Amal Taki was raised in a conservative home in Tripoli in northern Lebanon.
Growing up without the distractions of technology and electronic devices, she formed a "sacred" relationship with her mother and grandmother.
From them, she learned the basic principles of life and adopted the holy Arab traditions.
We learned sacrifice, forgiveness, kindness and generosity, in addition to respecting elders and helping relatives and the needy. Today I have preserved all these beautiful principles.Amal Taki
السيدة أمال مع ابنتها هند. Source: Supplied
Due to her father's travel commitments, Maryam says her mum took on a dual parenting role.
But according to Maryam, who is also from Lebanon, her mother's excessive care and fear for them made her lose the motherly qualities her children needed.
She says her mother controlled the house in a way that deprived them of their childhood.
My mother was very tough, I did not live my childhood like other children, everything was forbidden.Maryam*
Serious Mature mother scolding her young daughter Credit: Juanmonino/Getty Images
The mother must be firm, not harsh, and has the awareness to strike a balance between firmness and laxity, which are among the fundamentals of healthy nurturing.Rand Faeid
Amal migrated to Australia from Lebanon at the age of 20, and says she encountered massive societal differences.
Shortly after getting married, she became a mother, with self-discipline central to her parenting style.
Amal says she followed her mum's steps in raising her children, despite being in a country whose customs and traditions differed greatly from what she grew up with.
I used the method of encouragement, not intimidation, so I considered my children as friends of mine. I would sit and talk to them wisely and explain everything in a simple way, so that they would understand the difference between right and wrong.Amal
Waist-up view of Middle Eastern woman in abaya and hijab sitting at dining room table with young son and daughter as they write in workbooks. Credit: xavierarnau/Getty Images
"I learned from my mother the principles of sacrifice, respect, community service and helping those in need. I also make sure to discuss everything with my children the same way my mother did with me and my siblings," she says.
"This method enables my children to understand what is permitted and what is prohibited, and the reasons behind that.”
As for Maryam, who experienced her mother's tough approach to parenting, she says her ideal way of "taking revenge" was to raise her own children in a completely different way.
At some instances, I do things completely the opposite way my mum used to do with us, even though it may not be right.Maryam
Mother scolding her young daughter at home Credit: triloks/Getty Images
She places emphasis on explaining the pros and cons of things, so that her children can make the right decisions themselves without her interference.
In this regard, psychologist Rand Faeid stresses the importance of dialogue between mother and children because of its effective role in enhancing self-confidence and interaction with others.
Mother and daughter enjoying their morning together Credit: FluxFactory/Getty Images
Even though Amal used discussion and encouragement as pillars for her parenting, living in a Western society imposed many challenges.
"The different environment and traditions made things hard, but I was patient and devoted my time to my children even though I was working.
"But I used to choose the right times and choose any opportunity and use it as a lesson and a lesson for them to learn from."
I used the best of the Australian traditions and combined them with the Arabic customs for my children to compare between the best of the two civilisations.Amal
As for Hind, Amal’s daughter, her main concern for raising her children is the widespread use of electronics and technology.
Angry mother scolding the disobedient child. Debica, Poland Credit: Anna Bizon/Getty Images/Gallo Images ROOTS
On the other hand, Maryam believes that the technical revolution and globalisation have opened children’s eyes to different cultures.
She argues that nowadays there is no difference in raising her children in a foreign country compared to her homeland, as long as their relationship is based on honesty and discussion.
Muslim daughter kissing her mom's forehead for 'salam' (Muslim way of greeting gesture) at home. Credit: Alex Liew/Getty Images Source: Getty / Credit: Alex Liew/Getty Images
Psychologist Rand Faeid notes that children enjoy many rights in Australia that may not exist in Arab societies, such as the freedom to leave their parents' house upon turning 18.
In her opinion, the only way to ensure that children remain under supervision and face the challenges of raising them in a Western society is to give them unconditional love.
We cannot raise our children as we were raised [in Arab countries]. The only bond that makes our children respect us and listen to us is love, because we have no form of guardianship over our children in this country.Rand Faeid, psychologist
Muslim woman kissing hand of her old mother as a sign of respect in Islam Source: Getty / Getty Images/Jasmin Merdan
What was not permitted for my girls, was also forbidden for my son especially matters that do not fit our principles and ethics, such as living outside the family home before marriage or establishing relationships outside the frame of official engagement and marriage.Amal
Arabic mother and daughter Source: Moment RF / Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images
In comparison, Maryam believes marriage is a completely personal choice. Therefore, she would never interfere in her children's decisions, even if they choose people of a different nationality or background, as long as they love each other.
No matter what parenting style a mother uses, there will always be differences of opinion.
Source: Moment RF / Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images Source: Getty / Source: Moment RF / Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images
Instead of having them sacrifice themselves in order to avoid trouble within the family, she taught them to never keep silent when it comes to their right to express themselves.
As for Maryam, she says she grew up as a weak-willed and vulnerable girl as a result of her mother's toughness.
In turn, she wants her children to develop strong personalities and be able to face all the challenges of life.
"Therefore, some will be aware enough not to repeat her mother's mistakes and expose her children to what she lived.
"Meanwhile, there are mothers who do not have sufficient awareness to acquire new parenting skills, and they follow the example of their mothers because this harsh method is all they know in life."
A woman of Middle Eastern descent is spending time with her children. The woman is on a walk with her two daughters in the city. She is pushing a stroller. They are wearing casual clothing. Credit: FatCamera/Getty Images
Each say that some limits must be set, as a mother must make time for herself and take care of her health in order to remain able to serve her family.
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