It promises to be a lively discussion. There is a small, but increasingly vocal, group of academics and pundits who believe that rising levels of post-natal depression and increasing recognition of other mental health problems experienced by mothers do not reflect a genuine change. They argue that there is a growing tendency for mothers to consider themselves 'at risk' of mental ill health and that this may result in self-fulfilling prophecy.
It can be difficult to get an objective perspective on the experience of parenthood or childhood today in order to assess whether (and how) the experience has altered over the generations. There are so many variables to contend with. Attitudes have changed, as have lifestyles, opportunities, language and expectations. Being a parent or child is certainly different to what it was 30 years ago. But it is hard to describe the experience as better or worse.
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