Parenting is not an easy phase and when both the parents are working or have an aspiration to fulfill, it becomes more challenging.
Working mothers have a different story to tell.
Since ages, mothers have been seen as the caretakers of the babies. With better education opportunities have opened up for women and many are seen walking out of the shackles and taking up new challenges.
These women are not just breaking years of stereotypes and wrong beliefs, they are also setting an example for other women out there and for the coming generation that capability and hardwork do not favour any gender.
We at ETimes spoke to Priya Sathya, an entrepreneur and the winner of a beauty pageant Mrs India Universe 2021, on how she handles parenthood and what she thinks the present generation parents should focus on:
ETimes: Does parenting include sacrificing one's own dream?
Priya: Parenting involves a lot of commitment and dedication to raise responsible individuals but according to me, it in no way means sacrificing our dreams. I am a successful entrepreneur who is involved in sending students abroad to study and has a work schedule which is rather irregular and involves a lot of international travel. Most of the time we do travel together as I firmly believe that traveling is one’s best teacher and my nine-year-old daughter understands my priorities and supports me totally.
I feel kids' involvement is the key. Keeping them in discussions, treating them as a friend and talking to them about dreams, makes it easier for parents. They understand better than adults.
ETimes: How do you balance your ambition along with helping your kids achieve their dream?
Priya: Although not an easy task, I prioritise my day to day activities which involves taking care of her needs ( food, school- involves a lot of activities, taking care of our tight work schedule , as well as making time for a “ me time”. As a mother, I have made sure I shower my little one with utmost love, I never make her feel as though her interests are a burden on my schedule ( which a lot of us unintentionally perhaps showcase ).
ETimes: What are the three essential things that you think every parent should definitely teach their kid?
Priya: 'Empathy' is a big one, this not only helps us achieve our dreams but also helps us raise global citizens who understand another person’s point of view. 'Self-reliance, help them be proactive, use their own intellect, wisdom and learning so that their dependence on others reduces. 'Adaptability,' they need to be taught that 'Change' cannot be prevented , hence not resisted. COVID online classes have been a great teacher anyway, but they also need to learn to adapt when parental situations change as was the case with my pageant, which needed a lot of my attention and time.
ETimes: What are the things that you consider obsolete and parents should stop imposing on their kids?
Priya: Following the crowd according to me is a sin. Each individual is unique and possesses their own special attributes. Parents should stop comparing their little ones with other kids and pressure them to do well in the so-called “Success definition that the world has framed"… Encourage your kids to be Abnormally Normal (not normal as per what society’s definition).
ETimes: How do you teach gender neutrality to your kid?
Priya: This is an extremely important issue, and I’m extremely natural and neutral when I talk about different types of people with my little one. She has been taught to treat them the same, she knows we are all born the same way and that there should be no discrimination no matter what.
ETimes: What is that one thing winning the beauty pageant has taught you and that has helped you as a mother?
Priya: The Mrs India Universe Pageant held over 8 days in Goa involved more than 18 hours of tasks of different sorts, a few of which were completely outside my comfort zone such as Stand Up comedy. This has taught me to go on , irrespective of how difficult things get, a never give-up attitude and being positive at all times is crucial, and the same attitude will help me as a mother.
ETimes: Are grades important for a child? What would you say as a mother?
Priya: Grades in assessments are just a tool to understand what our kids are good at, and not so good at. I definitely try to help her in areas that are not her forte but there is no reason to force kids to excel in areas that are perhaps not what they are interested in. My mantra to her is “ Give it your best, no matter what you do- Don’t worry about the results." I’m a strong believer of the Bhagawad Gita: “Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma Phaleshu Kadachana"
Also Read: Seven acts of kindness to teach your child
ETimes: Is social media relevant for kids?
Priya: Social media is relevant in today’s world and that’s the truth whether we like it or not. I’m sure as time passes, we will only have more kinds of media coming into picture, however, what’s not relevant is the social pressure this creates. I talk to my child about how my certain posts are popular, while others which according to me are awesome, people don’t respond to. She has also been taught comments and opinions should not affect her in any way. Although only humans feel disappointed when people don’t react responsibly on social media, she knows that it should not hamper her personality in any way. She has been taught to be proud of herself as long as she knows that she has given her best and should not have any social media pressure to outperform her peers. She is also aware that thanks to Artificial Intelligence, not everything out there over the internet is a fact, she needs to recognise what and how much to take from social media.
Also Read: Too many tantrums? You might be making these parenting mistakes
