Tutta Larsen's new projects on motherhood and fatherhood are changing perceptions of parents' roles in the family.

      Well-known television and radio presenter and mother of many children Tutta Larsen has launched two documentary projects dedicated to the most important roles in everyone’s life — motherhood and fatherhood.

      Both projects — "Profession — Mom" and "The Father's Path" — are united by a desire to initiate an honest conversation about family and to break down established stereotypes. "Support is needed by both mothers and fathers," the presenter emphasizes. "I believe the stories of our protagonists will inspire viewers to look at family, at upbringing, and at how important it is to be there for each other in a different way."

      The idea to create the projects "Profession — Mom" and "The Father's Path" came to Tutta Larsen from a deep need to show how multifaceted and important the roles of mother and father are in the modern family. As a mother of many children, the presenter understands that traditional stereotypes often limit the perception of motherhood and fatherhood, failing to reflect the real complexities, difficulties, and joys of these roles. She was inspired by the desire to start an honest, open conversation that "different moms are important, different moms are needed," and that modern dads are not only breadwinners but also emotionally involved, responsible men who create strong and happy families by example. Through the real stories of the projects' protagonists she seeks to inspire viewers to rethink family values and to see parenthood as a source of strength, love, and mutual support beyond any templates.

      The project "Profession — Mom" is being carried out with the support of the Internet Development Institute. Its main message is reflected in the tagline: "Different moms are important, different moms are needed." In five films viewers will see the stories of women for whom motherhood became a true calling: a mother of seven children and entrepreneur, a foster mother, a volunteer, the founder of a fund that helps pregnant women, and a woman who, while in a wheelchair, raises four children. Each story is a unique experience, a path of overcoming difficulties, an inspiration and an example of strength, care, and love.

      "Sometimes it seems to me that I could talk endlessly about motherhood and about the wings that the arrival of children gives every woman," admits Tutta Larsen. "But I wanted not just to share personal experiences, but to show different stories to prove: mothers really can be very different, and each of them is valuable in her own way. The story of Natalia Rogoznikova alone is a true example of maternal heroism. After a terrible accident the woman ended up in a wheelchair — it would seem she had lost everything… But no! She not only survived — she relearned everything. She drives, cooks, does sports, sings karaoke, and together with her beloved husband Alexei (who has congenital cerebral palsy) raises four children. Each pregnancy became a challenge to herself, but Natalia never even considered refusing a child. Because motherhood is not about whether you can walk or not. It is about how you love. Natasha does not just live — she enjoys life and motherhood. And by her example she proves: disability is not a sentence. It is simply a different way of living. And of being the very best mother for her children!"

      The documentary series "The Father's Path," created with the support of the Internet Development Institute, is devoted to modern fatherhood. Its goal is to show that responsible and loving fatherhood is just as important as motherhood, and that the image of a man in the family is not limited to the role of breadwinner. In five episodes viewers will meet fathers who raise their children by example, build strong families, and lead active social and professional lives. The protagonists are men of different professions and fates — from the executive director of the "Fathers' Union" to a farmer, a psychologist, and a father of many children raising a child with special needs.

      The project's creator notes that in just a few decades the usual idea of the father's role in Russia has changed: "Today the sight of a man walking down the street with a baby stroller should surprise no one. Modern dads are no longer ashamed to be emotional and involved; they have given themselves permission to be strong and tender at the same time, demanding and empathetic. It is important for me to show that a real man has fulfilled himself when he is able to raise happy children. There is a very apt phrase: 'any man can become a father, but to be a dad is only for a special person.'"

      The films are available to watch on Tutta Larsen's official VK page:

      "Profession — Mom" — watch here

      "The Father's Path" — watch here