Moms reveal what parenting advice they would give themselves if they could go back in time

New York Post - May 8th, 2025

A recent survey commissioned by Sunsweet Growers Inc. and conducted by Talker Research reveals that 93% of mothers with children aged 1-6 find motherhood to be both the most challenging and rewarding experience of their lives. The survey, aimed at exploring the dual nature of motherhood, highlights key advice mothers would give to their past selves, emphasizing courage, patience, and the importance of self-care. These insights are particularly relevant as the survey also found that no mother feels fully prepared for the responsibilities of parenting, with many facing unexpected challenges like isolation and difficulty maintaining personal health habits.

The survey also delves into how mothers are attempting to instill healthy habits in their children from a young age. This includes encouraging diverse food options, outdoor play, and a love for learning. Mothers are increasingly conscious of the nutritional content of snacks and juices they provide, with a focus on fiber and digestive health. While balancing their own dietary needs, mothers often share snacks with their children to model healthy eating. According to CJ McClellan, Sunsweet’s VP of Marketing, instilling these habits early on is crucial for long-term well-being, reinforcing the significance of the survey's findings as a reflection of modern motherhood challenges and priorities.

Parenting Challenges Motherhood Diet And Nutrition Talker Research Sunsweet Growers Inc. Healthy Habits Cj Mc Clellan

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an insightful look into the challenges and rewards of motherhood, supported by survey data. It is well-written and accessible, with a clear narrative and practical advice that will likely resonate with readers. However, the reliance on a single survey commissioned by a company with potential biases is a limitation, as is the lack of diverse perspectives. Greater transparency about the survey methodology and inclusion of additional sources would enhance the article's credibility. Despite these shortcomings, the article effectively addresses topics of public interest and engages its audience, making it a valuable contribution to discussions on parenting.

Accuracy

The article claims that a survey of 2,000 moms found that 93% agreed being a mother is both the hardest and most rewarding thing they’ve ever done. This is a specific statistic that appears to be backed by the survey methodology described, but without access to the raw data or a detailed breakdown of the survey process, full verification is challenging. The article also states that about a third of mothers weren't expecting the feelings of isolation or difficulty in maintaining healthy habits, which aligns with common themes in parenting literature but still requires external confirmation. The dietary habits mentioned, like 16% of moms' diets consisting of leftovers from their children, need further verification from other studies to ensure they are not anomalies. Overall, the article presents specific claims that are plausible but would benefit from additional corroboration.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of mothers, focusing on their challenges and experiences. While it provides a detailed view of their sentiments and struggles, it lacks alternative perspectives, such as input from fathers or non-parental caregivers. The reliance on a survey commissioned by a company with a vested interest in promoting healthy eating could suggest a bias towards highlighting dietary aspects. The article could be more balanced by including expert opinions or contrasting views on motherhood challenges and dietary habits.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language, making it easy to follow. The logical flow from discussing the survey findings to the implications for mothers provides a coherent narrative. The tone is neutral, focusing on reporting the survey results without editorializing. This clarity aids in comprehension and allows readers to understand the key points without confusion.

Source quality

The primary source of information is a survey conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Sunsweet Growers Inc. While the survey provides valuable insights, the potential conflict of interest due to the commissioning entity's business interests in promoting healthy eating should be considered. The article does not reference other independent studies or expert opinions to support its claims, which would enhance the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides some transparency by mentioning the survey's commissioning by Sunsweet Growers Inc. and the methodology, including the sample size and age range of children involved. However, it lacks detailed information about the survey's execution, such as the specific questions asked or the demographic breakdown of respondents. Greater transparency about these aspects would help readers assess the validity of the claims made.