journey So Far..!!
Everyone has a story, but mine isn’t just about parenting—it’s about observation, experience, and experimentation. I’ve learned from 19 different parenting approaches, not just by reading about them but by living and experiencing them firsthand.
A Secret Untold: A Lifetime of Understanding
I am going to start with something personal—something I’ve never shared with anyone, not even my mom, sister, or husband. (And trust me, my husband loves and trusts me with blind faith—lucky me! But that’s a story for another time, and I promise, I won’t bore you.)
Before I reveal my secret, let me take you back to my childhood. I was a bit of a troublemaker—the kind who threw tantrums and battled insecurities. I often compared my parents to others, wondering why I sometimes felt unsatisfied when my friends seemed perfectly content with theirs. That curiosity led me to observe how different parents reacted to the same situations my friends and I faced.
Over time, I became so attuned to my parents’ responses that I could almost predict their reactions to anything. And as the years passed, understanding them became second nature. It made it easier to connect with them, to please them—because I had learned to see things through their eyes.
Fast forward to today, I realize that my upbringing shaped the way I see parenting. I was raised in a big, close-knit family—three aunts, Fast forward to today, and I realize that my upbringing has played a significant role in shaping the way I see parenting. I was raised in a big, close-knit family—three aunts, three uncles, and a total of 17 cousins (wow, never counted them that way before!). Out of those, 10 of us were of similar age, which meant we were exposed to six different parenting styles within our family alone.
Add to that my grandmother’s influence and the two close friends whose parents treated me as their own, and by the time I turned 28, I had been deeply influenced by nine unique parenting styles. I spent years closely observing them—sometimes cherishing the lessons they offered, other times envying the dynamics I wished I had. And then, I got married—the life-changing event, right? Well, for me, with the ever-curious thinking cap I had on, it became another opportunity to observe and understand a new parenting style.
My in-laws opened my eyes to a completely different—yet equally positive—approach to raising children. Their way of parenting was unlike what I had experienced before, and it broadened my perspective in ways I never expected. Through my in-law’s, I was introduced to nearly 10 more unique parenting styles. Making me realize just how many different ways there are to nurture, guide, and shape a child’s world. Being exposed to almost 19 different parenting approaches through my personal experiences and close observations, I naturally started picking up the best aspects of each and experimenting with my own version of practical parenting.
Now, as a working mom of two—an infant and a toddler—I find myself facing the similar challenges every parent does. Kids throw tantrums, they need reassurance, and they seek comfort in ways that can sometimes leave us feeling exhausted and uncertain.
But here’s where my secret comes in…
As I shared earlier, I was once that tantrum-throwing, insecure child—a part of me that still lingers in my memories. Through those reflections, I’ve come to understand what I truly needed in those moments. So now, when my kids act out, I respond in the way I once longed for, and to my surprise, it works! Even more fascinating? I’ve tried it with my friends’ kids, and it worked for them too.
One thing I think you would agree with is: Every child wants to be understood. They want you to recognize their needs, their emotions, and their struggles. And the moment you start speaking their language, something magical happens—it becomes easier for them to connect with you.
Over time, they’ll begin to trust you, not just as their parent, but as their safe space, their confidant, their first best friend. They’ll share their secrets with you before anyone else. And let me tell you, that is a relief—because knowing what’s on their little, ever-curious minds helps us guide them better.
I hope that by sharing my experiences, you find ways to relax more, stress less, and truly enjoy your family time. Every child is unique, which means every connection will be different. But trust the process, be patient, and soon, you’ll cherish a bond stronger than you ever imagined!