Tag: DEEP Parenting

Mom’s guilt

Becoming a mom changes everything, but one of the most empowering things a mom can do is gain financial independence. It’s not just about making money—it’s about having the freedom to make decisions for yourself and your family without relying on anyone else.

In the journey from “Mom to Ma’am,” financial independence is like a key that unlocks a whole new world. It allows you to balance both being a mom and following your own dreams and goals. It’s about creating a life where you don’t have to choose between taking care of your kids and achieving your own personal success.

Taking Control of Your Life

When you’re financially independent, you have the power to make choices that are right for you and your family. Instead of depending on someone else for your financial security, you’re in charge of your own future. You can decide what career path you want to take, whether you want to start a business, or even just what’s best for your family in the long run. Financial independence means freedom. It means not having to ask for permission to follow your passions or make big life decisions.

One of the hardest things moms deal with is mom guilt. Whether it’s guilt about working too much or not spending enough time with the kids, it’s always there. But when you’re financially independent, you can learn to let go of that guilt. You’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re doing it for your family too. Showing your kids that you can balance both career and family teaches them important lessons about work, responsibility, and passion.

Financial independence for moms isn’t just about having more money; it’s about freedom. It’s about being able to make decisions that serve you and your family’s future. When a mom becomes financially independent, she gains confidence, control, and the ability to chase her own dreams while still being the loving, dedicated mom she always was.

So, as you go through your own journey from “Mom to Ma’am,” remember that you don’t have to choose between being an amazing mom and achieving your personal goals. You can do both—and financial independence is the key to unlocking that power.

The Power of Motherhood: How It Changes Us

The Power of Motherhood: How It Changes Us

Motherhood is a huge life shift. It’s not just about caring for a child—it’s about how becoming a mom transforms us from the inside. The moment we step into the role of “mom,” everything changes, and not just in our daily routines. It changes who we are, how we see ourselves, and what we believe we’re capable of.

The Moment Everything Shifts

When you become a mom, it feels like a switch flips. One minute, you’re just you. The next, you’re responsible for another person. Whether it’s the first time you hold your baby or the first sleepless night, that moment hits you hard. And while it’s overwhelming, it’s also the start of discovering a new side of yourself. You might find yourself feeling more patient, more protective, and sometimes even stronger than you ever knew you could be.

Reclaiming Your Identity as a Mom

The transition to motherhood often makes us feel like we’ve lost ourselves a little. It can feel like everything you do is for your kids, and it’s easy to forget who you are outside of that. But here’s the truth: you’re still you. Being a mom doesn’t mean losing yourself—it just means you’re now balancing a new role with your old one. It’s about figuring out how to be both “mom” and “you” at the same time.

And you know what? That balance isn’t always easy, but it makes us grow in ways we didn’t expect. You find yourself discovering a new layer of strength, patience, and love—one that makes you realize you can handle more than you ever thought possible.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Motherhood brings with it a wave of emotions. There are days filled with joy—like when your baby says their first word or learns to walk. Then, there are moments when you’re worried about everything, questioning whether you’re doing it right. But all these emotions are what make being a mom so powerful. The love you feel is deeper than you ever thought you could experience, and it’s all-consuming at times. And with that love comes a protective instinct you can’t quite explain, but it’s real.

That emotional rollercoaster is exhausting, but it’s also what makes motherhood so meaningful. You learn so much about yourself and your capacity to love, give, and grow.

The Unspoken Bond

There’s something about the bond between a mother and child that’s hard to describe—it’s just different. From the first time you hold your baby, you realize that there’s a connection beyond words. You start to recognize their needs even before they can speak. And in return, your child gives you a love that feels unbreakable.

That bond doesn’t just affect your relationship with your child—it shapes the way you see the world. You become more present, more patient, and more tuned in to the people around you. It’s one of the most profound changes that come with motherhood.

In the End, Motherhood Changes Us for the Better

Motherhood is challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever go on. It teaches you to be strong in ways you didn’t know you could be and opens your heart to a love deeper than you’ve ever experienced. And in all of this, you’re not just a mom—you’re a stronger, more compassionate, and more powerful version of yourself.

When Should Kids Get Their First Phone? A Parenting Coach and Mom of Two Weighs In

As a parenting coach and a mom of two, I’m no stranger to the heated debate about when kids should get their first phone. It’s a question I hear often: “What’s the right age to hand my child a phone? Should I cave to the pressure because every other kid seems to have one?” These are valid concerns, especially in a world where smartphones have become almost synonymous with social connection, education, and even safety.

But here’s the thing: While technology has undeniable benefits, giving a child a phone isn’t just about the “when” – it’s also about the “why” and the “how.”

My Perspective: Delayed Gratification Worked for Us

As a mom, I made a deliberate choice to delay giving my son a phone until he reached grade 11. By that time, he had a better sense of responsibility, understood the value of boundaries, and had more self-regulation to handle the distractions that come with smartphones. My younger child, now 12, still doesn’t have a phone, despite the growing peer pressure.

Has it been easy? No. There’s a constant tug-of-war between wanting to keep up with the norm and holding firm to our family values. Most of their friends had phones long before grade 6, making them feel “left out” at times. But I’ve learned that what works for one family might not work for another – and that’s okay.

The Peer Pressure Factor

As parents, we face the added challenge of peer pressure – ours and theirs. The argument that “every other kid has one” can feel overwhelming. You don’t want your child to feel isolated or excluded, but you also don’t want to give in to societal trends that might not align with your family’s values.

Here’s the truth: Kids are incredibly adaptable. They might feel the pinch of not having a phone, but they will also learn how to navigate social settings without constant digital interaction. That independence and resilience, in my experience, is worth the short-term discomfort.

What’s the Right Age for a Phone?

There isn’t a universal answer, but here are some factors to consider:

1. Maturity Level: Is your child able to follow rules and manage time responsibly? A phone is a tool that requires discipline to use effectively, especially with social media and gaming.

2. Purpose: Why does your child need a phone? If it’s primarily for safety or communication, a basic phone with calling and texting capabilities might be enough.

3. School Policies: Many schools have strict guidelines around phone usage. Consider how these rules might align with your child’s needs.

4. Family Dynamics: Every family has unique values and routines. Decide what works best for your household instead of comparing with others.

What Type of Phone Should They Start With?

If you’ve decided it’s time for your child to have a phone, consider starting small:

• Basic Phones: Devices without internet access or apps are great for younger kids. They allow calls and texts but eliminate distractions like social media.

• Parental Controls: If you opt for a smartphone, ensure it has robust parental controls to limit screen time, restrict downloads, and monitor usage.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Discuss expectations around phone use, including when and where it’s appropriate to use it.

Can We Really Do Without Phones?

It might feel impossible to navigate modern parenting without giving your child a phone, but it’s not. Phones can be helpful, but they aren’t the only way to stay connected or ensure your child’s safety. Family rules, open communication, and alternatives like family-shared tablets or old-school landlines can bridge the gap.

Final Thoughts

The decision to give your child a phone is deeply personal and varies from family to family. My approach has been to delay it as much as possible, not because I’m anti-technology, but because I believe in teaching my kids to thrive without constantly being tethered to a device.

As parents, our job is to equip our kids with the skills to navigate life – not just the digital world. Whether you decide to give your child a phone at 10, 12, or 16, the most important thing is to guide them through it with clear expectations, boundaries, and conversations about responsibility.

After all, the goal isn’t just to raise tech-savvy kids but to raise thoughtful, self-aware, and resilient individuals.

Power of appreciation

The Power of Appreciation in Child Development:

 Six Principles to Nurture Growth.

 

Appreciation is a cornerstone of healthy child development. It shapes a child’s self-esteem, motivation, and social skills. When children feel valued and recognized, they are more likely to thrive in their learning and interactions. Here are six essential principles of appreciation that can enhance your approach to nurturing a child’s growth.

 

  • Be Specific When Praising

 

Vague praise like “Good job!” often falls flat. Instead, be specific about what you’re acknowledging. For instance, saying, “I loved how you shared your toys with your friend today!” not only highlights the positive behaviour but also reinforces the value of sharing. Specific praise helps children understand what they did well, encouraging them to repeat those behaviours.

 

  • Praise the Efforts/Progress, Not Only Results

 

Focusing solely on outcomes can create pressure and fear of failure. Instead, celebrate the effort and progress a child makes, regardless of the final result. For example, saying, “I’m so proud of how hard you worked on that puzzle!” emphasizes perseverance and resilience. This approach fosters a growth mindset, teaching children that effort is just as important as success.

 

  • Praise and Correction Should Be at Separate Times

 

Mixing praise with correction can confuse children and undermine the effectiveness of both. When you need to offer constructive feedback, do so separately from praise. For example, acknowledge their hard work first, then address areas for improvement later. This strategy allows children to fully absorb your appreciation without feeling overwhelmed by criticism.

 

 

 

  • Praise Must Be Genuine and Sincere

 

Children can sense insincerity, which can lead to distrust and diminish their motivation. Make sure your praise is heartfelt and authentic. If you struggle to find something to praise, take a moment to observe your child’s efforts closely. Genuine appreciation fosters a strong emotional connection and encourages children to take pride in their achievements.

 

  • Praise in Public – Correct in Private

 

Public acknowledgment can boost a child’s confidence and reinforce positive behaviour. When a child does something commendable, celebrate it openly—like praising their performance in front of family or friends. However, keep corrections private to maintain their dignity and self-esteem. This balance helps children feel valued while also supporting their growth.

 

  • Accentuate the Positive

 

In every situation, there are opportunities to focus on the positives. By highlighting what children do well, you create an environment where they feel safe to explore and take risks. Instead of saying, “You missed a few questions on that test,” you could say, “You did really well on the questions you understood!” This encourages a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to keep trying.

 

  • Conclusion

The power of appreciation in child development is profound. By applying these six principles, you can help nurture a child’s self-esteem, resilience, and overall well-being. Remember, appreciation is not just a response; it’s a vital part of parenting and teaching. By making appreciation a regular practice, you contribute to a positive and supportive environment where children can flourish.

 

Start today: how can you show appreciation to a child in your life?

How to get your Happiness Dose?

A question that is always asked to me “How can I be happy?” Happiness is an art which can be learnt. If you are a parent it is a boon in your life. Positive and Happy Parenting does take too much of your time and when practiced just like any other artform leads to a better state of mind and happier families. If you pay attention to what you do on the canvas it will be beautiful piece.  It is all about the choices you make in life. Just like an art piece we use colour, we have a medium, paints, and a canvas all come together to make a masterpiece. But if any one of the elements is not there you will not get the  outcome you want. So! For positive parenting you need to be happy first yourself. Today I am going to give you a a happy pill  “The Happiness DOSE for no added cost “. You heard me right it is free.

There are four hormones created in our body when we do certain activities. When you incorporate them in your life on a regular basis you are ensured true happiness.

THE DOSE IS

  1. D – DOPAMINE    – The reward Hormone
  2. O – OXYTOCINE   – The Love Hormone
  3. S  – SEROTONINE  – The Mood Stabilizer
  4. E  – ENDORPHINE – The Pain Killer

Let me explain these are not medicines you need from the store even though these may be prescribed as pills by docs in small doses. Why not get it by doing these activities?

1. D- Dopamine – The Reward Hormone

        This hormone is created in our body when you do something rewarding. Something we can do to increase DOPAMINE in our body is complete a pending task, trying to cook something new, taking up a hobby like singing, painting. When  you complete these tasks we feel happy. We also need  self-love like a grooming,  manicure, hair cut, trip to the saloon or buying something for yourself or your child. One must learn to celebrate the little things and small achievements in life. Try something new an activity that takes you out of your comfort zone and when you achieve success you will be rewarding your body with Dopamine. Do you know that even shopping for yourself helps release Dopamine. So! do groom and take care of yourself because self care is important too.

2. O- OXYTOCIN – The Love Hormone

The love hormone like the word suggests come when we do something that shows love. When we get a hug or hold hands, we are happy. A gentle touch a kiss on the cheek or forehead makes us happy. Playing with a baby or a pet will make us happy. Even receiving and giving a compliment, appreciation, and gratitude releases Oxytocin. As an adult even sex is important. So! Next time don’t be stingy in showering your loved one with hugs and kisses or a praise cause appreciation releases Oxytocin.

3. S- SEROTONIN – The Mood Stabilizer

What did you feel the last time you went for a holiday jumped in a swimming pool, walked in the nature or walked in nature , or took a trek ? Did you feel happy? Did you feel relaxed? When you attend a meditation session does your mind feel at peace? Well! The mood stabilizer SEROTONINE is at work during this time. You can do this even if you are not on a holiday. You may ask me how? Well! You can walk in the Garden next to your house early in the morning or take a run or jog on the road. Your body is

releasing this happy hormone. That’s why you see people who are into yoga, walking, running, cycling, and swimming are in a happy state when they are doing this activity. Doing this on a regular basis will make you a happier person. Your body releases Oxytocin.

4. E- ENDORPHINE – The Pain Killer

How do you feel when you ate dark-mint chocolate? How do feel when you enter a room that smelled beautiful and refreshing? When you exercise and sweat how does your body and mind feel? When you are not well i

n pain and friend comes along and makes you laugh. Do you feel the

 pain was less? If you have said yes! you feel happy, better, or less pain it is true because here 

at this time Endorphin is being pumped into your body in full swing. Too much chocolate will make you put on weight so then you need to work that extra calorie. When you enter a spa, and it smells good. What’s happening? Again, endorphins are released. These are all pain-relieving activities. So dark chocolate, essence and laughter is a natural pain killer. There is a saying “Laughter is the best medicine”. The next time you are low have a laugh.

You need to BOSS YOUR MIND and BODY to become happy and make sure you get your happiness dose everyday no matter what.

Now! That you know all the things you can do to stay in a happier state on mind you can apply this also with your children. Go down and play with them in the park, take a walk, play new games, laugh, dance exercise together.  Give a task to your child and reward them accordingly too.

Follow the HAPPINESS DOSE mantra to be a in a Happier state of mind. Remember theses activities are not just YOU BUT FOR YOUR FAMILY TOO

Sandhya Lal

“Children are just result of your actions”

“Children are just result of your actions”

Parents expect their child to be faithful, disciplined (getup early),be polite, helpful, not to greed, exercise daily, sleep early, not to use cell phones, not to eat chocolates and ice creams, get 100% grades, study all the time. Likewise there are thousands of expectations that a child expects from their parents. Aren’t we as a parent over burdening our kids with our never ending expectations?

My question is for each and every parent, are we doing the same things which we expect from our kids to do?

I don’t think so, instead of guiding our kids, we as a parent need to be trained at first, so that we can guide our kids in very healthy and progressive manner. Many of you will contradict with my viewpoint.

Let us understand with one example of our childhood, have you ever came across with the situation at home, when your father were actually present at home and someone from our relative call on landline or came to our door step, and then we were asked to say NO to them, that no one is at home or father is not at home. Don’t we think we ourselves are guiding and teaching our children to speak lies, then how do we expect our kids to speak truth always?

Let’s understand with a story,

In 1930’s there was a lady whose son was eating Jaggery a lot, but her mother wanted his child to stop this habit, so that lady decided to go to his idol Mahatma Gandhi, and she walked many km to reach Mr. Gandhi in very hot summer and finally reached his Ashram, then she requested Mr. Gandhi to help her out so that her child stop eating Jaggery. After listening patiently Mr. Gandhi asked that lady to come back after 2 weeks, and after two weeks that lady came once again and then Mr. Gandhi asked that boy, you should stop eating Jaggery it is not good for health, boy nodded and promised that he will not be eating Jaggery anymore, Mother was so curious why Mr. Gandhi took 2 weeks to say just one line,

Mr. Gandhi smiled and said 2 week before I was also obsessed with eating Jaggery, in 2 weeks I have quit eating Jaggery, so I needed time to do this.

So from this story we all parents should learn whatever we are guiding to our kids, Are we doing the same thing, if no then try to follow yourself first. It seems very typical to do it initially, but it will definitely give you best results in longer period for sure. Children are just result of our action, whatever we are doing, If we will exercise there is more chance that our child will exercise, if getup early our child will get up early, if we speak truth our child will speak truth, if we are polite, our child will be polite, if we share things and daily experiences with our kids then our child will also do the same with us. These small changes can persuade our kids to do what we expect from them.

 “So our children are just result of our actions, so check your actions first, change your habits, change your daily routine, it will persuade your child to follow it, because your child will not do whatever you ask them to do, they will do whatever they see”.

 

Mohnish Gahnolia

Parenting Coach

Dad Discipline v/s Mom Discipline

Dad Discipline v/s Mom Discipline

A Topic Seldom discussed by Parents!

 

Back in my childhood, Dad worked from 10 am to midnight. Mom was the ‘YellBox’ and when yelling didn’t work, she was the Chhittar Champion Rani, always ranking 1st in society. But when even that failed to work. — “Papa ko aane do, Daant padegi tab seedha hoga”. was the Final Warning – An Indian Patent Disciplinary Sentence proudly used for years by Indian Mothers .

This was the Final Frontier in Discipline and then Dad walked into the scene. Dad just had a look that was accompanied by deafening silence. That look meant “Feel my power”! 

Is it the same today? is there a difference between Mother and Father Discipline? Should there be a difference and how does it account for? Researchers suggest that Father and Mother discipline do differ. This has been now noted and in an unpredictable way. The indication is that children are more immediately influenced by their mothers, but that as they grow older, their father’s disciplinary practices through the years are deeply correlated with their social behavior.

 “Father Effect” as it is called, a difficult topic to be discussed in most Indian Households. Having discussed this topic with many Dads I have been astonished to know that the Dads are awkward to discuss this, Yes, even the CEO DAD!

Physical contact, nurturing, reassurance – remains difficult or not expressed much.

As each day unfolds with more uncertainties for a family today, compared to the ‘Certainty chart’ of family routine and behavior being followed upto early 2000, The traditional father as the head of the home now does not carry the acceptance as it once did. Say Researches. Modern dads might yell or be distant, but that’s no longer accepted as a norm. Children today have a substantively different concept of what a father’s role is supposed to be.

For example, it has come to light after many kinds of research, over changing times and after analyzing different cultures, that, Mothers tend to discipline kids more because they care about their social relationship with their child. That’s why mothers are more likely to take misbehavior personally and in return of which, kids are primed to react more emotionally. Dads are diagonally different here, they tend to discipline because they want their children to grow up to do well in the world and not get denied opportunities. In other words, the impact of paternal discipline may show up later in life because that’s actually the intent.

Thus, Rejection from fathers today contributes to adolescent wariness in social situations in ways that other family relationships do not. Whether harsh and rejecting or empathetic and nurturing, the scientific consensus is that dad discipline does have a substantive impact which is Slow and reflected upon when the child grows up and is out there on her/his own.

This difference is very important to be understood by the Parents themselves.

Most of the misery for the child lies in the fact that each parent wants the other parent to discipline the child, as they do. A very close family member enlightened me on this aspect recently. She stated it beautifully,

“Ishan has me as a Mother, he is served food at the table and the dining time is set at 45 mins. Post which the Table is cleared.

 Ishan has his Father, who ensures Ishan finishes the meal and scrubs the utensils clean”.

Ishan respects both disciplines as the parents don’t fight about which is the correct discipline. Ishan has learned over time to ensure the meal is consumed within 45mins of being served and the utensils to be cleaned as well.

While the above example might not be the ideal common platform of discipline to be followed by all parents, it does give us an understanding that the parents need to first respect their individualities in how they discipline the child because for the child, Both Disciplines are essential!

Who kehte hain na.. 

माँ पानी है, रोज़ पौदे को सींचती है, तो पिता खाद है,पौदे को रखता आबाद है

We need both disciplines in life! 

Santosh Bakhshi

Life Coach. Parenting Coach. A learning Father

Digital Exposure & Experiencing Nature -The Balance Our Children Need

Digital Exposure & Experiencing Nature -The Balance our children need!

 

One of the perks of working as a parenting coach and counselor is being able to pull from your own experiences, both as a father and of course as a kid. This forces you to realize just how much has changed since your childhood. As a latchkey kid who thrived on fresh air, Extensive Playtime, and family dinners, I look at today’s generation of tech-savvy tots and wonder when — and, more importantly, how — this transformation occurred.

Today’s childhood is getting trapped in a world of gadgetry!

My first “owned” Gadget was at 21. A cellphone shared by my sister  and me, but operated by my Father because ‘you all are young to use it and hey it is expensive!

The most telling difference between my childhood and the present, however, is today’s lack of time. Time to explore, time to experiment, time to be a child – which means, most importantly, time to play.

Mr.COVID having added to it all!

The Kids of the big cities and now rapidly increasing in Towns as well are living in a ‘citified’ environment- lack of connection with Nature.

A child, any growing child needs stimulation-

The Gadgets, The screens, The schools and even the parents are however becoming Overwhelming rather than stimulating to a child’s sensory demands.

The Child may have all the consumption but is steadily being devoid of the Engagement.

We are teaching our children how to make a living, but not life!

We’ve been telling them how we have made our way to the moon and back, but have trouble letting them meet the new neighbor.

This boon of ‘Digital Fidgeting’ has taken away the ‘Friendly Neighbourhood’.

Quite a Paradox is it not!

So, is there a way back from this? Should we reconsider?

Should we BAN the Digital world from a child’s life?

As a Parenting Coach, I have counseled and seen many cases where extremes have failed!

The answer one feels is in Division of the day, week, month.

Slowly and steadily compartmentalize the mind of the child to understand that the week is going to be designed into 2 parts.

Balanced between Boons of Digital Exposure to The abundance of Nature.

Children nowadays have many more opportunities to literally see the world than we had. In our time, we could only read about different countries and their culture through books. Now, there is digital media to support that experience and of course, not to mention the opportunity to travel and experience first-hand. so why not have a balance.

When you introduce your little one to animals and their sounds on the television, ensure you take her/him to the zoo to see those animals in their natural habitat and hear those sounds real in the next 2 days. This makes 2 days of both offering them Digital Exposure and Experiencing Nature.

When your child watches an animal animation fiction on the Tele, that same week Arrange for a trip to an Animal Café for her/him to feel the warmth and compassion of the animals of different kinds.

The above examples will ensure that a child will consume the ways and means of an animal kingdom, species, and their ways via digital boon and then experience the engagement when they visit such places and feel their sensory demands being satisfied.

A perfect example of balance and harmony of

Look, Listen & feel.

This can be tried in all aspects of the child’s interest. Now the child will know and appreciate the difference between learning from digital media and being and feeling in the real environment. The child enjoys and appreciates the worth of both aspects.

Woh kehte hain na, “ बच्चों को ये सिखाना चाहिए कि कैसे सोचें , ना कि क्या सोचें।

To me, this will create an environment for the child to recognize the balance between Consumption and Engagement.

 

-Santosh Bakhshi

A Life Coach & A Learning Father!