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. Inter