Author: Malavika
-
Why I Don’t Believe in the “Just Let Them Be” Philosophy
There’s a popular parenting phrase often passed around in well-meaning circles: “Just let them be.” It’s based on the idea that children will grow, learn, and sort things out on their own if we simply give them space. While I understand the intention behind this, I don’t fully subscribe to it—especially when it comes to…
-
Feeling Helpless: The Silent Struggle of a Protective Mother
There are days when the weight of motherhood feels like it’s pressing down from all sides—days when I feel utterly helpless. Not because I don’t love my children or lack the desire to be everything they need. But because I do. Too much, sometimes. I find myself caught in a loop of wanting to protect…
-
How to Navigate Differences in Parenting Styles—GracefullyWhen family members step in to help, but the approaches don’t always align
Having family visit is a beautiful blessing for many of us raising young children. Their help, warmth, and bond with our kids are priceless. But it’s also true that when parenting styles differ, it can sometimes create a quiet tension, even when intentions are good on all sides. While we deeply respect each other’s way…
-
The Art of Self-Control and Thoughtfulness with Children
More often than not, I find myself trailing behind my own thoughts when interacting with my child. It’s a familiar pattern: she is engrossed in a task — perhaps playing quietly, building something, or simply exploring — and yet, driven by the buzzing list of “pending” tasks in my own mind, I interrupt.“Time for a…
-
Comparison in Kids: A Personal Reflection
Recently, I took my 3.5-year-old daughter to her swimming class, along with a friend of hers who’s around the same age. As the class began, I couldn’t help but notice that her friend was completely at ease in the water—splashing around fearlessly, listening to the instructor, and picking up swimming skills quite effortlessly. Meanwhile, my…
-
Handling Your Toddler When They Hit You: Understanding and Responding with Compassion
If you’ve ever had your toddler hit you—whether with a tiny slap or an angry shove—you’re not alone. It’s a jarring experience, but it’s also a very normal part of early childhood development. Toddlers are still learning how to handle big emotions, and sometimes their little bodies react faster than their words or understanding can…
-
Preschool as a First-Time Mom: A Week of Tears, Growth, and Letting Go
I thought I was ready.We had talked about school for weeks, packed her bag together, and practiced our goodbye routine. My toddler was excited—until the first day came. She cried.Clung to me.Refused to go in. And suddenly, my heart felt like it was breaking. The First Week: Sitting Just Outside Those first few days were…
-
Comparison in Cousins: Learning to Let Go of the Pressure
The first time I felt it, I brushed it off. “She’s already talking in full sentences? That’s great!” I said, smiling. But when I turned away, I couldn’t help but glance at my own toddler—still mastering a few words, still needing me to understand their world through gestures and sounds. I told myself it didn’t…
-
Making Peace with My Partner’s Limited Availability as a Parent
Motherhood has taught me many things—patience, resilience, and most importantly, the art of letting go. When I imagined raising children, I pictured my partner and me navigating parenthood together, equally sharing the joys and burdens. But reality looks a little different. His job demands long hours, leaving much of the parenting load on me. There…
-
How I Custom Designed My Toddler’s Summer Timetable Using ChatGPT
As a working mom, summer break can be both exciting and overwhelming. Keeping a toddler engaged, active, and learning while balancing work and daily chores is no easy feat. This year, I decided to take a different approach—I used ChatGPT to help me design a custom summer timetable for my little one, and it turned…
Mom On The Rise 