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Why Quality Time Matters Most in Parenting?

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instill a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. …writes Niru Agarwal

In our rapidly advancing, materialistic society, the significance of good parenting often gets overshadowed. Prioritizing the essential aspects of a child’s upbringing is crucial for their overall development. There is no universal rule for prioritization, as it varies for each parent based on their child’s needs. With each new year, parents should stay attuned to evolving trends to ensure their children’s safety, security, and education. Recognizing children’s interests and establishing clear objectives are vital, as kids learn rapidly from the external world. Facilitating the setting of realistic, measurable goals for children enhances effectiveness in parenting. Here are five key priorities for parents to raise their children successfully.

Have a daily routine at home

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instill a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. Encourage each activity with joy and satisfaction, cultivating a sense of responsibility in your kids. Prioritize their happiness and well-being by actively participating in their studies or arranging for a tutor. Regularly monitor their overall growth, engaging the learning process and ensuring their continued progress. This holistic approach contributes to fostering happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.

Spending quality time with your kids

The significance lies not only in spending time with your children but in effectively utilizing that time. Prioritize quality moments with your family by establishing goals for regular weekend family nights or monthly outings. Cultivate honesty in your interactions with your children, avoid superficial relationships, and strive to build a robust bond with them. Invest in meaningful experiences that deepen connections and create lasting memories. Dedicated focused and intentional time enhances the quality of your relationships and fostering a solid and genuine connection with your kids. In doing so, you contribute to the overall well-being and harmony within your family unit.

Freedom with Responsibility

Granting freedom to children is vital, but it must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and defined boundaries. Stay adaptable and open to your children’s evolving world, understanding their needs. Instill a sense of responsibility and prioritize freedom with accountability in your kids. Be a positive role model at home, teaching them the true meaning of life through your actions. Correct their mistakes gently, steering them back on the right path. Encouraging them to participate in school extracurricular activities fosters growth and responsibility. Balancing freedom with guidance cultivates positive self-esteem in your child, laying the foundation for their development into responsible individuals.

Prioritize healthy lifestyle 

Guiding children towards making healthy life choices is paramount. As genuine mentors, parents are crucial in providing the right direction. Prioritizing both mental and physical well-being is essential. Instill the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep habits through consistent bedtime routines. Actively identify and address your children’s feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness, or fear, offering gentle guidance. Practice empathy to connect with your children on an emotional level. By fostering a holistic approach to health, parents contribute significantly to the overall well-being of their children, equipping them with the tools to lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

Monitor digital absorption 

Children tend to absorb vast amounts of information swiftly, particularly in today’s tech-driven era. The universal use of mobile screens and immersion in the digital world, offering instant gratification through video games and social media, poses a risk to the balanced life cycle. While technology brings benefits, excessive usage can lead to imbalance. Many children develop social media addiction, which impacts them negatively. Parents must familiarize themselves with their children’s digital activities, designating screen-free times to foster a tech-free environment at home. Encourage offline hobbies, create a tech-free zone, and instruct children on safe online browsing practices to ensure a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

In conclusion, prioritizing essential habits at home is paramount. When parents prioritize the upbringing of their children, placing them at the forefront despite other commitments, a deep impact is possible in children’s holistic growth. This commitment fosters a strong parent-child bond, positioning parents as their kids’ best friends. By dedicating time and attention to fostering a nurturing environment, parents play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s character and ensuring a foundation for a promising and harmonious future.

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Smart Parenting in the Digital Age

Numerous research from the past have indicated that excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health, hinder cognitive development, and impede social interactions…reports Asian Lite News

In today’s digital age, parenting presents an unprecedented set of challenges. With children growing up in a world saturated with online content, the line between constructive engagement and harmful addiction has become increasingly blurred. Baatu Tech, the pioneer in Smart Parenting Solutions in India, announced the results of a recent survey that shed light on the alarming concerns of Indian parents regarding screen addiction, gaming, and adult content consumption among children. The survey conducted among 3000 participants revealed that an overwhelming 95% of Indian parents are deeply concerned about screen addiction, while 80 percent and 70 percent expressed worries regarding gaming addiction and adult content consumption, respectively.

Numerous research from the past have indicated that excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health, hinder cognitive development, and impede social interactions. One area of particular concern is the rising trend of gaming addiction among children. According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, approximately 3-4% of children worldwide experience problematic gaming behaviours. This addiction can lead to a variety of detrimental effects, such as poor academic performance, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased physical activity. Moreover, prolonged exposure to violent or aggressive game content has been linked to increased aggression and desensitization to real-life violence.

Parents and educators must be aware of the signs of gaming addiction and take proactive measures to ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other activities in children’s lives. By promoting alternative forms of engagement and setting clear boundaries, we can help children develop a well-rounded approach to technology and prevent the negative consequences of excessive gaming.

“Baatu Tech understands the concerns of Indian parents and is committed to addressing the pressing issue of screen addiction and inappropriate content consumption among children,” said Sandeep Kumar, Founder and Managing Director of Baatu Tech. “We believe that parenting in the digital age requires constant vigilance, open and honest communication, and a well-informed approach. Our Smart Parenting Solutions empower parents to foster digital literacy while safeguarding their children’s well-being.”

ALSO READ-How parenting can support LGBTQ+ child

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New dating trend of ‘plant parenthood’

Rise of 'plant parenthood'(ianslife)

Data from Bumble, the women-first dating app, shows that ‘Gardening’ is one of the top 5 ‘Staying In’ interest badges added to Bumble profiles in India last month…reports Asian Lite News

Have you ever been attracted to someone’s profile on Bumble because they had some thriving houseplants in their photos? Millennials may have been drawn to fostering the green thumb for a while, however now it’s Gen Z in India who are leaning more toward greenery. Post-pandemic, a rising number of single Indians are looking to date someone who shares their interest and love of houseplants.

As per Bumble’s recent study, 46 per cent of single Indians feel if their date or prospective partner has house plants it makes them more interesting to talk to. In fact, 81 per cent of single Indians would consider owning and caring for a plant together, irrespective of if they live separately or together.

Data from Bumble, the women-first dating app, shows that ‘Gardening’ is one of the top 5 ‘Staying In’ interest badges added to Bumble profiles in India last month.

Speaking on this new trend, Samarpita Samaddar, India’s Communications Director, Bumble shares, “Growing and taking care of plants together, that sense of responsibility, the joy we feel as they grow and thrive, is uniquely healthy for relationships as well as our mental well-being. One of the positive new dating trends is ‘plant parenthood’ which is gaining popularity in India as people are making more values-driven dating decisions amidst conversations around climate and nature now being more prevalent among GenZ and Millennials.

Bumble’s Interest Badges are a quick way to let people know what’s most important to you. By adding the ‘Gardening’ or ‘Environmentalism’ Interest Badge within the app, you can highlight your preferences and connect with someone who shares your passion and interests!” she adds.

Clearly, plants mean more to people than just decoration. But what makes plant lovers attractive? What does that gorgeous fiddle leaf fig in the corner of your living room say about your relationship?

Take a look at some quick tips by Bumble’s Relationship Expert, Shahzeen Shivdasani, on how plant parenthood can help blossom your relationship:

Nurture through nature: Taking care of plants together can foster a deeper connection. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the routine of a relationship that we forget to spend quality time with each other. From watering, pruning, repotting, and everything else in between, caring for plants together is a great way to ensure that you are nurturing the relationship and spending quality time with each other.

Figuring it out together: Climbers find their way as they grow and look for solutions if they hit a roadblock. Whether it’s a drooping, yellow plant, or a change in your communication style, plant parents can get to the heart of the matter and find a solution to get back on track to being healthy again.

Let nature take its course: Owning and caring for plants can be a very calming experience for some, however, it’s important to remember that you can’t forcibly accelerate the growth of anything or anyone. New leaves sometimes grow slowly, just like relationships, so give yours the time and care that it needs.

The green rule: Just like you would look up what each plant needs to thrive, it is important we do the same with our relationships. Listen, discuss, and understand each other’s needs and desires to build a healthy relationship.

ALSO READ-The magic of parenting and character formation

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Just tweak your parenting style

Parenting behaviour which can be toxic for kids(IANSLIFE)

The parent needs more convincing here than the kids! Let them fail. Nothing teaches you better than mistakes themselves…Mansi Zaveri

Are you the parent who hovers over or influences every decision your child makes? Are you the parent who micromanages their choices and decisions, lest they make any mistakes? Are you the parent who ensures their child succeeds at every step, small or big?

If you answered an emphatic yes for all the questions above, you might be convinced that you are a good parent and deserves a pat on the back. But technically, this fits in the description of what many are blissfully unaware of — a style known as “overparenting”. How do you find out if you are guilty of this?

I was reminded of Andre Agassi’s quote when I got a chance to interview him. He said, “the sign of good parenting is to raise kids to be independent and not need us at every step in their future.” A very insightful line that got me thinking. Are we guilty of raising children in a bubble-wrapped world?

Parenting is about providing a safe cocoon for them, inspiring them, and pointing them in the right direction. But over the years, there is an urge among parents to “do what’s best for their kids” and in that process, we have started fearing and avoiding failures — both for the kids, and for ourselves, as parents.

Why overparenting does more harm than good?

I know what you are wondering. “Could caring for our offsprings be deemed as harmful?”, you might think. Actually, it is true.

Often known as helicopter parenting over parenting can inhibit a child’s confidence and the ability to make their own decisions when they grow older. They always look behind to seek help and acceptance from you, which might not be possible at every walk in life. That’s not all. Experts say children who were raised in an overparenting style, also tend to have a less realistic view of the world around them. Their problem-solving and decision-making abilities take a hit and they are afraid of trying out new things, in fear of failure and that holds them back from their peers. Is that an ideal future that we want to build for our Gen Alpha kids, who are otherwise stronger and more confident than us, the Millennial generation? 5 ways to avoid overparenting:

Be open to mistakes and consequences:

The parent needs more convincing here than the kids! Let them fail. Nothing teaches you better than mistakes themselves. Bruised knees are signs of a child who has played well and learnt more in the process. Once they understand they are responsible for their consequences their actions take a different and a more responsible turn.

Don’t over sanitise kids:

Just like physical immunity, mental immunity also builds gradually and something we need to work on as parents. Sanitising every surface or opportunity for our kids is impractical, and not recommended too. Be there to catch them if they fall, and direct them if they feel lost, but don’t be there as the one who stops them from falling. Guide them and involve them in small chores at home, it is okay for kids to sweat it out a little, at home. They will learn so many valuable life skills this way.

Control impulse to blame and teach kids to take onus for their actions:

Here is a common sight. When a child trips and falls down, you will find an overprotective parent or grandparent, coddle the kid and hit the floor hard, for tripping the child. As “caring” as that might seem, it teaches kids from a young age not to take responsibility for their actions and to transfer the blame. Avoid such practices right from the beginning, and teach your kids to be more careful and not fall, rather than blame the floor (or anyone else).

Teach your kids that it is okay to be vulnerable:

Yes, we want children to see that we are perfect in everything we do. But when they constantly see that, they don’t know what the other side of perfection looks like. As adults, when we make small errors, or if we consider something as our weakness, learn to accept it, in front of your kids, and tell them this is why you did it. This needs to be done, with discretion, of course, but when kids see that you are more human than the perfect image they have in mind, they learn more from watching you than anything else. Create and connect with your kids, in a more relatable way.

5 Simple Ways to avoid overparenting.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Don’t be the go-to problem solver all the time:

In most houses, the moms take up the role of the 24*7 problem-solver. Sock missing? Mom knows where it is. Missed your lunch box at home? Mom rushes to school to hand it over to you. This has to change, especially when the kids grow older. When my girls need help from me for their homework or assignment, I love to chip in, but I let them think for a while, before they come running to me for answers. Those few critical minutes where they strive to fight their own fires, will go a long way in preparing them for the future. Let them face the consequences. Be there for them, but not for every small task or mistake they do. This way, they will never learn how to rise again.

Go ahead and tweak your parenting style, to ensure you do what’s best for your kids not just today, but in the long run too! Happy parenting!

ALSO READ-The magic of parenting and character formation

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British Council’s ‘Gadgeteers’ themed reading challenge for kids

Generate curiosity among children.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Computer code just got dangerous in this action-packed spy adventure series Asha Joshi has the perfect excuse not to finish her homework. She’s just been recruited to join the top-secret Children’s Spy Agency…reports Asian Lite News

British Council, in collaboration with Reading Agency, is organising the ‘Reading Challenge’ for children aged 5 to 12 years to help them grow as confident and engaged readers. In this programme, children are challenged to read a range of 6 books specially selected by the British Council.

Using the principle of encouragement and motivation, the Challenge inspires children to read for pleasure. Thus, leading to the improvement of their English language skills, development of their reading skills, and building of their confidence. Children will also attend multiple expert-curated workshops to enhance their writing and inferring skills along with boosting their creativity as well as critical thinking.

This year’s theme for the programme, ‘Gadgeteers’, is created in partnership with Science Museum Group and is brought to life by top children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford. Under this challenge, kids must read a minimum of 6 books in 6 weeks from the collection of new, hand-picked books. The books will help the young Gadgeteers to discover the amazing science and innovation in the world around them.

If you want to instil a love for reading among your children, look no further! Enrol them in this challenge and let them be free in the world of science, outer space, or coding, with books like:

Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman

In collaboration with Olga Pastuchiv and Susanna Chapman, Alan Lightman brings galaxies close in a stunning picture-book tribute to the interconnectedness of the natural world. The story zooms in on one child’s experiences: Ada knows that the best place for star-gazing is on the island in Maine where she vacations with her grandparents. Will the fog this year foil her plans, or will her grandfather find a way to shine a spotlight on the vast puzzle of the universe…until the weather turns?

Agent Asha: Mission Shark Bytes by Sophie Deen

Computer code just got dangerous in this action-packed spy adventure series Asha Joshi has the perfect excuse not to finish her homework. She’s just been recruited to join the top-secret Children’s Spy Agency. Her first mission: SAVE THE WORLD. Asha’s a coder so she should be able to hack into the biggest tech company in the world, fight deadly sharks and figure out why the Internet has stopped working. All before bedtime. Can she do it?

AL’s Awesome Science: Splash Down by Jane Clarke

Al’s experiments have the most unexpected and messy consequences. Al is experimenting to find out what kind of covering his time machine will need to survive its SPLASH DOWN! back to Earth. Water experiments have a habit of making things very wet and messy. Can they finish their experiments before mum finds out?

Bears Make the Best Science Buddies by Carmen Oliver

It’s time for the first science lab, and nobody can agree on an experiment. But why pick just one when Bear is around? Bears make the best science buddies, and Bear proves it by helping each group use the scientific method for its special experiment.

Kids (Photo:IANSLIFE)

The City of Rust by Gemma Fowler

Railey dreams of winning the drone races with her bio-robotic gecko friend, Atti. But when a bounty hunter crashes their biggest race yet, the pair are forced to flee to the feared Junker clans who mine the rubbish orbiting the Earth. Rescued by a couple of Junker kids, they discover a danger bigger than anything they’d imagined – but can three kids, a gecko and an ancient computer save the world against the huge trash bomb (and its power-crazed creator) threatening to destroy the world?

Deep: Dive Into Hidden Worlds by Jess McGeachin

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the edge of our solar system? Or what lives in the cold depths of the ocean, where even sunlight can’t reach? Come on a journey to the deepest parts of our universe–but be warned, things can get a little strange here. Temperatures are extreme, pressure is intense, and darkness is everywhere.

ALSO READ-Tribal boy from Gadchiroli becomes scientist in US

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The magic of parenting and character formation

How your parenting style can effect your child(IANSLIFE)

Those who are reared by such parents are prone to depression and anxiety. They tend to be overly anxious or needy in relationships. Aggressive outbursts are also common in this cohort…writes Neha Jain

Parenting has evolved unimaginably over the last decade, and it can be a rollercoaster ride, no doubt. The way that parents raised their children 10-15 years ago is drastically different from how parents raise their kids now. Unfortunately, modern parents are reeling under the pressure of being perfect. But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as an ideal parent. For those new to parenting, the pressure can be overwhelming and confusing. While the methods deployed by their parents are most likely to be considered outdated, new systems may seem perplexing and challenging to imbibe.

As a result, there is much debate around parenting styles. Parenting styles refer to the techniques and methods parents employ to care for and discipline their children. These approaches are crucial as they may have a lasting impact on the child’s psyche and the kind of relationships that they form later in their lives.

The parent-child relationship: Laying the foundation

The relationship with parents is the foundation on which all other relations are built. Almost all major schools of thought in psychology highlight the importance of this early bond and its contribution to crafting the “self of the child.” For instance, the object relations school postulates that we internalise our parental bonds, and we carry them with us as “internal objects” for the rest of our lives. So a strict and harsh parent may be internalised as a unitive voice that tells the child or adult that s/he is not good enough and give rise to anxiety and depression. This adult may forever live in fear of abandonment from the partner or may leave the relationship before this imagined abandonment occurs.

Given the importance of these attachments, this article discusses the various parenting styles and their impact on children in the Indian context.

Authoritarian parenting style

This refers to a parenting style characterised by a high regard for rules to the point of unquestioned adherence. Such parents have high expectations of compliance and little room for divergences from directions. They provide a rigid structure without any explanations or considerations of the child’s preferences. Children raised in such families are dependent, critical of their choices, anxious, and tend to display aggressive behaviour.

Authoritative Parenting style

Although it sounds similar to the authoritarian parenting style, it’s not. Parents displaying an authoritative type of parenting try to strike a balance between order and nurturance. They have rules in place, but these rules are flexible. The child’s voice is factored in, and the importance and reasons for these rules are explained. Affection is not frowned upon, and the children are appreciated for who they are. This includes setting realistic standards, communicating effectively with the child, and empathising with her/him. Children who come from these families are more confident and responsible, as opposed to those that come from families practising other styles of parenting.

Permissive parenting style

Such parents are high on warmth and low on order. They tend to be indulgent and fail to provide the required structure to their children. There are no specified rules, and parents act more like friends. Although such a parenting style may seem beneficial, this judgement might be superficial. Children need guidance and regulations to help provide a sense of stability. Children raised in such an environment tend to have problems with adjustment and low self-esteem. They may also be anxious because of the ‘psychic creation of a punitive parent’.

Uninvolved Parenting style

These parents are low on both order and warmth. They usually neither set rules nor show any interest in the lives of their children. More often than not, these are people who are suffering from a mental disorder or substance abuse disorder. Communication is often absent in these households, and the children are forced to assume the parental role of caring for their parents. Those who are reared by such parents are prone to depression and anxiety. They tend to be overly anxious or needy in relationships. Aggressive outbursts are also common in this cohort.

Ideal parenting style

The task of picking an ideal parenting style is challenging. Experts indicate that different situations warrant the use of different parenting styles. However, uninvolved parenting can be seen as the worst and lead to serious mental health concerns in children. A healthy combination of the other three parenting styles may be ideal for raising a responsible well-rounded adult.

In conclusion, one can say that parenting styles play an important role in determining the mental health of a person. However, this relationship is not the only factor. Many people who grew up in abusive homes turned out to be accountable and emotionally attuned adults. As a parent, it is also essential to remember that there exist no certified standards of perfect parenting. An involved parent, who aspires to fulfil the emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural needs of the child while providing a stable and secure environment, can be regarded as a good parent.

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Mommy burnout and tackling

This, in a true sense, is mommy burnout. Mommy burnout does not happen overnight. It’s gradual, spread across several days and nights. In the most invisible way, it takes over the new mother, leaving her praying for a way out for some self-comfort…reports DR. VANSHIKA GUPTA ADUKIA

Feeding, burping, diaper changes, odd hourly night cries, spit-ups, followed by clean-ups, pumping sessions, bottle washing-the list of chores is endless with a baby, but the hours in a day and helping hand are always limited.

Every new mother goes through phases where she’s awake in the middle of the night, fatigued beyond her own understanding with a baby that refuses to sleep beyond 45 minutes or without being strapped to her chest. She silently cries to herself with an aching body, an uneasy mind, and feelings of overwhelm as physical exhaustion refuses to leave her while emotional overburden seems to have no outlet.

This, in a true sense, is mommy burnout. Mommy burnout does not happen overnight. It’s gradual, spread across several days and nights. In the most invisible way, it takes over the new mother, leaving her praying for a way out for some self-comfort.

While symptoms of mommy burnout could be endless, some common ones are:

*Loss or increase in appetite

*A feeling of helplessness and loneliness

*Excessive anger or short temper

*Constant screaming or crying

*Unexplained irritability or anxiety, trouble controlling thoughts that seem to be racing

*Exhaustion, low energy, and lack of interest in the surroundings

*Inability to sleep

*Feeling resentful towards life (including baby)

Steps to tackle Mommy burnout:

Setting boundaries is key to reversing mommy burnout. It is also essential to take help from those around you and understand that ‘doing it all’ does not make you a better mother.

*Take help with feeding the baby. Use the bottle if you must to allow the mother some rest on days where cluster feeding is a pattern.

*Dedicate chores of the house to other family members in the house. Hire help if it is feasible.

*Selfcare is a method to tank you up from depleted energy levels. Take that walk, go for that manicure, meet that friend for coffee, make that phone call.

*Set realistic parenting and self-expectations. Do what works for you and your baby. Not what your parent or sister or neighbour did with their baby.

*Limit guests and visitors in the house. Have clear demarcation on days when people visit to see the baby & limit setting up the house or organising snacks for them to a bare minimum.

*Allow the house to be messy, the older child that screen time, your meals to be simpler, your clothes to be simple, and expectations of those around you to be shattered if they must be since you do not owe an explanation to anyone in this phase with a baby.

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Shaping today’s generation for an equal tomorrow

Gender equality means that there are no rules that are specific to men or women. They are things that you share equally. A woman is as valid in the workplace as a man is in a domestic scenario…Soha, Kunal interact with N. LOTHUNGBENI HUMTSOE

“One should avoid using gender to define a job, play, or any other activity. We’re all products of the social conditioning we’ve received as a result of our upbringing”, says actors Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu.

A one-day #WeSeeEqual Summit hosted by Procter & Gamble India brings together influencers from the government, corporate sector, media, and entertainment industries to discuss gender equality issues ranging from driving equality in education and economic opportunities to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work and shaping today’s generation for an equal tomorrow.

The summit demonstrated the brand’s ongoing commitment to making the world more equal and inclusive. The event brought together distinguished advocates and personalities to discuss the challenges that society faces in terms of equality and inclusion, as well as how different stakeholders can work together to accelerate progress.

Some of the key topics discussed throughout included actions needed today to shape the minds of future generations, the challenges and solutions to addressing equality in education and economic opportunities, and the importance of building an inclusive workplace.

Actors Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu, who were part of a key session for the day titled “Shaping Today’s Generation For An Equal Tomorrow,” revealed to exclusively how parents can shape the minds of young children today for an equal tomorrow.

A piece of parenting advice on “Shaping Today’s Generation For An Equal Tomorrow”.

Soha & Kunal: We joined the conversation about ‘Shaping Today’s Generation For An Equal Tomorrow’ at the #WeSeeEqual summit, organised by P&G India to drive meaningful change.

One parenting piece of advice on shaping today’s generation for an equal tomorrow is that we should raise our children as children and not based on their gender as a boy and a girl. We must avoid discrimination by saying that a boy can do this, and a girl can’t do this, This is a colour and not that this is a girl’s colour, this is a boy’s colour. These are the toys that boys play with and suggest different toys for girls. You should raise your children and allow them to do what they enjoy. This will help them in accepting themselves and not believing that they’re different.

Of course, physically and anatomically they will learn at school and if they have questions, answer them, as opposed to shying away from them or denying them as taboo topics. Evolution is anyways going to be responsible for a lot of change. We as parents can be a part of that change, especially by making sure we avoid defining any job or any play or any such thing on the basis of gender.

We need to practice what we preach, and we need to be careful around things because everything is based on social conditioning. We may not be perfect. We’re all products of the social conditioning that we’ve had in the way we’ve been brought up. If we do recognise certain things that we want to change, we have to make sure that we present them like a normal for tomorrow. So, our children grow up and are products of their right form of social conditioning.

To begin, what does gender equality mean to both of you?

Soha: Gender equality means that there are no rules that are specific to men or women. They are things that you share equally. A woman is as valid in the workplace as a man is in a domestic scenario. We’ve incorporated gender equality in our parenting style as well, by avoiding defining individual roles as per the criteria of gender norms. We share the parenting load equally and there are no tasks that are segregated by gender.

In fact, I try to do what I enjoy more like reading bedtime stories or taking Inaaya for Bootcamp classes and doing workouts together. And Kunal does what he enjoys more like cooking for her because they both are such foodies. We try to also ensure that when it comes to the way we behave around Inaaya to the way that we do our tasks, duties and our chores, she sees Kunal and me as equals, as equal partners, as both of us go to work and enjoy our work and at the same time we both enjoy parenting and the different things that it involves.

Do you think that including LGBTQ+ people in the workplace and other activities will help to end gender inequality? If not, what additional steps do you believe are required?

Kunal: To answer your question, including the LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, and similar such activities may not help in ending gender inequality because you have to make sure that you know organisations and individuals are not doing it out of the guilt factor, but it is definitely a step in that direction. What’s of utmost importance is for people to be open to accepting it.

Not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. People at large need to be accepting of the community and the moment it starts becoming normal is the moment we will be able to accurately navigate the steps to move in that direction. But yes, it is one of the steps, which is important in the process, as a whole, but it has to come from the right place.

It is no secret that there is a higher rate of prejudices in the field of female entrepreneurship. What advice would you give to women in the industry and those considering a career in it?

Kunal: There are gender-based prejudices in every field. I am aware of the fact that women face it a lot more. And hence I am of the opinion that anywhere you feel that you have been ill-treated or are facing inequality, it equates to injustice. The first step when you come across injustice is to raise your voice against it.

Personally, my advice would be if you ever see something that is wrong, or is unjust, you have to raise your voice or put up a stand against it. I think that what you need to do in any industry, any field is to not be scared, know what you’re capable of doing and do your best. When I say what you’re capable of, when you have the right to say something is wrong, you need to be clear-headed about it, to avoid any confusion, since with great power comes great responsibility.

Soha: Life is full of people judging you. And I’ve been boxed many times. It’s not fun to be stereotyped, because that means you’re consigned to living a life, that you may not want to live as a person that you really aren’t. That can happen at different stages in your life and certainly when you become parents.

The choice of becoming a mother late in my 30s was something that a lot of people felt was shocking, because of a lot of assumptions. And then of course, once you become a mother, they automatically perhaps feel that your work is going to take a backseat, or that it’s very difficult to be a good mother, a good professional, and to be equally committed to more than one thing, which is something that I’ve faced. And many women face it.

Soha, you’ve often talked about your parenting style. What actions do you take to instil kindness in Inaaya?

Soha: In terms of our parenting style, Kunal and I share the load equally and there are no tasks that are segregated by gender. In fact, I try to do what I enjoy more and Kunal does what he enjoys more. He has a keen sense of style and they both enjoy dressing up so they both choose her outfits for school together and try new hairstyles. One habit that we really wished to develop is for Inaaya to be around animals while behaving respectful to them and extending kindness to them and now she really loves them. It’s small habits like these.

The little things we do at home to instil the right habits in Inaaya. We also make sure that we take care about how we behave around Inaaya, things like watching our language and trying to use gender-neutral language. We must also encourage interactions by having play dates with girls and boys playing together. Inaaya’s friends come over, which includes both boys and girls and they play together in a healthy and kind manner.

It’s very satisfying to see a positive outcome of our own actions, and as we all know, children learn from the actions of their elders. What is it that Innaya picked up on subconsciously from your parenting style that blew your mind?

Kunal: We are bringing Inaaya up in a way that we feel will contribute to her becoming the best version of herself. This involves a lot of listening to her and understanding what it is that she wants, instead of constantly saying no to her requests. We give her a lot of choices that are healthy for her development, and she can choose from these options. We follow a form of child-led parenting.

Some things that are non-negotiable for me are things like bedtime because I do feel it’s important for her to go to bed at the right time so that she’s well-rested and wakes fresh the next day. This has become a habitual pattern which Inaaya has adapted to and adheres to going off to sleep at an appropriate time, daily. This ultimately benefits all of us. We’ve also habituated Inaaya to healthy foods from a young age and she enjoys indulging in a range of nutritious food options. From time to time, we also provide her with desserts and treats that are not always healthy. She understands that and likes to try new foods while enjoying a wide range of tastes when it comes to her palate.

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Education Lite Blogs Parenting

Life Skills for your kids

Assist them in sowing seeds and assign them the job of watering the plants. You can always use planting pots if you don’t have access to a yard…writes Asha Vaghasia

Have you ever questioned if your child is self-sufficient? Will your child be able to look after himself if you leave them alone for a long time? Do you believe your child possesses the required life skills to face the challenges that lie ahead?

Qualified parental counsellor Asha Vaghasia

As parents, we always wish to inculcate in our children certain characteristics. When we consider certain basic attributes, we find that leadership is one of the most important skills that any parent wishes to instil in their child. However, as parents, we must recognise that independence and confidence are the pillars of leadership. So, let’s look at some very fundamental new learning skills for kids that will allow them confront the world on their own and with confidence.

Your child’s education must go beyond what he or she learns in school. In order to learn, a child must be taught at home through experiences and training exercises.

1. Managing Time

You’re most likely perplexed as to how this is possible. You can accomplish this by encouraging your child to take charge of their own time. Instead of you waking them up, get them an alarm clock so they can get ready for school on time. Get them a planner to keep track of their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, as well as when things need to be completed.

2. Ability to Make Decisions

Education, jobs, and life partners are just a few of the major decisions we must make in our lives. How about teaching your child how to make good decisions from a young age?

Here’s how you do it: you teach kids how to make sensible judgments in short, straightforward steps. Begin by asking them to pick between two distinct activities or games, two different forms of clothing, two different foods, and so on.

When this occurs, the youngster will be able to comprehend the repercussions of each, helping them assess the benefits and drawbacks!

3. Money management and basic budgeting

Among life skills, this is a very basic one. Every week or every two weeks, give your children a set amount of pocket money to use for their costs. Ask them to save up their pocket money if they want to buy something more expensive. They will be more motivated as a result of this. Comparative purchasing, in my opinion, falls under the umbrella of budgeting education.

Open a bank account for your child and have them deposit money into it once a month (money received as gifts or if they help out in the house with some tasks, you could pay them a small amount). Saving and valuing money will be instilled as a result. ” Isn’t that the case?

4. The importance of environmental preservation

Instilling the value of environmental preservation and sustainability in your child at a young age will encourage them to be more caring for the environment. Make simple lifestyle changes at home to teach your child why environmental protection is important. Encourage children to be environmentally conscious in everything they do.

You can even compel them to participate in environmental activities such as gardening and rubbish collection for disposal. Give them a section of your yard to plant whatever they like, if you have one. Assist them in sowing seeds and assign them the job of watering the plants. You can always use planting pots if you don’t have access to a yard.

5. Resilience and Adaptability

These are two more key skills to inculcate in your child. This can be accomplished by ensuring that you do not constantly provide solutions to your child. Empower your child to solve problems on their own so that they are prepared to handle problems as they arise. They must develop resilience in order to adapt to a variety of circumstances and settings.

Make sure you have an open line of communication with your child so you can understand what they’re going through and assist them–and, of course, as a parent, you must model resilient behaviour at home!

Teaching our children life skills is essential so that they can have a rough idea of what they want to accomplish with their lives and, more crucially, recall the type of person they want to be. Focus your efforts on educating children in a fun and engaging way so that they may be confident in their values and talents!

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Food Lite Blogs Parenting

Dietary concerns of parents

My son now actually looks at her and he has started eating everything even vegetables, thanks to Nyra, who loves carrots, and brinjal and even eats ‘Karela’…Sameera speaks with N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

A healthy diet is a key to an active lifestyle, believes Sameera Reddy who communicates the benefits of key vitamins such as Vitamin K2 and Arginine and nutrients known to support longer and stronger bones. As the face of PediaSure, Reddy addresses common dietary concerns faced by parents and shares personal tips in an interview.

How do you ensure your kids get the right nutrition?

I think that it’s important to incorporate healthy foods in exciting ways for the kids. And as I said, you know, I work as a team with my mother-in-law, to make that happen. But it’s equally important to have the right products to support that. And that’s where PediaSure comes into the picture to make sure that even if I’ve missed certain things in my everyday meals with the kids, I know it’s covered with the right nutritional drink.

Being a mother, do you take some time out to understand the right nutrients and ingredients for kids in their growing years?

So interestingly enough, I would say social media has absolutely opened my eyes to the most amazing learning for me as a mother because there are so many things that I don’t know about. I know there are so many natural sugars that the kids can have, they can have so many amazing ingredients, for example, Ragi, Millets and Quinoa. So, I think it’s all a learning process and the fact that brands like PediaSure have incorporated the two new ingredients which are Arginine and vitamin K2. Again, it’s a learning for me to have brands introduce these things that tell us that this is what can make nutrition better for kids. So, it’s a combination of both me wanting me to learn the information and then having my amazing social media followers, as well as brands, tell us that these are our options out there and this is what you can use.

Are your kids’ picky eaters? If yes, how do you handle them?

Well, it’s interesting that Hans (Sameera’s son) was a picky eater, and Nyra (Sameera’s daughter) who is 2 years old picks up everything and anything, and she’s willing to just try it all, whether it’s olives, cranberries, unripe tomatoes etc. It’s very strange, but she literally tries everything out.

My son now actually looks at her and he has started eating everything even vegetables, thanks to Nyra, who loves carrots, and brinjal and even eats ‘Karela’. So, it’s really about you know how the synergy works for both the kids and luckily, he’s turned from a fussy eater to now not being fussy.

Do you encourage your kids to eat independently?

Absolutely, I have done it from the beginning. My kids use to create a lot of mess and my mother-in-law used to tell me that the kids are creating a lot of mess. And that’s when I explained to her that — in the beginning, when you allow kids to make the mess, you’re making them independent enough to understand about how much they can eat and they know when to stop, instead of force-feeding. So, I have always done that, absolutely encouraged it. And today, you know, it’s really worked well for me. It’s not easy in the beginning, but it works.

What are your thoughts about respecting your child’s appetite? If the child says no to eat further, how do you address the situation?

So, it’s interesting. But I think both children, at this point, go through phases, especially Nyra, too. There’s a week where she just maybe won’t eat as much, and then suddenly, she’ll play a sport and then she’ll be eating everything in sight, I do not force her to a point where the child will cry. But I definitely introduce different things.

So, if one thing is not working, being South Indian I will always have Dosa atta around and I know, that’s my go-to, or I’ll even try plain rice, or I’ll try anything that is a change, I won’t force the same thing into my kid’s mouths.

If you could share some parental tips on establishing healthy eating patterns.

So sometimes I just know, there are moments when I have to think outside the box, like most parents. Sometimes trying to force a meat at a particular moment, may not work. Then, you have certain go to’s like dahi-chawal and other dishes. But if there are certain points where they don’t eat, especially after they have a cold, or they’re recovering from something, then at that point, you don’t have to get scared. It’s all a process.

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