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Megha Saxena published in Blogs

Prepping Parents for Pre-schools

Good Morning, everyone!

It’s April, and in most schools, the new academic session begins. For many three-year-olds, today marks their very first day of school. The day is filled with a mix of anxiousness and excitement—not just for parents and children but also for teachers, caregivers, and school staff.

We all know that kids catch viral infections like colds, coughs, or stomach bugs quickly due to their developing immunity. The sources can be anything—school, the bus they travel in, weather changes, or exposure to a new environment. But do you know what they catch even faster? Negative emotions—fear, anxiousness, worry, uncertainty, sadness. And the primary source of these emotions is none other than the parents.

The good news? There’s something else they catch even quicker—positive emotions like happiness, calmness, confidence, and certainty. And when these emotions come from parents, they multiply and deeply influence the child’ mental well being.

Dear Parents, Here’s What You Can Do

Before worrying about your child’s emotional state, work on becoming aware of your own emotions and managing them. Children pick up on your energy, so make sure you’re passing on confidence and assurance rather than fear and doubt.

  1. Managing Separation Anxiety

Parents also feel separation anxiety. Thoughts like “How will my child stay without me? Will they eat properly? Will they ask for help when needed? How will they adjust to the new environment and people?” are completely normal. But trust me, children—just like us, or perhaps even better than us—adjust to new environments when given the chance.

✅ Tools to Help:

  • Practice short separations by leaving them with trusted caregivers before school starts. This gives both you and your child an idea of how they handle separation.

🗨 Helpful Dialogues:

  • “Yes, beta, I will miss you too! I will keep thinking about you. Why don’t we exchange something? You take my handkerchief, and I’ll keep your toy. Whenever we miss each other, we can look at these things and smile!”
  1. Adjusting to a New Environment

Yes, the school is a new place for your child, but you have chosen it after careful research and reviews. Trust the process and feel confident about your decision. Once you are sure, do not let doubt creep in again.

✅ Tools to Help:

  • Take your child for a school visit beforehand. Let them explore their classroom, meet the teacher, and get comfortable with the space.
  • Make a mental checklist of things that are important to you in school, and ensure they meet your expectations during the visit.

🗨 Helpful Dialogues:

  • “I love your classroom! It looks so nice and colorful. Your teacher seems really kind. You’re going to have such a good time here!”
  1. Trusting Teachers & Caregivers

The teacher in pre-schools are well trained, from time to time, and do have a lot of experience in managing a child on their first few days of school. So when you hand over your child, the child should feel your comfort and confidence during the bye-bye time. Parents usually use words of encouragement like “the teacher is so nice” “she will be there to take care of you” “look there are so many other kids” “ you will enjoy with the toys and games” etc. All good, all nice. But then you still linger around. Your face says something else, like you really don’t mean those words, that you doubt whether they are really nice people or not to stay with. So the kids will get confused. Like I said, they will pick up your emotion of fear, doubt, anxiousness and may start crying. which inturn will now add to your doubts. The cycle goes on!

✅ Tools to Help:

  • Create a goodbye ritual to make parting easier. For example, I always hug my kids and say, “Enjoy your day!” and they reply, “Yes, I will!” Then I turn around and leave.

🗨 Helpful Dialogues:

  • “I’ve heard so many good things about your teacher. I think she’ll be wonderful! You tell me what you think about her when you come back.”
  1. Socializing with Classmates

Parents often worry about how their child will get along with other kids. Remember, all children in the class are of the same age and likely experiencing similar anxieties. They will gradually learn important social skills like sharing, waiting for turns, following instructions, and understanding that they are not always in control.

✅ Tools to Help:

  • Encourage open conversations about their day.
  • Ask open-ended questions instead of just “So how was school today?”

🗨 Helpful Questions:

  • “What was the most exciting part of school today?”
  • “What made you laugh?”
  • “How do you sit when you eat your snacks?”
  1. Preparing Your Child Emotionally

The way you talk about school makes a huge difference. Share positive stories about your own school days. If your child is reluctant, acknowledge their feelings while reinforcing the importance of going to school.

✅ Tools to Help:

  • Empathize while keeping it light. My younger one hated school and cried every morning. I would say: “I understand you don’t like school, beta. But it’s important—just like my office is important. How I wish we could stay home all day cuddling! But alas, we can’t. So let’s go, and we’ll look forward to the evening together.”
  • Teach them independence in small ways—washing hands, eating on their own, keeping track of their belongings, asking for help when needed.
  1. Establishing a Smooth Routine

A predictable routine makes transitions easier. School mornings should be calm, not chaotic.

✅ Tools to Help:

  • Align your child’s sleep schedule with school timings at least a month in advance.
  • If your child takes time to wake up and get ready, wake them 15 minutes earlier. A little less sleep is better than a rushed, stressful morning.

A child who leaves for school happily, not hurriedly,will have a better day overall. They can always catch up on sleep later!

Final Thought: The first few days might be challenging, but trust that your child will settle in. Your confidence, positivity, and trust in the school will make all the difference. Let them go, and watch them thrive!

 

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Dr B R Aruna Reddy published in Articles, Blogs

The Life of Future Kids: A Glimpse into the Changing Times

As parents, we often find ourselves asking questions that seem to echo through the corridors of time:

Where is the time going?

Why are our children so busy yet not productive?

What is it that’s keeping them occupied all day?

When will they become responsible and independent?

These are the concerns that shape our parenting choices, as we try to ensure our children grow up to be successful, balanced, and content individuals.

But, when I take a moment to reflect on my own childhood, the questions become even more profound. Was I too busy back then? I remember a time when my day was filled with simple joys—playing outside with friends, spending time with family, learning new skills, and simply being in the moment. Time seemed abundant, and life was a balanced blend of studies, hobbies, and relationships. I would gaze at the stars, try to locate constellations, and engage in endless conversations with loved ones.

The Simplicity of the Past vs. the Frenzied Present
In contrast, today’s kids seem to be caught in an endless cycle of commitments—online courses, offline classes, sports, hobbies, social media, and the constant pressure to excel in everything they do. As parents, we push our children to take part in every activity that promises to enhance their future, from life skills training to tennis lessons, and summer camps to coding classes. But as we enroll them in these programs, I can’t help but wonder: Did we need all these structured courses when we were growing up?

Life skills, problem-solving, creativity—these weren’t things we learned from a textbook or from an expert. We picked them up naturally through experiences, challenges, and simply interacting with our surroundings. We didn’t need to attend a specialized workshop to figure out how to manage our time or resolve a conflict. These skills developed through the very act of living life.

So, what does this mean for the future of our children? Are we inadvertently pushing them into a future that values productivity over peace, achievement over joy? Perhaps it’s time to rethink how we approach parenting in this modern age. Instead of constantly pushing our children toward the next course or the next milestone, maybe we need to encourage them to slow down, enjoy the present, and find fulfillment in the things that truly matter—relationships, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

As parents, it’s our responsibility to guide our children toward success. But success isn’t just about acing a test or winning a competition. It’s about finding contentment, creating lasting connections, and discovering the simple joys that life offers.
In the end, maybe the greatest life skill we can teach our children is how to truly live—to embrace life as it comes, with all its ups and downs, and to cherish the moments that often go unnoticed in the rush toward the future.

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Pooja Kansal published in Blogs

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.

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Pooja Kansal published in Blogs

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.

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Shubha Shashidhar published in Blogs

Teenage friendship and Redflags

“If you see the red flag flutter too many times it’s time to uproot the flag” A friendship is meant to make you feel secure and strong.
Pre teens and during teens kids invest in friendship emotionally.

During teens when at times the world comes crushing down its the friendly banter with a friend which often
helps teenagers tide the troubles.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed” ..a most common quote ,yet no other quote defines friendship better.A friend can do, what no one else can do during stressful teenage  times or as a matter fact during any phase of life.
,
A friendship forged during teen times in school or early college years stays permanently all through life.

However as teens one can be overly dependent on ones friends.This can lead to clingy behaviour, giving in to the unreasonable demands of friend and relying excessively on the validation of friends.This eventually leads to irritation and depleted sense of self worth.
As teens our kids should be able to decode red flags in a friendship and if more than three to four checkpoints are ticked , they must face the bitter truth and move out of a such a friendship.
Let’s decode few prominent redflags..once decoded…
Uproot the flags  and move away from such a friendship
1)When friends  often cross your boundaries and cross limits of decency.
2)When  they bully you and tease you knowing well that it hurts you immensely.
3) When they break your trust and spread and share your inner most feelings and heartfelt secrets with others without remorse .
3)When they mock you incessantly infront of new friends and lesser known people, making you feel small and uncomfortable.
4)When their needs are always on top of your needs, a sure shot red flag .
5)When excessive money borrowing takes place without any sense of gratitude and subsequent non  return of money, kindly spot the red flag.
6)When the teenger ‘s self worth is undermined repeatedly andhe/she  feels ashamed of one’s  self ,just drop the friend.

There are number of many such red flags which teens need to keep an eye on before forging into any friendship or even while having a strong bond .

One way to tackle these redflags is to put across relevant points with force  and make the other person understand how one feels and why one feels betrayed.
The second way is to gracefully exit from such a bond because such a  friend is not worth your time and effort.
Generally teens look for sense of belonging and camaraderie in friendship.Hence , when they feel that a friend is traumatizing them they feel  a sense of betrayal .

A teenage boy/girl is already facing and undergoing tremendous amount of harmonal activities and bodily changes . During this stressful time they look for succour from their friends. When during such tough times they face red flagged friendships they are left baffled and heartbroken.
As a parent we can contribute positively and connect with our child during  only if we are mindful and are present to listen to the child without judgements and verdicts .
The teenger should feel no matter what happens with  friends  parents will stand by him and will not betray him /her ever.
This sense of trust will help the child navigate a difficult friendship and sense of losss.
As parent we must slowly start preparing our kids from mid school level for such situations and fallout  in life.
We must keep talking about the importance of self worth and self reflection.
Remain connected with your child to spot the red flags .
Patience and positive out look will help us  help our children.
Even if we are colour blind we can spot the red flag …We need to feel it.
Let’s teach this art to our  children.

 

 

 

 

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ArwaAbbas Sunelwala published in Blogs

Difference between feelings and behaviour.

*Question from a Parent – My child is very Emotionally Sensitive, how do I deal with him?*

*Smart Positive Parenting*

At any age, crying is a normal response to being overwhelmed by strong feelings, like anger, fear, stress or even happiness. Some children, however, cry more than others.

Those same children may get angry more often, may feel frustrated faster, and may get overly excited compared to their peers too. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with an overly emotional child, it can make life a little bit more difficult for them.

Sometimes parents are embarrassed by overly emotional kids. Help your child to have a Healthy Relationship with their Emotions. Don’t confuse Emotions for Weakness.

*Explain the difference between Feelings and Behaviours*

It’s important for you and your children to learn how to express emotions in a socially appropriate manner.

Screaming loudly in the middle of the street or throwing a temper tantrum at home or school isn’t OK.

Tell your child that he can feel any emotion he wants—and it’s OK to feel really angry or really scared or sad.

But, make it clear that he has choices in how he responds to those uncomfortable feelings.

So even though he feels angry, it’s not OK to hit.

Or just because he feels sad, doesn’t mean he can roll around on the floor cry.

When you talk to your child about emotions also show them the emoticons and ask them to label it. In that way they can learn more about emotions and how to express it appropriately.

Smile and Spread the Smiles with be_smartparents.

From Arwa Sunelwala

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Preeti Vohra published in Articles, Blogs

The Hidden Cost of Constant Scolding: What It Does to a Child’s Brain

A recent news report about a teenager leaving home due to excessive parental scolding for studies has raised an important question: What happens to a child’s brain when they are constantly criticized?

Neuroscience shows that frequent scolding activates the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, leading to heightened stress levels. Chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus, affecting memory and learning, while overactivating the prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotions. Studies reveal that children exposed to harsh parenting are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.

A 2023 study from Harvard University found that children who frequently experience verbal aggression from parents exhibit brain activity similar to those exposed to physical abuse. Another study by the American Psychological Association reported that 62% of children subjected to constant yelling struggle with emotional regulation in adulthood.

Constant criticism doesn’t just affect emotional well-being, it also impacts social skills. Children raised in high-stress environments may develop difficulties in forming healthy relationships and trusting others. Over time, these struggles can manifest in academic performance and professional settings, limiting their potential for success.

So, what’s the solution?

We need to work on providing healthy and congenial environment to the children for their proper all round development.

Reframe your words, replace criticism with constructive conversations. Instead of “Why can’t you ever listen?” try “Let’s figure this out together.” Creating a safe emotional space fosters trust, resilience, and stronger parent-child bonds.

It’s essential for parents to practice mindful communication. Using positive reinforcement, active listening, and emotional validation can significantly improve a child’s self-worth and confidence. Simple acts of empathy and patience can transform a child’s outlook on life and strengthen the parent-child connection.

Parenting is tough, but emotional safety is the foundation of a child’s well-being. Let’s break the cycle of fear-based parenting and build homes filled with understanding and support.

#Parenting #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #PositiveParenting

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S NILOFER RAHI published in Blogs

How to Handle Mom Guilt Without Feeling Overwhelmed.

Mom Guilt??

💭 “I should be doing more for my child.”
💭 “I shouldn’t have taken that break.”
💭 “Why did I lose my patience?”

Sound familiar? Mom guilt is real, and it’s exhausting. 😞 We constantly feel like we’re not doing enough, but here’s the truth:
Guilt doesn’t make you a bad mom—it means you care. ❤️ Instead of letting it drain you, let’s reframe it into something positive.

👇 Here are 5 common mom guilt moments and how to shift your mindset:

✅ 1. Feeling like you’re not a “perfect mom”
📌 Guilt: You see other moms doing crafts & fun activities while your child is watching TV.
💡 Reframe It: Social media is a highlight reel. Your love and presence matter more than picture-perfect moments.

✅ 2. Yelling & losing patience
📌 Guilt: You snapped at your child and now feel terrible.
💡 Reframe It: Apologizing and showing emotional repair teaches your child valuable life skills.

✅ 3. Taking a break for yourself
📌 Guilt: You finally get a moment to rest, but guilt whispers, “You should be with your child.”
💡 Reframe It: A happy, rested mom is a better mom. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

✅ 4. Feeling like you didn’t do enough today
📌 Guilt: The day was chaotic, and you feel like you failed.
💡 Reframe It: The small moments—hugs, bedtime cuddles, a smile—are what truly count. 💛

✅ 5. Asking for help
📌 Guilt: You feel bad asking your partner or family for help.
💡 Reframe It: You don’t have to do it all alone. Strong moms ask for support.

✨ Let’s normalize letting go of mom guilt! If you’ve felt this way, you’re NOT alone. Drop a ❤️ in the comments if this resonates!
📢 Which of these do you struggle with the most? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

Happy Parenting !!!

#MomGuilt, #ParentingStruggles, #MotherhoodUnfiltered, #WorkingMomLife, #StayAtHomeMom, #MomLifeBalance, #ParentingJourney, #MomWellness, #SelfCareForMoms, #MindfulParenting, #EmotionalWellbeing, #MentalHealthForMoms, #ParentingCoach, #LifeCoachForMoms, #PersonalGrowth, #EmpoweredParenting, #RaisingHappyKids, #SNiloferRahi, #AmazingParentingNilofer, #amazingparenting

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