’t say I had postpartum depression. Everything was normal in my quarantine, but when that period passed, the next day, the confinement due to Covid-19 began.

The lockdown

In the face of the pandemic and the lockdown I had a very hard downturn. Like everyone, I felt uncertainty and fear. I was thinking, “I just brought this little human into the world and the world is falling apart”.

I also recommend: Jealousy among siblings

We were locked down and that’s when I experienced a lot of sadness. I spent over six months without even sticking my nose in the door because I had a newborn. I felt like the world was crashing down and many scary thoughts haunted me.

Even today

Thank goodness, I no longer have all those fears, but it was very hard for me to go out again. Even today, Covid-19 remains a difficult topic. Like millions of people, the pandemic has affected me greatly and continues to be difficult for me. Then we went down with Covid, imagine, it was even harder!

Step by step

Little by little I understood that we have to carry on, we have to give it a try. And yes, you have to keep living. With the vaccines, we can already do certain things, but carefully, because the pandemic is not over yet.

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Be certain that everything will be alright

Like millions of mothers, my children are the ones who drive me the most. They give me hope and faith.

All human beings, women or men, must believe in something.

Whatever you want to believe in, but BELIEVE, because faith is our greatest strength. It is believing that everything will turn out well, but also having faith in yourself that you can keep on. You may not know how but visualize yourself with health, happiness and well-being. As dark as things may seem, be sure that all this will settle down, it will be over.

I don’t know if it will help you, but let me tell you about it because it has helped me a lot:
  • Do a lot of yoga and meditation.
  • Try to be in balance, in your center.

Obviously, like everyone else, I also have difficult moments, but I make an effort to try not to depend on anything external. We alone can give ourselves a cuddle and, believe me, it is what we need the most.

If you are one of those women who feel sad or depressed, for whatever reason, call it Covid-19 or postpartum depression, please ask for help.

I know it is easier to say it than to do it, many people may not have enough resources to look for a professional (because therapy is also very expensive), but try to talk about it.

Don’t miss: The arrival of my second child

When you discuss your fears, sadness, or concerns with people you trust, you will automatically feel better. They can be your friends, your family, your partner, the closest ones. I can tell that doing this helps a lot and can get you out of a big hole.

The worst thing we can do when we are in a period of depression or sadness is to isolate ourselves, lock ourselves in our thoughts, keep everything inside…

So, I recommend that if you are feeling like this, talk about it. Bring out the things that are hurting inside of you. That’s what I would advise: shout it out, talk it over and over again until you feel better!

Byt if you can’t go to therapy or you don’t have that opportunity, then talk about it with the people who love you, who will respond to you from the heart and who will want to help you. Remember that you are not alone.

I am Anahí and I am looking forward to meeting you in my next article for Baby Creysi.

Find a wide variety of clothes for your little one in our Online Store, on Amazon.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Why are some babies born with gray eyes?

Posted on 20/01/2022 - 16:53 by

When your baby was born, you may have noticed that he had gray eyes, perhaps a little bluish; it was not your imagination, many little ones have a light color, and over time it darkens. The reason is that the cells that produce melanin in your body are immature, and the iris color is not yet defined by genetics. However, this curious change does not occur in all babies, although expected. Some are born with brown eyes, and their color is already defined; others become darker, and some more have blue, green, or brown eyes from a very young age. Why are some babies born with gray eyes?

Melanin is responsible for defining the color of the eyes.

In an article for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. David Hill explains that the reason why the color of the eyes changes is due to melanin, the protein responsible for giving pigment to our skin, hair, and eyes.

“When the baby is born, the eyes may look gray or blue because the melanocytes (the cells that produce and secrete melanin) respond to light and have spent all their time in the dark up until then”, says Hill.

Over time, as the baby grows and the cells mature, the color of the eyes can change from grayish blue to dark brown.

At what age is eye color defined in a baby?

The work of the melanocytes varies and can be defined from six months to one year; only then is it possible to know the actual color of the baby’s eyes.

“It is tough to know a specific date in which the color of the baby’s eyes is defined; it is a process that goes according to the production of melanin in the organism, that is, the action or inaction of the melanin determines to what extent it is going to be pigmented”, indicates Gloria Britez, a pediatric ophthalmologist.

If the melanocytes secrete little melanin, the baby will have blue eyes. If they secrete a little more, they will look green or yellowish. When these cells work hard, they will look brown, the most common eye color. They can even turn very close to black, which is very rare.

In case of children who have already defined light-colored eyes may have slight variations up to the age of three since the iris “stores” melanin until that age.

You can read: Should I bathe my baby daily?

How genetics influence eye color

Genetics has a lot to do with it. The iris, which is the colored part of the eye, is a 100% hereditary trait that, as we mentioned, depends on the amount of melanin found in this area of the eye and how it is distributed. This information is explicitly transmitted through chromosomes 15 and 19.

This color will likely be passed on to the children if the parents are light-eyed, although it does not happen every time. There are many combinations.

Suppose one of the grandparents has light-colored eyes, the probability that the baby is born with blue or green eyes increases. If one of the parents has light-colored eyes and the other brown, there is an equal chance that the baby has eyes of one or a different color.

“There are also cases where both parents have brown eyes, but the children are born with blue eyes. That’s how genetics is, unpredictable. It might be that some uncle or grandparent has green eyes, and the children inherit that color. Other times one eye is of one color, and the other has another pigmentation, or it is by sectors. In that case, we, doctors, are obliged to investigate a little more because it can be a problem. There are also moles in the iris that we have to observe and control”, adds Britez.

Your baby’s eye color is as unique as he is. Whatever the shade, you will not be able to stop loving that sweet look.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Spanking children can cause depression and mental disorders

Posted on 14/01/2022 - 14:59 by

At the time of our parents and grandparents, the saying was still common, “Spanking on time makes a good child.” But it has been shown that physical punishment is inefficient and could cause short and long-term harm to our children, such as depression, mental disorders, even alcoholism, and eating disorders.

A study from the University of Michigan, led by Tracie Afifia and Derek Ford, indicates that the use of spanking, pinching, pulling, smacking, and other “corrective methods” that involve physical and psychological violence increase the risk that these children will be depressed adults and even attempt suicide.

The research entitled Spanking and adult mental health impairment was carried out with data from 8,300 adults between 19 and 97 years old. The survey answered questions about their negative experiences during childhood and the physical and mental problems they present as adults.

About 55% of the participants said they had been hit during childhood. It was precisely this group that presented the greatest probability of falling into depression and mental disorders.

The authors point out that aggression as a way of educating children should be considered physical and emotional abuse. It generates trauma, affects the development of children, and interferes with the way they deal with problems as adults.

Spanking is an ineffective method that could cause a lot of harm to children. Photo: Pixabay
Spanking is an ineffective method that could cause a lot of harm to children. Photo: Pixabay

Parents should not spank their children

Afifia and Ford define spanking as the use of physical force with an open hand intended to cause the child to experience pain. Still, no serious injury to correct or control his behavior.

In its Guide to Effective Discipline, the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that spanking and other corporal punishment get a child’s attention. Still, it is not an adequate strategy to teach the difference between right and wrong. On the contrary, it makes children more likely to be uncompromising and aggressive in the future.

According to psychologist Tina Payne Bryson, author of the books The Child’s Brain and Discipline Without Tears, physical punishment is counterproductive. During the World Parenting Forum 2021, the expert indicated,

“When we use physical punishment as a parenting method, we produce fear, and children enter a state of alert and threat. This control instrument is counterproductive because it increases stress, and children are less likely to correct that behavior. For a child to be able to learn, he must feel safe and be in a receptive state”.

But that’s not all. In other research papers, such as the one by researchers Akemi Tomoda and Hanako Suzuki, children who suffered repeated exposure to corporal punishment have a reduction in the gray matter of the brain, which triggers a reduction in the gray matter of the brain a lower performance IQ and affects their social cognition.

Let’s eradicate the use of physical punishment

More and more countries have prohibited corporal punishment as a method of upbringing in their legislation. In Mexico, since September 2020, a reform was achieved that recognizes the right of children to live in peace, without aggression.

“This occurs in the field of family and civil law. Children and adolescents have the right to receive an education. Still, it is forbidden for the mother, father, or any person exercising parental authority to use corporal or humiliating punishment as a form of discipline”, declared former senator Martí Batres, who presented the bill.

Corporal punishment is defined as any act against children and adolescents. Physical force is used, such as pinching, pushing, hitting with the hand, burning, or any other action that causes pain.

For generations, it has been thought that No pain, no gain or Learn weeping and thou shalt gain laughing (la letra con sangre entra), but it is time to use other strategies.

“Many people associate discipline with punishment. I propose that we return to the essence of discipline, to its origin, to the disciples of Jesus who learned from their teacher. Discipline is always about teaching so children can improve over time. If you change the idea of discipline into the opportunity to teach, it will transform their upbringing”, concludes Tina Payne Bryson.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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4 Parenting errors you make as a mom or dad

Posted on 11/01/2022 - 17:21 by

It is said that nobody is born knowing how to be a parent, and it is a reality. We live in a constant duality. On the one hand, moms and dads must search for sustenance. Our occupations have increased, we are in an endless hurricane of tasks. On the other hand, our children need us. In this coming and going of activities, we make a thousand and one parenting mistakes that we can avoid.

The key is to identify the flaws to try to correct them. Although no one is exempt from making mistakes, the main thing is to realize those areas of opportunity, but above all not falling into excesses and give our children quality time.

Parenting mistakes to avoid

Workaholic parent

According to Verónica Gutiérrez, founder and general director of Parenting Global, a platform dedicated to accompanying and advising on paternity, maternity, upbringing, and child welfare, being a workaholic mom or dad is increasingly common. Still, not everyone who works becomes addicted to his labors.

“We can work out of necessity or because we like it, which does not make us workaholics. Workaholics are people who put their work before their health, free time, and their family”, explains the expert.

The children of the workaholic mom or dad feel that although their parents meet their food and economic needs, they are not satisfying their emotional part. “There is a lack of emotional nutrition that leaves them with a great void”.

The message given to children is that they are not important enough, that hurts them, they feel isolated. The children will seek attention as they can.

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Comparing children

Another mistake that has become normal is to compare children with their siblings, friends, cousins, or even strangers.

“Ever since I can remember, my mom has compared me. As much as I pushed myself in school, there was always another girl who was better. That marked me and, when I have to fight for something important, hurtful phrases come to my mind, and I block myself”, explains 32-year-old Mónica Luna.

Some parents have the mistaken belief that by comparing their children, they are motivating them. Sometimes they think that by doing this, the children will acquire the ability or behavior that they consider “admirable,” or kids will try to “get courage” and “shut their parents’ mouths” by improving.

However, the effect is just the opposite. When the comparison occurs with a sibling or another family member, it causes jealousy and a climate of competition that will affect their relationship for life. In the long run, there will be hatred and resentment.

The children who are constantly compared suffer serious consequences:

  • Their self-esteem is greatly affected.
  • They feel insecure, useless, unloved.
  • They tend to solve their problems aggressively.
  • Failure to meet parental expectations creates frustration.

Seek perfection

For the clinical psychologist, Seth Meyers, author of the Perfeccionismo en gente jóven (Perfectionism in Young People) blog, another parental mistake that could “ruin” their children’s lives is the irrational seek for perfection.

This attitude is usually accompanied by constant criticism, repeatedly reminding children of their mistakes or that their achievements are not enough.

Although discipline must be instilled and children must develop the best of themselves, extreme demands, which are not according to their age or abilities, become a hefty burden for children.

Being authoritarian or abusive

The worst mistake of all. Authoritarian parents or those who use physical punishment to reprimand instill fear, not love.

The US Department of Health and Human Services indicates that when hitting, humiliation or insults are part of everyday parenting, children are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems.

The little ones will begin to have regressions such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, crying more often, or sleep problems. School-age children will feel guilty, have self-esteem issues, won’t feel like participating in school activities, and will isolate themselves. In the case of adolescents, they may become violent, engage in risky behavior or neglect their studies.

These are not the only mistakes parents make in raising children. Parenting is a constant trial and error. We may have experienced this parenting ourselves. Although we cannot change how we were brought up, we can change the pattern and avoid harming our children.

What other errors do you identify?

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

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Anahí: Jealousy among siblings

Posted on 06/01/2022 - 11:54 by

A topic that overwhelms many moms and dads is jealousy among siblings. Today I want to explain to you what my experience with Manu was like when Emiliano joined the family, and why you should give your little one time to go through this process along with your support.

Welcome to my article about Challenges of modern moms and families in Baby Creysi.

The famous jealousy among siblings

Jealousy is a normal feeling. As long as they are temporary and do not significantly alter the coexistence and development of your little one, you do not have to worry.

It is a fear of losing the love and attention given by parents and it is logical, no matter how much you prepare your kids, there are times when they are unavoidable.

I think lots of babies go through this. When I was pregnant, Manu saw my belly, but he did not realized one hundred percent –unless he were older– that inside me there was a human being who was going to take away the toys!

First, everything is perfect for the older brother: the belly, the baby, hugging, kissing… But when Emiliano was born, it was a shock.

Manu was very jealous. My husband and I read a lot and applied every method we found to make the process more bearable. You know, that if you bring him a gift when the brother is born, that if you involve him, as much as he can, in taking care of him…

We applied everything we already knew and were told over and over again, we did it to the letter, but the jealousy was tremendous.

The moment he tried to hug the baby, an uncontrollable cry immediately broke out, “Mom, come with me!”

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Jealousy between siblings is completely NORMAL

What can you do when your older child is jealous of the newborn sibling? I believe that the main point, I say it again, is to clearly recognize that they are completely NORMAL.

Think like your child does, put yourself in his shoes.

How is it possible that as a child, I have a mother and a father, and suddenly another child arrives and I have to share not only my room, my bed, my clothes, but also my mother and my father?

It is absolutely logical and you have to understand that feeling. As a mother, I never told him, “Don’t be jealous, he’s your brother, you must love him, stop crying!” Never did I do it!

Rather, and I think it is something that will be very useful to you as well, I accompanied him in his process.

What does that mean?

Simply, tell him clearly what is happening so that he understands that the new member of the family is not going to take any love away from him, on the contrary.

Although we are very busy with the new baby, who requires all your attention, it is essential that you spend time with your eldest son and explain that his brother comes to fill him with love and joy.

Children do understand. You have to be clear with them and tell them that the new little brother or sister is going to be their best friend forever and that, if they build such a strong bond between themselves, nothing will ever stop them.

Another thing that helped me is that Manu saw the beautiful relationship I have with my sister and that’s why I was also able to talk about the issue of brotherhood.

And speaking about my sister, we can see that it is different in each family. She is six years older than me and, in a child’s perspective, that difference is very big. In addition, my parents tell me, and she asked God to have a little sister every day.

When her little sister finally arrived, it was a dream come true, I was her doll! She did my hair, she dressed me, played with me. For my sister it was different because she wanted to have someone to play with, but we didn’t give Manu a chance, suddenly his little brother arrived.

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Don’t panic!

Indeed, jealousy among siblings is normal, so don’t panic. Sometimes we get very nervous, but they are phases and this one will pass too.

For example, nowadays Manu and Emiliano adore each other, they cannot live without each other. Even Manu wants his brother to sleep in his bed, they are inseparable.

Looking back, you realize that it was just a moment and it was worth it. My boy had something in his little heart that was bothering him, and it was good that he took it out.

I think that this issue of jealousy has happened to all mothers with their babies. My advice would be not to panic. It is just a phase, it will pass, you just have to accompany him in his process.

Validate his feelings, don’t act like nothing’s wrong or tell him not to cry. If he wants to cry it’s for a reason, his heart is asking for it, he needs you. Then you have to accompany him, you will see that little by little he will not only adapt to the new member of the family, but both will love each other.

I hope these tips help you.I am Anahí and I am looking forward to meeting you in my next column in Baby Creysi.

Find a wide variety of clothes for your little one in our online store on Amazon.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Working mothers: between guilt and the desire for professional development

Posted on 24/11/2021 - 16:17 by

I have always believed that both working and stay-at-home moms are positive role models for children.

Unfortunately each group has its own stigmas, but today I want to refer to those of us who decided to combine motherhood with the desire for professional development, including the amount of guilt that this entails. It has happened to you, for sure!

My life has been work

Before getting to the point, something very nice that I would like to share with you is that I have worked all my life. I don’t know another life. Since I was two years old (and there is YouTube as a witness), I have been on TV and I have worked.

At an early age I learned that this was my world.

Of course, I could have said “no more”, but from a very young age I understood that to get through sometimes you have to make sacrifices. Back then, child artists were seen as strange people. Today fortunately everything has changed. Luckily, there is much more openness and respect.

The “guilt” of mothers

Now, all the things that are said about motherhood are true: you love your children before you meet them and it is a love so great that it is indescribable and exceeds you.

You are facing a profound transformation of your life. Nothing you’ve experienced before will change you as much as the arrival of your first child.

One day you are independent, participate in soap operas, go on tours, sell out concerts, and nine months later –and for the rest of your life– you will have to make each decision considering the repercussions they will have on that new being that, from the beginning, depends entirely on you.

The decision to return to work, or not…

It is an internal war and I believe that nothing has as much weight as the decision to return to work or not. It is certainly an issue that generates a lot of tension in women. I have working friends who tell me that they feel guilty for not being with their children always, and I have others who, despite being happy with their decision to be at home, admit that sometimes they feel isolated and resentful.

Respect…

I deeply respect all of them because today I know what it is to be a mother and to be criticized for making either of the two decisions.

Those who stay home with their children receive comments such as, “Oh, you’re just home”, as if it were not a high-demand job that requires all of your energy.

If you are a working mom, and unfortunately you had to miss your children’s PT meeting, there is always someone who will tell you, “I see, your work. You should pay more attention to them”.

How do they know that you are not paying attention to them?

There will always be criticism

Whatever you do, whatever decision you make, there will always be someone who criticizes you.

Hurtful comments

The worst thing is that many times the most hurtful comments come from other women, from other moms who incredibly do not seem to realize the situation that the other is in. We should be more empathetic to each other.

Is up to you…

Well, as there will always be someone who judges you, I suggest that you make the decision whether or not to return to work considering, first of all, what you want to do, what makes you happy. Once I asked myself that question, I thought and analyzed, “What is the best thing for my son” (now children, two beautiful “dolls” that I adore)?

The decision you make will be fine

The truth is that there is not much evidence about the fact that if a parent stays at home (or not) affects positively or negatively the development of children.

A study by Harvard University suggests that daughters whose mothers are in paid employment are more likely to find a job and, in most cases, in high-paying and responsible positions.

According to Kathleen L. McGinn, one of the authors of this report, working mothers are looking for ways to balance their work outside the home and their responsibilities at home, which will influence their children. Through example, children will take the same path and repeat it in their own lives.

But this study has many gaps. How did it exactly influence the children? What repercussions did it have on an emotional level? So far, I have not found anything serious that tips the balance to one side or the other.

In my case…

I made the decision considering what worked best for my family and I think that is a great issue because each of us have different contexts. The only thing I ask from you, and that helped me, is that you try to be honest with you about what you want for yourself. Consider suggestions, listen to your partner, but in the end do as your heart desires.

I will also share with you another great tip to make the decision: think about how you want your children see you.

Also in my case…

What I want is that my children realize that I am a woman who has always worked, who has come through absolutely everything, that she never gives up. That’s what I want: that they become life-fighters. In life there are many setbacks, but the important thing is the attitude and the desire to come through.

I am Anahí and I am looking forward to meeting you in my next article in Baby Creysi.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

10 keys to explain the Mexican Revolution to children

Posted on 19/11/2021 - 20:07 by

The armed conflict, that took place in our country between 1910 and 1917, is known as the Mexican Revolution. It emerged as a political protest against the Porfirio Díaz regime, but as it evolved, it became more complex and acquired the imprint, ideas, and aspirations of those who participated in it.

These are some keys to understand this period in our history.

Remember them yourself, so that you can explain them to your little ones.

1. The re-election of Porfirio Díaz, the “villain” in common

In 1910, Porfirio Díaz was re-elected as president of Mexico for the sixth consecutive time, after nearly 30 years of uncontested power, but imminent weakness as he aged.

Mexicans knew that for the 80-year-old leader (caudillo), this would be his last re-election. However, although he proclaimed it so, Díaz was not willing to leave power.

In 1908, before the American journalist Greelman, Porfirio Díaz defined himself as “the last of the necessary men in the history of Mexico” and said that his successor should arise from the organization of Mexicans into political parties and free electoral struggle. The people believed in his words, they thought that he really wanted to lead the country to a democratic transition.

2. Porfiristas (Porfirio’s followers) against democrats

According to Eduardo Blanquel, in the book Historia Mínima de México, from the Colegio de México, many believed in the words of the president and two currents of ideas emerged to run for the presidential succession. On the one hand, the spokesmen, who possessed social and economic strength, postulated themselves as the heirs of the Porfiriato, in a kind of oligarchy (government system dominated by a few people), of an intellectual and scientific nature, very much in the style of the time. On the other hand, the liberals, whose ideological belief lay in the capacity of people for a democratic life. They thought that the Mexicans were capable of exercising their electoral freedom to bring to power someone who deserved the government.

Do not miss: 10 keys to explain the Independence of Mexico to children

3. Francisco I. Madero and the first electoral campaign

On the liberal line was Francisco I. Madero, who agreed with Díaz that Mexico had a large middle class capable of assuming political responsibilities. In his book, La sucesión presidencial en 1910, (The Presidential Succession in 1910), Madero invited the people to organize themselves into political parties to start an institutional life. Madero assured that this was the only way to guarantee peace and continuity in the government, since “If men are perishable, institutions are immortal.” In a conciliatory attempt, he proposed that the elected man would be vice president and naturally occupy the presidency when Díaz stepped down. The president didn’t respond, so he went on to practice his ideas. He first organized a political party, the Anti-Reelectionist, and then began something unusual in the history of our country: an electoral campaign. In June 1910 he was taken to jail for his deed, and on October 4th the Congress declared Porfirio Díaz President of Mexico. On October 5th, Madero was released on bail and crossed the border into the United States. The Revolution was about to take shape.

4. The report of an electoral fraud and the San Luis Plan

From abroad, Francisco I. Madero formulated his revolutionary plan. He denounced electoral fraud and ignored the constituted powers.

He proposed to correct the abuses to the country committed during the Porfiriato by the enforcement of the law and called for arms on November 20th. These would be the fundamental aspects of the Plan of San Luis Potosí, whose synthesis and motto was: Effective suffrage. No re-election, says the Colmex book.

5. November 20th: Beginning of the Mexican Revolution

On November 18th, 1910, the revolutionary conspiracy was discovered and the movement suffered its first casualties with Aquiles Serdán and his followers. However, it got its first armed members: Pascual Orozco and Francisco Villa.

The Díaz regime struck back and Chihuahua became the scene of the dictatorship’s first major defeats. These battles paved the way for the Revolution. Emiliano Zapata rose in the south.

The armed outbreaks burst throughout the country. After six months of struggle, Porfirio Díaz finally resigned from the presidency and left the country to avoid further bloodshed among Mexicans. At heart he was a great patriot and legitimately believed that he was essential to Mexico. The Madero revolution had triumphed.

The Mexican Revolution is the largest civil war in the country. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Mexican Revolution is the largest civil war in the country. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

6. Francisco I. Madero takes power

After the Treaties of Ciudad Juárez, Madero negotiated power and placed several of his men in government. He wanted his mandate to be democratic. His victory was legally formalized in the 1911 elections.

However, the internship of Francisco León de la Barra caused conflicts among the revolutionaries.

“Some people saw their access to power frustrated; others considered that their commitment was the same as to quit the Revolution; many more succumbed to the intrigue that, from power, men from the old regime would want to divide the movement,” says Blanquel.

Madero assumed power with a weakened party. The clearest proof was the uprising of Emiliano Zapata, protected by the Ayala Plan, just 20 days after he took office.

7. Zapata and the vision of the people

Zapata’s armed uprising was due to something much deeper than merely political power. He emphasized the fairer distribution of land and pointed out that the armed struggle had not affected the social or economic organization of the Porfiriato. Madero asked for calm, to go step by step, but the conditions and poverty in the country were compelling. For the new President of Mexico, the true path was the law and only by enforcing it, the great national problems should find solutions. If things had been done by force, then everything had to be done by law: even the most urgent needs such as land. However, those who had suffered from deprivation and fought for a better life asked for an immediate solution. On the other hand, pieces of the old regime slipped into the new government. “Madero was the victim of his democratic zeal that prevented him from understanding the need for a unilateral government to possibly consolidate victory.” The democratic exercise made both the government and defenders of the Porfirian past become revolutionaries. The former allied to defend themselves and the latter wanted to lead the country down the path they considered best. The national situation became increasingly complex.

8. The fall of Madero

The climate of insecurity in the country worried the owners of economic power. If Madero could not put the country in order, strong action against his rule was required. It got worse when the president dared to correct the illegalities of foreign investors who avoided paying taxes.

Revolutionary defeated Mexicans and representatives of those foreign interests united and used the army of Porfirio Díaz, despite being defeated, to plot a coup. Using the US embassy as their headquarters, they stormed power, assassinated Madero, and installed Victoriano Huerta as president.

After Madero’s death the revolutionaries regrouped. With Venustiano Carranza as caudillo, other famous names were added: Villa, Zapata, Obregón, Gertrudis Sánchez, Rómulo Figueroa, etc. Together they exhausted the resistance of Huerta, who after committing numerous crimes and plunging the country into serious international conflicts, left the country in July 1914.

9. Venustiano Carranza, the new leader

Having learned the lesson, the first thing Carranza did was to dissolve the military machinery of the Porfiriato and insisted on consolidating a powerful government that would carry out great social and economic transformations. Like Madero, he also maintained that only revolutionary unity could resist pressure from abroad.

At first Carranza’s path seemed correct, but the revolution seemed to never stop discovering old and new national ailments. The urgency of the agrarian problem in the country made it impossible to continue waiting.

Carranza had to exert a more energetic government. The old fraternity of revolutionary leaders stopped working. Villa became an enemy of Obregón and Zapata of Venustiano Carranza.

10. Constitution of 1917, the great achievement of the Mexican Revolution

In this political climate, and true to his policy, Carranza proposed to adapt and update the 1857 Constitution to the new Mexican circumstances. The attempt was in vain, but he kept insisting.

He finally summoned a Constituent Congress in September 1916 to draft a new Constitution. The constituents, elected by vote, worked on a plan for the reunification of the revolutionary causes until the beginning of 1917.

After being voted on January 31st, the new Constitution was promulgated on February 5th, 1917, marking the end of the Mexican Revolution.

The violent struggle did not end there. The frictions among sides brought the assassination of the main revolutionary leaders. Zapata in 1919; Carranza in 1920; Villa in 1923 and Obregón in 1928, among others.

Despite this, the 1917 Constitution laid the foundations of the modern Mexican State and consecrated the most important revolutionary causes such as agrarian law, labor rights, freedom of the press, political rights, as well as education and health guaranteed by the state.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

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Short and sweet girl names

Posted on 17/11/2021 - 18:54 by

Short names are in fashion. Some are strong and forceful, others sweet and with beautiful meanings. Are you looking for inspiration to choose your girl’s name? We offer you a list with some of the most popular ones.

Why should we choose short girl names?

Short names are better suited to a middle name, in case you’re looking for a compound alternative. They are also perfect when you have long surnames. They are loud, forceful and hardly abbreviated, since many are already a diminutive.

List of short girl names

Letter A

Abir: Unisex name of Hebrew and Arabic origin that means: “Fragrance or strong aroma”. Variants: Abeer, Abeeri, Abiri.

Ada: It is of Hebrew origin, an evolution of Adah. It means “Beauty, ornament”. In the bible she is one of the wives of Lamech, a descendant of Cain. Other origins indicate that it derives from the English name Eadda, which means “Happiness, wealth”. It is the diminutive of the Germanic names Adela or Adelaida. It is linked to Hada (Fairy), a magical being in children’s literature.

Ana: It comes from the Hebrew Jana and means “beneficent, compassionate, full of grace”. This name goes back to the bible. In the Old Testament the name of Hannah refers to the mother of the prophet Samuel. The Christian tradition knows the mother of Virgin Mary by the name of Ana.

Alba: It has two possible origins. Some say that it comes from the Scottish-Gaelic and others that it is of Latin origin. Its meaning is: “First light of day”, “Beautiful dawn”, “Before sunrise”, “The one that illuminates the day”.

Azul: Of Persian origin and means “The color of the sky”. Name that is related to kindness and warmth. It represents tranquility and is related to infinity and the divine.

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Letter B

Bela: Name of Hebrew origin, derived from Elizabela. It means “Fair-skinned woman”.

Bella: It comes from Latin. It is a variant of Isabella and Anabella and means “Beauty”.

Bera: Unisex name of Germanic origin that means “Bear”. Another possible origin is Norwegian and in this case it means “spiritual”.

Beth: Diminutive of Bethia, Hebrew name that means “life”.

Betsy: Name of Hebrew origin that means “consecrated to God.” It is one of the variants of Elizabeth.

Letter C

Cala: In Arabic it means “castle or fortress”.

Cara: Italian name of Latin origin that means “dear and beloved”.

Carla: It is of Germanic origin and means “the one who is strong”.

Cleo: Of Greek origin. It means “glory.” It is also the diminutive of Cleopatra.

Cora: From the Greek Korë. It means “maiden, girl, young virgin”.

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Letter D

Dai: Of Japanese origin, it means “to shine”.

Dana: Female variant of Daniel. It is of Hebrew origin and means “God is my judge”.

Dara: Of Hebrew origin, it means “pearl of wisdom”.

Dava: Diminutive of Davina. Of Hebrew origin and it means “little deer”.

Demi: Of Greek origin, it means “half”. It is the affectionate version of Demetria.

Dina: It comes from the Hebrew word dyin which means “justice”.

Dua: Of Albanian origin which means “love”.

Don’t miss: Baby names that mean Moon

Letter E

Ebba: Of Danish origin. It means “strong”.

Edna: It comes from Hebrew. She means “rejuvenation”.

Egle: Of Greek origin, it means “resplendent”.

Ela: Of Anglo-Saxon origin. It means “the one who is noble”.

Elba: Of German origin. It comes from ‘elf’ and ‘alb’. It means “elf, pixie”.

Elea: From Greek and Breton. It means “brilliant”.

Elia: It means, “the one that shines like the sun”. She is of Greek origin.

Elif: It is of Turkish origin, it means “fine and tall”.

Elin: It is of Scandinavian origin, it means “resplendent”.

Ella: Of English origin, diminutive of Hellen / Ellen. She means “light” or “torch”.

Elma: It comes from German, it means “whom her will protects”.

Eva: Of Hebrew origin, it means “the one who gives life.” She is the first woman, according to the bible.

Letter F

 Fara: Of Germanic origin, it means “land, property where a family that emigrates is established”.  

Fela: It has two origins. From Polish, it means “lucky”. From African, it means “bellicose”.

Fran: It is the short form of the Latin French, which means “free”. Variants: Frain and Frann.

Fei: Name of Chinese origin that means: “flight / dance in the air”.

Febe: It comes from the Latin Phoebe, it means “resplendent”.

Fuji: It means “rich” or “flower” and is of Japanese origin.

Fuyu: Of Japanese origin that means “winter”.

Faye: Hawaiian name that means “fairies”.

Letter G

Gaia or Gaya: Name of Greek origin. Coming from mythology. It refers to the goddess of the earth.

Gala: It is of Latin origin and refers to those born in Gaul.

Galia: Name of Latin origin, variant of Gala. It refers to the inhabitants of Gaul, a region of Central Europe that is currently occupied by France, Belgium, western Switzerland, northern Germany and the Netherlands.

Gea: Name of Greek origin. It comes from the mythology, as it was the name of the goddess Gaya or Gaia. Its meaning is “land”.

Gina: Name of Hebrew origin, diminutive of Georgina that means “farmer woman”.

Letter H

Hada: Variant of Hadassah, which is of Hebrew origin and it means “myrtle tree”.

Hadi: Diminutive of Hadiya. Name of Arabic origin that means “the gift”. Other Muslim scholars indicate that it means “guide of justice”.

Hala: Of Hebrew origin, it means “halo”.

Hali: It is of Greek origin, it means “the sea”.

Hana: It is the Czech and Polish diminutive of Johana, a variant of Joanna, which means “God is merciful”.

Hani: Of Hawaiian origin, it means “joy”.

Hania: It is of Hebrew origin, it means “camp”.

Hara: Of Hindi origin, it means “to take advantage, to seize”.

Hava: Of Hebrew origin, it means “life”.

Hea: Of Korean origin, it means “grace”.

Hera: In Greek mythology, she was the wife of Zeus and Queen of the gods. It means “the goddess of the year”.

Letter I

Isis: It is the Greek name of a goddess from the Egyptian mythology. The Egyptian name was Ast, which means throne.

Izel: Name of Nahuatl origin. It means: “Unique”.

Inna: Name of Russian origin whose meaning is “water that moves with force” or “torrent of water”.

Ivy: This name is originally from Old English and refers to Ivy.

Inoa: Of Hawaiian origin. It means “name”.

Ines: It comes from the Greek agne and means “pure, chaste”. Another possible origin indicates that it comes from the Latin agnus, “lamb”.

Iana: It’s a variant of Ayanna, pretty flower. Swahili name.

Ilse: It means: God is my oath. Diminutive of Elisabeth.

Itza: Sorceress of water.

Illa: “Light.” “Sacred”. “Talisman, the one that brings luck and fortune.” “Trustworthy”.

Itatí: It comes from the Guaraní. It means “white stone”.

Letter J

Jade: Refers to the appreciated semi-precious stone.

Jane: Of Hebrew origin, it means “full of graces”.

Jani: Finnish variant of Juana.

Jara: Of Slavic origin, diminutive of Gertrude, feminine version of Gerard, from gar, “spear” ”and wald, “to rule”.

Java: Of Hebrew origin, it means “life”. In the Torah she is the first woman.

Jeri: It comes from the German surname Gerard, from gar, “spear” “and wald,” to rule”.

Joy: It is associated with the English words “joy” and “rejoicing”.

Letter F

Kim: Of Korean origin, the meaning of this name is “gold”.

Kai: Hawaiian name whose meaning is “deep ocean”.

Kali: Of Sanskrit origin, it means “black”. Kani: Hawaiian variant of Constance, which means “constancy”.

Kara: It has its origin in Norse mythology. Its meaning is interpreted as “friend, dear.”

Kate: Diminutive of Katherine or Catalina in Spanish. It means “pure”.

Kia: Of African origin, it means “start of season”.

Kiki: Of Japanese origin, it means “double happiness”.

Kin: It means sun in Mayan.

Letter L

Lada: In Slavic mythology, she was the goddess of youth and beauty.

Laia: Catalan diminutive of Eulalia, a name of Greek origin that means “to speak well”.

Lala: Slavic variant of Laura. It means “triumph” or “victorious”.

Lana: Diminutive of Alana, feminine variant of Alan, which means “happy”.

Lara: This name has two possible origins. One indicates that it is a Russian diminutive of the name Larisa. The other indicates that it comes from the Roman mythology and was the name of one of the water nymphs.

Lari: Diminutive of Laura, name of Latin origin that means “triumph” or “victorious”.

Léa: French name that means “strong, brave”.

Leah: Biblical name of Hebrew origin, it means “tired”.

Lei: It means thunder in Chinese.

Leia: Variant of Leah, which is of Hebrew origin and means “tired” or variant of Leya, which is of Hindu origin and means “lion”.

Lena: Short form of Elena, means “radiant, luminous, fire”.

Leta: Of Latin origin, it means “happy”.

Lexi: Diminutive of Alexandra, feminine form of Alejandro, which means “defender of men”.

Lide: Basque equivalent of Lidia.

Lila: Of Arabic origin, it means “night”.

Lin: Variant of Lynn, which derives from the Celtic “leena” and it means “lake”.

Lis / Lys: It means “lily”.

Lisa: Diminutive of Elizabeth, which is of Hebrew origin and means “consecrated to God”.

Liu: Of Chinese origin, it means “willow tree”.

Liv: Of Nordic origin, it means “life”.  

Loa: Of Hawaiian origin, it means “long”.

Lola: Diminutive of Dolores, it means “the suffering one”. It is a name referring to the grief of the virgin when her son was crucified.

Luna: It derives from the Latin “moon”, contraction of “lucina” and means “to shine”, “to illuminate”.

Luz: It means “the one that brings the light”.

Letter M

Maat: Name of an Egyptian goddess, symbol of truth, justice and cosmic harmony.

Mae: Variant of May, diminutive of Mary, María in English. Mar: Name of Latin origin inspired by nature.

Mara: From the Hebrew marah, it means “she who grieves”.

Meg: Margaret’s English nickname.

Mia: Of Hebrew origin, diminutive of Maria.

Mila: Of Slavic origin, abbreviated form of Ludmila and Miloslava. It means, “loved by the people”.

Mina: Means “fish” in Sanskrit.

Mona: Of Irish origin, it means “small and noble”.

Letter N

Nala: Of African origin, it means “successful”.

Nana: Of Hawaiian origin, it is the name of a spring month and of a star.

Neda: Of Slavic origin, it means “born on Sunday”.

Nela: Of Latin origin, short for Manuela, which means “God is with us”.

Nika: Of Russian origin, it means “belonging to God, born on Sunday”.

Nina: Of Chaldean origin, a region of ancient Mesopotamia, it means “the protector of her palaces”. Short for Juanita, Ana or Giovanna with the meaning of ‘grace’.

Nisa: Of Guanche origin, it is the name of Princess Bibamche, daughter of Ossinissa, and it means “to be sold”.

Nohi: Hawaiian in origin, it means “brightness of the colors of the rainbow”.

Nori: Of Japanese origin, it means “law, order”.

Nut: Of Egyptian origin, she is the goddess of the sky, creator of the universe and the stars, according to the mythology.

Nya: Of Swahili origin, it means “goal, purpose”.

Letter O

Oana: Romanian variant of Johanna, of Hebrew origin and its meaning is “God is merciful”.

Oda: Scandinavian diminutive of Odelia that means Odelia: of Hebrew origin, it means “I will praise the Lord”.

Olga: Of Russian origin, it means “sacred”.

Ona: Of Irish origin, it means “elegant”.

Onda: Of Italian origin, it means “wave”.  

Oba: In the Nigerian mythology, it is the name of the ancient goddess of rivers.

Ofra: Of Hebrew origin, it means “fawn”.

Olea: It is believed that it comes from ancient Hebrew and means “night, moon”.

Oni: Name of Egyptian origin, it means “wanted”.

Oona: Irish variant of Una, meaning “sheep”.

Orit: Of Hebrew origin, it means “light”.

Orla: Of Irish origin, it means “golden princess”.

Orli: Of Hebrew origin, it means “light”.

Osla: Of Scottish origin, it means “consecrated God”.

Letter P

Pau: Of Latin origin, a variant of Pablo in Catalan and Paz in feminine. It is used frequently for both genders.

Paz: Name of Latin origin that means “peace, harmony”.

Pía: Name of Latin origin, feminine variant of Pío. Its meaning is “very devout”.

Pili: Name of Egyptian origin and unisex use. It means “born second”. In our country it is a name used as a diminutive of Pilar.

Pua: Name of Hawaiian origin that means “flower”.

Puah: Name of Hebrew origin that means “girl”. According to the book of Exodus, Puah was together with Shifrá, a midwife who prevented the massacre of thousands of Hebrew children.

Puy: Marian invocation of Our Lady of Puy, venerated in Aragon and Navarra.

Letter Q

Qi: Of Chinese origin, it means “energy, wisdom”. In Chinese philosophy it is the vital flow that is found in every living being.

Qori: Of Quechua origin, it means “gold, golden”.

Quela: Of Hebrew origin, affectionate diminutive of Miquela. It means “no one like God”.

Qura: Of Quechua origin. It means “grass, little as grass”.

Letter R

Rai: Of Japanese origin. It means “next child”.

Rani: Of Indian origin, it means “queen”.

Rhea: In Greek mythology she was the mother of the Olympian gods.

Remi: Of French origin, it means “rower” or “boat”.

Riko: of Japanese origin, it means “white jasmine”.

Rosa: Of Latin origin. It means “she who is beautiful as a rose”.

Rubí: Of Latin origin, it means “precious red stone”.

Rumi: Of Japanese origin, it means “beauty”.

Ruth: Of Hebrew origin, it means “faithful companion”.

Letter S

Sara: Name of Hebrew origin that means “my princess”.

Sami: Of Quechua origin, it means “lucky, happy, blissful”.

Saori: Of Japanese origin, it means “to flourish”.

Sara: Of Hebrew origin, it means “princess, lady”.

Saya: Of Japanese origin, it means “fast arrow”.

Shani: Of Egyptian origin, it means “wonderful, crimson”.

Shir: Of Israeli origin, this unisex name means “song, chant”.

Sia: Of Welsh origin, it means “fresh, cold”.

Sila: Of Turkish origin, it means “nostalgic, she who feels nostalgia”.

Sisa: Of Quechua origin, it means “immortal flower, the one that always comes back to life”.

Sita: Of Hindu origin, it means “goddess of the Earth”.

Sun: Of Latin origin, it is the star and the sun god.

Sue: Abbreviation of Susana, which means “white flower, lily”.

Suni: Of Korean origin, it means “goodness”.

Suri: Of Hebrew origin, it means “princess”.

Letter T

Tala: Name of Basque origin that refers to the old church of Our Lady, in Bermeo.

Tally: Name of Hebrew origin that means “dew”.

Tania: Russian variant of Tatiana’s name.

Tara: Name of Irish origin that means “place where the kings meet”.

Tasya: Russian variant of the name Anastasia, which means “resurrection”.

Tea: It means, “the one granted by God.” Abbreviation of Dorotea in Italian.

Teha: Name of Greek origin that means “the gift of God”.

Tina: Diminutive of names ending in “tina”. Florentina, Cristina, Martina or Faustina, among others.

Tita: Name of Hebrew origin with two possible meanings “white clay” and “protected”.

Tori: Name of English origin that means “triumphant”.

Toya: Appellative of the name Victoria, of Latin origin, which means “victorious”.

Tyna: Name of English origin that means “river”.

Letter U

Uba: Basque name that comes from the old hermitage of Nuestra Señora, in Altza (Guipúzcoa).

Uda: Basque name that means “summer”.

Uha: Of Polynesian origin, it means “rain”.

Uki: Inuit name meaning “survivor”.

Ula: Name of Celtic origin that means “jewel of the sea”.

Uma: Of Hebrew origin, it means “nation”.

Unna: Name of German origin, it means “woman”.

Ura: Name of Sanskrit origin that means “heart”.

Uxía: It comes from the Greek and means “well born”, “noble”.

Letter V

Vera: It comes from the Latin verus, which means – “true”. In Russian it means “faith”. If we put them together, it would be “the one who has true faith” or “the one who tells the truth”.

Vica: Name of Hebrew origin that means: life.  

Vida: Diminutive of Davina: “loved”.

Vani: Name of Sanskrit origin: eloquent in words; sound.

Veda: Derived from Sanskrit which literally means “knowledge, understanding”.

Viola: Latin name that means “violet.” Variant: Violante.

Vanna: Of Cambodian origin, it means “golden”.

Var: She is an Ásynjur, a goddess of the Æsir in Norse mythology. “Var” is likely to mean “benevolent”. She is the one who listens to the oaths and agreements among men and women, and takes revenge.

Letter W

Walda: It means “wonderful woman” and is of German origin.

Wan: Of Chinese origin. It means “soft”, “gentle”, “beautiful or” pretty.

Wanda: Of German origin. It comes from wand, which refers to the Vandals (one of the Barbarian peoples). It means “the protector of the vandals”.

Wara: Of Quechua origin. It means “star”.

Letter X

Xena: Of Greek origin, the meaning of this name is “the guest who comes from abroad”.

Xenia: Of Greek origin, the meaning of this name is “one who is supportive” or “hospitable woman”.

Xia: Chinese name that means “the glow of the setting sun”.

Xica: Brazilian name that means “wild tree” or “the one that has been called to high need”. Xiu: Name of Chinese origin that means “elegant woman”.

Xué: Name of Muisca origin whose meaning is “the sun god”.

Xan: Galician name that means: “God is merciful”.

Xama: Guanche name. It means “where the waters are born”.

Letter Y

Yafa / Yaffa / Yafit: Of Hebrew origin, it means “beauty”.

Yaira: It comes from the Hebrew, it means “to illuminate”.

Yaiza: From Arabic, it means “rainbow, person who shares everything”.

Yalid: It comes from Arabic, it means “beautiful flower in the field”.

Yamal: It is of Arabic origin, it means “beauty”.

Yanai: It is of Quechua origin, it means “my brunette, my beloved”.

Yanel: It is of French origin, it means “channel”.

Yarah: It is of Brazilian origin, it means “woman of the water”.

Yari: Of Russian origin, it is the diminutive of Yarine, which means “calm”.

Yasu: Of Japanese origin, it means “calm”.

Yaxha: Native name of North America. It means “green water”.

Yei: Of Japanese origin, it means “to flourish”.

Yeni: Of Chinese origin, it means “longed for, desired”.

Yin: Of Chinese origin, it means “silver, educated”.

Yoi: It means “born in the afternoon” and it’s Japanese.

Yoki: It is of Japanese origin, it means “blue bird”.

Yoko: It is of Japanese origin, it means “good, positive”.

Yona: It is of Hebrew origin, it means “dove”.

Yua: Of Japanese origin, it means “empathy, union, love, affection”.

Yuni: Of English origin, a variant of June, which means “June, the sixth month”.

Yuria: Of Quechua origin, it means “dawn, sunrise”.

Letter Z

Zaba: Of Hebrew origin. It means “the one who offers a sacrifice to God.”.

Zaira: Of Arab origin. It means “flowery”, “fruitful”. Variants: Zajira, Zahira, Zajara, Zahra, Zaahira, Zaara, Zahyr or Zayra.

Zara: The Arabic name comes Azahara. It means “flower”, “blooming”. If its Hebrew origin is taken into account, it comes from zeraj. It means “radiant,” “bright,” or “full of light”.

Zhen: Of Chinese origin. It means “precious”.

Zhuo: Of Chinese origin. It means “smart”.

Zita: Of Persian origin. It means “empress”.

Ziva: Of Hebrew origin. It means “radiant”.

Zoa: Of Greek origin. It comes from zoe, which means “life”.

Zoe: Unisex name of Greek origin. It means “life”. Variants: Soe, Soee, Soia, Soiah, Zoa, Zoah, Zoee, Zoey, Zoela, Zoeta, Zoi, Zoia, Zoiah, Zolid, Zolita, Zoy, Zoya, Zoyah, Zoye, Zowie, Zoie, Zoila, Zoyla, Ziva, Zyva and Zoé.  

Zulma: Of Arab origin. It means “healthy and vigorous woman”.

Zuri: It means “white” in Basque; in Swahili it is “pretty”. In French it means “charming” and in Indian, “princess”. Variant: Zury.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Original Nahuatl Names for Boys and Girls

Baby names that mean Moon

Parental burnout or parents on the verge of a nervous breakdown

Posted on 11/11/2021 - 15:23 by

“My four-year-old daughter used to throw a lot of tantrums. I couldn’t stand them anymore. Before I started feeling parental burnout, I had a really good relationship with her, but suddenly every time she started screaming and crying my brain hurt”.

“So yeah, when she had a tantrum, I would start screaming hysterically too. I turned very violent, I used to say horrible things to her. It was very strong verbal violence and I tried to contain myself so as not to hit her, but several times I just wanted to kill her”.

“One day she didn’t want to take her nap and I couldn’t handle it anymore. At that age she didn’t take naps anymore, I know, but I was so desperate that I wanted her to go to sleep. So I put her on the bed, she hit herself on the edge, she started crying and I really just wanted to smother her”.

This chilling testimony is from a woman named Elisabeth and it’s real. It was shared by Moïra Mikolajczak, professor of medical psychology at the University of Leuven, at the World Parenting Forum, organized by Parenting Global.

“The story ended well. Fortunately, this mother asked for help and went to a psychiatrist. She hired a babysitter who became a safety net between her and her daughter. The mom never really hurt her daughter, but in this case we can see that she came close. If she hadn’t controlled herself or if she hadn’t sought help when she became aware of the thoughts she was having, things would have ended badly”, explained the specialist.

Parental burnout: exhaustion from being parents

Like Elisabeth, there are millions of moms and dads who feel enormous pressure and stress from being parents. It is chronic weariness that cannot be undone.

According to Mikolajczak, Elisabeth had gone to many seminars on respectful parenting, she read books on how to raise her daughter, but she was so tired that she ended up turning this way.

She didn’t know it but she had Parental Fatigue, also known as Parental Burnout.

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What is parental burnout?

When dad and mom reach the limit of their strength and are totally exhausted, with a feeling of emptiness, we can say that we are facing parental exhaustion. They love their children, but the experience of being parents becomes an ordeal.

Why do we reach that limit? What internal and external causes can trigger this chronic exhaustion?

Causes of Parenting Burnout

For Moïra Mikolajczak, although having children has always been stressful, there are many internal and external pressures today that contribute to developing this syndrome. “Many sociologists have identified these pressures, derived from modern life, and I am going to point out six”.

1. Change in gender roles

Today, men are expected to be more involved in parenting. However, women are still in charge of 65 to 70% of the tasks with children, even in countries where men contribute more.

2. Being a father today is a decision and if it is not, it is frustrating

Boys and girls are now much more desired and loved. Thanks to contraceptive methods, it is much easier to decide when we want to be parents. Having so many tools at hand, unwanted motherhood or fatherhood is frustrating.

3. The State can intervene in the upbringing of children

Thanks to the Convention on the Rights of Children in 1989, the rights of the youngest were recognized. This is very positive, but it increased the pressure on parents, who feel that they are exercising their role under the control of the State.

“In the past, the State did not intervene in the family. The institution of the family was powerful by itself. If the parents wanted to correct anything about their children, it was their right. Today spanking is prohibited in many countries. Now when a child misbehaves we have to think about what the appropriate consequence would be. The pressure on parents has increased”.

4. The role of psychologists and parenting recipes

Mikolajczak assures that psychologists also have to accept they can make mistakes because there is no magic recipe for raising children, although they propose some ways.

“We have written many books on how to help be better parents, but this implies that there is a recipe. The reality is that every exchange between parents and children is specific and unique. We can give advice, but it won’t always work with your son or daughter. When parents read these

5. The pressure on social network

One more source of pressure for parents comes from social media. There are sites that offer help, but deliver the opposite effect.

“Exceptional Parenting, Super Moms&Dads, The Ministry of Parenting, Parenting Formula, etc. are sites that offer parents help, but they end up contributing to burnout by putting a lot of pressure on them”, says the psychologist.

Another way social media builds pressure is when we see other people’s lives and think they’re better than our own.

6. Increased individualistic values

The last issue pointed out by the expert is the growth of individualistic values. In the past, being a selfless mother and father was the only thing, there was no room to think about themselves, today that is changing.

“Individualistic values give everyone the right and duty to be happy and think about their own happiness. But parenting is a job of self-sacrifice. Let’s say they are between two contradictory worlds. On the one hand thinking about themselves and on the other about their children. That’s pressure too”.

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Symptoms of Parental Burnout

Adding to that pressure, Mikolajczak says there are personal factors that cause fatigue to accumulate. For example, if the parents have psychological wounds due to a complicated childhood, if they have a child with eating, learning, health, behavioral disorders… Everything accumulates in a kind of pressure cooker.

To identify if a mom or dad is burnout there are four symptoms:

a) Feeling of being fatigued or exhausted:

It is not fatigue because this disappears with a few nights of sleep. It is a chronic exhaustion that consumes all the energy and the little that may remain is kept for oneself.

b) Emotional distance with children

The parents are so overwhelmed that they feel like they’re acting in pilot mode, like robots. They have no energy to invest in a relationship with their children.

c) Loss of pleasure

They are tired of being parents. They say, “I love my children, but I don’t feel any pleasure being with them.” The feeling of irritability predominates, they only like to see how they sleep, they see it as the only time they feel love towards them.

d) Contrast with the mom or dad you are and the one you wanted to be

There comes a point where burnout parents become violent and do not recognize themselves. This creates despair, guilt, grief, shame, and more stress. They just can’t believe how they are in contrast to how they wanted to be.

Consequences of parental burnout

Not all parents with parental burnout will experience these consequences, but they are the most common.

  • Irritability
  • Feeling guilty
  • Shame
  • Isolation and loneliness
  • As this intensifies, it leads to self-hatred

When the symptoms become more severe, we can begin to see physical illnesses, psychological disorders, alcohol and drug use and suicidal ideation that become more intense.

Suicidal thoughts are more frequent than in other types of burnout or depression because you cannot escape or give up your responsibilities as a parent. If you are unhappy or burnt out at work, you can take a few days off, or you can even quit; here clearly you cannot change your children.

There are also strong consequences for children. Gradually violent behavior towards them increases.

“A worn out parent stops paying attention to his children due to the emotional distance. He may fail to meet his educational or nutritional needs. If you let a teenager cook, there is not so much of a problem, but if you make a 6 or 7-year-old child cook his own food, without any supervision, there is danger”, concludes Mikolajczak.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Anahí: The invisible work of mothers

Posted on 07/11/2021 - 08:30 by

A few months ago, I read a study that caught my attention. It’s called The Invisible Housework: Mothers as Captains of Homes, by psychologist Lucia Ciciolla, an academic at Oklahoma State University.

I confess that she shocked me. Through a detailed analysis, she explains how everything we women do at home affects the physical, emotional and psychological health, and it seems that “no one notices“.

I know that each of us has different circumstances, but in this research, the expert examines how the distribution of work in the couple is related to the well-being of women and, therefore, of the whole family. 

90% of those surveyed women considered that they had full responsibility for organizing the family's schedules, 70% said they were "the captain" of the ship and 78% assured that they were the ones who knew and had contact with the teachers of the kids.

What the expert says is that the enormous mental burden of organizing a family and household chores, promoting the well-being of children and even making financial decisions generates feelings of anguish and emptiness in women. In the long run, this deteriorates health and generates dissatisfaction with the partners.

That unseen work

In some cases, when we announce that we are going to be mothers, people dedicate all their support and attention to us, but when our baby is born, it seems that we have disappeared and that we do not need help.

The fact is that the invisible work of mothers is taken for granted. It is an endless list of pending issues that seems to be magically resolved. It doesn’t matter if you have someone to help you at home. You as a mom are the leader, the one who asks for medical appointments, the one who is aware of the children’s activities, the one who organizes and knows what is needed in the fridge.

I certainly think that, like you, I am also a multitasker. And how not to be one? I truly believe that part of a mom’s job is to remember every detail, every appointment, date, or task. It is taking care of the home and raising the children, but I can also feel a great responsibility for the general well-being and the emotional states that my children present.

It is simply an exhausting job, rarely seen and validated.

Dad gets more and more involved, but it’s still not enough

The good news is that both men and women are beginning to recognize that the management of the home continues to fall on the female side. It may not seem much, but think about it: until a few years ago nobody stopped to think about the mother, always devoted, without making any complaint.

Today we know that if we want children to be well, we need to attend the well-being of mothers, our well-being.

The investigation that I am telling you about links this type of mental load to high levels of anguish in mothers. There is no doubt that this constant juggling and multitasking takes its toll on us.

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Balance is the key

It is vitally important to get organized for allowing fathers, besides being providers, to get involved in everything else in the home. We must talk about dividing the tasks in a coherent way, consciously, that is, making them responsible for some particular tasks.

That way the emotional burden and stress we suffer as moms will be more bearable. If we are calm and let our partner participate in daily activities, letting him do it his way, without controlling or wanting him to do it our way, we will surely have a better relationship with him and with our children. It is important to feel supported in order to have the emotional resources to face the great task of being a mother.

You are a priority too

We are taught that the first thing in our lives should be our children, then our partner and at the end of a long list of “priorities” we remember that we also need time for ourselves.

We have to learn that before being mothers, wives and daughters, we are women. It is normal that among so many obligations that come along motherhood, we forget about ourselves, but motherhood cannot be a sentence. It is essential that every day you dedicate a space to do those activities that brought you joy, physical and emotional well-being before becoming a mother.

Every day I give myself that “mom time” because it makes me feel good and be a better mother. I give myself a space to exercise and pamper myself doing the things that I have always enjoyed. Are you capable of giving yourself an hour a day just for you? Try it, you will regain your individuality and feel happier.

I am Anahí and I am looking forward to meeting you in my next article in Baby Creysi.

Find a wide variety of clothes for your little one in our online store on Amazon.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Baby names and their meanings inspired by the Sun

Posted on 04/11/2021 - 16:40 by

The Sun is essential for life. Feeling its warmth is one of the most pleasant sensations. Its powerful force influences our personality and even the perception of beauty. The Sun has been worshiped by all cultures, it is a source of art, magic and mysticism. How about being inspired by our Sun to choose the name of your baby?

This list contains baby names inspired by the Sun, we have options for both girls and boys. They are all beautiful!

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Girl names inspired by the Sun

Aurora: Of Latin origin. It means, “The luminosity of the aurora” or “Dawn”. In Roman mythology, Aurora is the deity who personifies the dawn. She was the sister of the Sun and the Moon.

Elena: Name of Greek origin derived from Helene. It means “Bright torch”. It can also be translated as “Shining like the Sun”.

Eleanor: Its origin is uncertain, although the most widespread theory indicates that it is of Greek origin, a variant of the name Elena. Another theory says that it comes from the Breton Eliennen which means “Spark”.

Elia: Girl name of Greek origin that means “The one who shines like the Sun”.

Kira: Of Persian origin that means “Sun”. It could also mean “Clairvoyant” or “Foresighted”.

Kin: This beautiful name comes from the Mayan. Its meaning is “Sun”.

Marisol: It is the contraction of two names. Mary, which means “The one chosen by God” and, Sun, which refers to the “King Star” or “The one that shines”.

Sol: It comes from Latin and means “The one who has a luminous faith” or “The one who shines like our Sun”.

Solana: It is of Latin origin. Some theories indicate that it means “The light of the Sun”, while others assure that its meaning is “Wind from the East”.

Soleil: Name of French origin. It means “Charming and pleasant as the Sun”.

Suniva: Variant of the English name Sunngifu, meaning “Gift of the Sun”.

Youta: Japanese name. It means “Sun” or “Sunlight”.

Yanara: Name of Mapuche origin that means “Daughter of the Sun”.

Youko: It is of Japanese origin and means “The girl of the Sun”.

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Boy names inspired by the Sun

Addae: Name of African origin. It means “Morning Sun”.

Antilef: It comes from the Mapuche, indigenous people of Argentina and Chile. It means “River of the Sun”.

Dagobert: Of Germanic origin. This name means “Shining like the Sun” or “Clear and bright day”.

Eleodoro: Of Greek origin and it means “Gift of the Sun”.

Elian: Of Greek origin. It refers to Helios, God of the Sun. Helio: Boy name of Greek origin that means “Sun”.

Inti: Inca name that also means Sun. It can be a male or female name.

Rajib: Comes from Sanskrit and means “God of the Sun” or “Almighty Ruler”.

Samson: It comes from the Hebrew word shemesh, which means “Sun”.

Shaiming: It is of Chinese origin and means “Sun Ray”.

Suvan: From Hindu root, it means “The Sun”.

Tonatiuh: Of Aztec origin, it means “Sun”, “The luminous one”, “The one that warms up”. Other meanings indicate that he is the “Lord of Turquoise”. Tonatiuh was the fifth and current Sun in the Aztec view of the cosmos and the fierce sun god of several other Mesoamerican cultures, including the Toltecs.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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