Parenting has long been a silent race; a competition to raise the smartest, best-behaved, and most talented child. As kids, we never noticed it. But now, as adults stepping into parenthood, we begin to see the weight of that unspoken pressure. The pressure of raising a "well-rounded" child often brings along guilt, stress, and exhaustion.
You see other parents organising playdates, throwing lavish birthday parties, or celebrating every little milestone. And then there's the pressure to pick the best school, serve only organic food, and do it all with a smile for social media.
advertisement
What begins as an exciting journey quickly turns into emotional, mental, and physical fatigue, often leaving you irritated. And in the process, what suffers most is the bond between you and your child. When you focus so much on making everything perfect, you miss the essence of parenting itself.
That's why more young parents today are turning to mindful parenting, an approach that replaces pressure with presence, and perfection with connection.
So, what is it?
As the name suggests, mindful parenting stems from the idea of mindfulness, being present in the moment and aware of your feelings without judging them.
Dr Divya Shree K R, consultant, psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengalur
Continue Reading on India Today
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.