Parenthoot with Neha

For the golden-jubilee episode of Parenthoot with Neha, we sit down with the legendary children’s author Paro Anand—writer, educator, parent, and grandparent—to explore how stories shape families across generations. From the early days of raising two dramatically different children (“I had a daughter and a mosquito”) to the tender chaos of becoming a grandparent during the lockdown, Paro opens her heart about truth, empathy, and the everyday courage of parenting.

In the episode, she reads aloud from her story Wingless (the bonus you didn't ask for!) and shows how storytelling can teach justice, compassion, and humor in equal measure. She also reflects on writing books like No Guns at My Son’s Funeral, Like Smoke, Being Gandhi and Babies in My Heart, and on her work with children in conflict zones.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

• For parents & grandparents: learn to balance love, honesty, and boundaries across generations.
• For educators & storytellers: discover how literature can dismantle prejudice and spark courage in children.
• For readers & dreamers: hear how Paro’s belief in books as “empathy machines” can re-enchant your family’s reading time.
• For everyone: celebrate fifty episodes of Parenthoot with Neha—a space where stories of parenting become stories of humanity.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

1. Model what you teach. Children learn inclusion, honesty, and empathy by watching you live them.
2. Tell the truth, even when it’s hard. Hiding pain or injustice teaches fear; naming it teaches courage.
3. Honour boredom. Unstructured time is where imagination—and stories—are born.
4. Turn information into knowledge. Guide kids to question online content and form their own values.
5. Keep reading visible. Leave books everywhere; read your child’s books; let them see you read.
6. Loosen control. Let children choose their own stories, even “too-old” or “too-young” ones. Discovery matters more than direction.
7. Bridge generations. Grandparents’ wisdom and parents’ new-age methods can coexist. Bend rules gently, share laughter lavishly.
8. Use stories for empathy. Whether through Wingless or Being Gandhi, stories open hearts where lectures fail.
9. Value everyday heroism. Courage isn’t only in revolutions; it’s in showing up, speaking up, and reading together.
10. Celebrate creative inheritance. Let children and grandchildren see that storytelling—and kindness—run in the family.

📚 Resources & References

Books by Paro Anand:

• No Guns at My Son’s Funeral (India Ink/Roli Books)
• Like Smoke: 20 Teens, 20 Stories (Penguin India)
• Being Gandhi (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
• Babies in My Heart (Red Quill Books)
• Wingless: A Fairly Weird Fairy Tale
• I’m Not Butter Chicken, You Can’t Order Me
• Dil Mein Baccha Hai Ji / Babies in My Heart (Hindi edition)

Mentioned Authors / Books: Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling), Born Free by Joy Adamson, Gerald Durrell’s wildlife books, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne.

Initiatives: National Centre for Children’s Literature (NBT India); school-based reading programs; Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Paro Anand is one of India’s most beloved writers for children and young adults. Her award-winning work—including the Sahitya Akademi Bal Puraskar for Wild Child/Like Smoke—fearlessly addresses identity, conflict, and empathy. Beyond her books, she has built readers’ clubs and rural libraries, performed storytelling worldwide, and continues to mentor young writers. Today, she writes and grand-parents with equal gusto—happily living up to her self-given title, The Never Grumpy Granny.

Follow Paro: https://www.instagram.com/paroanand

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In this episode, we sit down with Arushi Chopra, a California-based consultant and mother to 17-month-old Vani. The conversation unfolds as an honest exploration of how mindful, respectful parenting can reshape family dynamics and parental identity. Arushi shares her journey from being an information-hungry first-time mom to discovering the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy — a framework that transformed her understanding of what it means to raise a child as a “whole, capable person.”

The discussion traces her evolution from the anxiety of early motherhood to an intentional, partnership-driven model of parenting with her husband, Alankrit. From solo parenting weeks while balancing full-time work, to creating family rituals like their new “Annual Family Day,” Arushi opens up about the messy, beautiful realities behind parenting abroad without extended family support. The episode blends philosophy with lived experience — showing how slowing down, observing, and communicating with infants can nurture not only confident children but also calmer, more self-aware parents.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt torn between “doing it all” and “being present,” this episode will ground you. Arushi’s reflections offer a refreshingly unfiltered take on modern motherhood:

• Learn how RIE’s respectful parenting principles (founded by Magda Gerber) can be applied at home to cultivate independence and mutual respect from infancy.
• Understand what it means to parent as equals, sharing responsibilities, emotions, and learning curves with your partner.
• Hear candid insights on solo parenting, emotional regulation, and redefining support systems as an immigrant parent.
• Discover how being seen and heard are not only your child’s needs — but yours too.

This episode is especially resonant for working parents, cross-cultural families, and anyone seeking to break free from inherited parenting scripts.

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Start communicating early: Narrate what you’re doing with your baby, even during diaper changes or meals. It builds trust and language awareness.
• Slow down caregiving: Allow your child to participate — raising their leg for a diaper change or choosing between two outfits are early steps in autonomy.
• Respect boundaries: Avoid asking questions if you can’t accept “no.” Model emotional regulation instead of control.
• Build rituals of connection: Whether it’s a Saturday brunch or a “Family Day,” consistent shared experiences strengthen partnership and family identity.
• Redefine the village: Seek support through other parents, classes, and friendships — especially when extended family isn’t around.
• Prioritize self-regulation: Your calm is your child’s calm. Pause before reacting; presence outweighs perfection.

Resources and References

• RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers) – www.rie.org
• Magda Gerber, Your Self-Confident Baby
• Janet Lansbury, RIE educator and author – www.janetlansbury.com
• Montessori philosophy – The Montessori Foundation

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Arushi Chopra is a management consultant and first-time mother based in California. Originally from Delhi, she’s passionate about conscious parenting, cross-cultural identity, and building family rituals that honor both individuality and connection. A practitioner of the RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy, she advocates for raising emotionally aware, self-directed children through mutual respect and presence. Arushi’s reflections have resonated with parents seeking authenticity and balance in modern family life.

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In this episode, we sit down with Japleen Pasricha, founder of Feminism in India, mother, and changemaker, for an unfiltered conversation on the emotional, physical, and social shifts that come with motherhood. Across this deeply honest discussion, Japleen opens up about the postpartum fog, the loneliness of hospital rooms, the constant negotiation between identity and caregiving, and the quiet rebellions that shape feminist parenting.

The episode flows through her birth story, postpartum recovery, body image healing, and her evolving partnership as a parent. Japleen talks about the invisible mental load that mothers carry and how modern motherhood often feels like “performing care while hiding exhaustion.” Together, Neha and Japleen explore how feminist values can live inside everyday parenting—through small acts like teaching consent to toddlers, setting boundaries, or challenging the myth of the “perfect mom.”

🌟 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing motherhood right,” this episode will remind you that there’s no single way to mother well—only your own, honest way.

You’ll hear:

• A feminist’s take on redefining motherhood beyond guilt and perfectionism.
• Honest talk about body image and self-acceptance after childbirth.
• Real examples of raising children with respect, empathy, and consent.
• How partners can share emotional labor and show up as equals.
• Why letting go of control (and embracing a little mess) can be freeing for both parent and child.

Japleen’s warmth and humor make the hard parts of parenting relatable and the hopeful parts achievable.

Notable Quotes from Japleen

• “They keep you out for observation, but no one observes your loneliness.”
• “Motherhood teaches you patience—one meltdown at a time.”
• “My daughter kissed my thighs where I saw cellulite. That was the day I stopped saying yuck to myself.”
• “You know who cares about perfect parenting? Instagram.”
• “Babies are resilient. We’re the ones who need to learn kindness—for ourselves.”
• “It’s not the baby—it’s your partner. If you’re not a team, parenting will break you before it builds you.”

Resources and References

• Feminism in India (FII): Japleen’s digital platform exploring gender equality, feminist parenting, and inclusive conversations.
• “The Mental Load: A Feminist Comic” by Emma — on invisible domestic labor.
• Postpartum Support International — for resources on postpartum depression and anxiety.

🧘‍♀️About the Guest

Japleen Pasricha is a changemaker, educator, and founder of Feminism in India, a platform amplifying marginalized voices and advancing gender discourse in South Asia. She has received global recognition for her advocacy, including features in BBC 100 Women and Forbes India’s 30 Under 30, and has won many awards including Laadli and WSA Young Innovator.

Beyond her professional identity, Japleen is a mother learning, unlearning, and redefining what feminist parenting looks like in real life—messy, mindful, and deeply human.

Connect with Japleen:

• Instagram: @japleenpasricha
• Twitter/X: @japna_p
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/japleen-pasricha-8864b348/

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

In this warm and insightful Parenthoot Spotlight episode, we sit down with JoAnne Saldanha, known fondly as Myth Aunty — an educator, storyteller, and children’s literature advocate whose mission is to bring myths, legends, and stories alive for children and parents alike.

JoAnne speaks about reading not as a skill but as an act of connection — between parent and child, story and self. She shares her deep belief that stories shape empathy, confidence, and imagination, and that the most powerful thing a parent can do is simply start reading aloud.

JoAnne also unpacks what happens when we let go of “right” and “wrong” ways to read, how children’s questions (even the wild ones) reveal comprehension, and why storytelling in your mother tongue anchors cultural identity. Her reflections on contemporary children’s books, Indian publishers, and the joy of finding stories that “click” will leave listeners inspired to rediscover the magic on their own bookshelves.

Why You Should Listen

• For parents discovering the joy of reading aloud. JoAnne demystifies storytelling and reminds us that children love our voices more than perfect pronunciation.
• For educators and book lovers. Her insights on children’s comprehension, story connection, and visual learning will transform how you view literature.
• For anyone overwhelmed by “reading lists.” JoAnne helps you trust your instincts, read what resonates, and avoid comparison-driven choices.
• For cultural connection. She celebrates the power of myths, folk tales, and mother-tongue storytelling as bridges between generations.
• For perspective and laughter. From poking fun at SEO-driven content to heartfelt reflections on storytelling’s rewards, this episode balances humour with wisdom.

Resources and References

Children’s Books Mentioned

• The Tiger Who Came to Tea — Judith Kerr
• Where the Wild Things Are — Maurice Sendak
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt — Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
• The Gruffalo — Julia Donaldson
• The Dot — Peter H. Reynolds
• Gajapati Kulapati series — Ashok Rajagopalan

Recommended Indian Publishers and Platforms

• Pratham Books — Affordable multilingual stories rooted in Indian contexts.
• StoryWeaver — Free, open-access platform by Pratham Books.
• Tulika Publishers — Pioneers in bilingual and multicultural children’s books. (https://www.tulikabooks.com)
• Duckbill Books — Engaging Indian fiction for middle-grade readers. (https://www.penguin.co.in/community/about-us/publishing-divisions/childrens-publishing-2/duckbill/)
• Puffin India — Classic and contemporary titles for all ages. (https://www.penguin.co.in/community/about-us/publishing-divisions/childrens-publishing-2/puffin/)
• Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival — India’s premier celebration of children’s books and authors.(https://www.instagram.com/bookaroolitfest)

Themes and Takeaways

• Storytelling is connection, not performance.
• Reading in your mother tongue deepens identity and emotion.
• Respect children as readers — they deserve quality, not shortcuts.
• Let curiosity guide book choices instead of trends.
• Comprehension is creativity — even “off-topic” questions are insight.
• Reading aloud builds empathy, vocabulary, and memory.
• Joy is the benchmark — if both reader and listener enjoy it, it’s the right book.

Follow The Myth Aunty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythaunty and discover more about her storytelling sessions, book recommendations, and resources for families and educators.

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In this candid and layered conversation, we speak with Sukanya Venkatraghavan — author of Dark Things, practicing astrologer, and mother to Katha. Known for her imaginative writing and deep introspection, Sukanya opens up about her journey through adoption, motherhood, self-discovery, and creative identity.

The episode moves fluidly between the personal and the philosophical: from the myths surrounding adoption to the small, tender, and hilarious moments that define parenting. Sukanya reflects on how becoming a mother in her 40s and being diagnosed with ADHD reframed her understanding of balance, rest, and self-worth. Through humour, vulnerability, and sharp insight, she reveals how parenting can be both a mirror and a magnifier—forcing us to grow, soften, and laugh at the absurdities along the way.

She also discusses her spiritual path — from tarot to astrology — and how both motherhood and astrology arrived together, transforming her purpose. Whether she’s talking about a toddler meltdown over a biscuit or explaining the beauty of “using her child to bring wonder back into her life,” Sukanya offers something universal: the recognition that no one truly has parenting figured out, and that’s perfectly okay.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

• If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by parenting or questioned your instincts, Sukanya’s honesty and humour will feel like exhale.
• Her take on adoption dismantles stigma and reframes it through empathy and instinct rather than anxiety or guilt.
• Her discussion on mental health, ADHD, and perimenopause offers comfort and validation for older or neurodivergent parents.
• Her reflections on rest as rebellion invite listeners to rethink the generational scripts around motherhood and self-sacrifice.
• This episode beautifully intersects creativity, spirituality, and parenting — showing how identity evolves when life takes an unexpected but meaningful turn.

Notable Quotes from Sukanya

• “He gets the good bits. I get the spiky bits of parenting.”
• “Terrible twos has got the bad rap. A three-year-old is just a two-year-old with job experience.”
• “You don’t have to earn your rest. I love that my child can see me rest.”
• “It’s a deliberate act of rebellion — breaking the generational pattern of tired mothers.”
• “I very cleverly use my child to bring wonder back into my life.”
• “You’re only as old as your child when it comes to parenting.”
• “I’m a student of astrology, and I’m a student of motherhood.”
• “Kindness above all else — and don’t forget to laugh about something every day.”

🧘‍♀️ About the Guest

Sukanya Venkatraghavan is a storyteller. Formerly the entertainment editor at Marie Claire and a journalist with The Times of India, she has built a literary career rooted in the mystical and mythological. Today, she divides her time between astrology, tarot, writing, and motherhood. Sukanya speaks with unflinching candor about neurodivergence, womanhood, and the fluid meaning of identity — whether as a creator, partner, or parent.

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zooku

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between

In this powerful episode, legal scholar, feminist thinker, and writer Sameena Dalwai joins host Neha for a deeply engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking conversation about love, partnership, adoption, and parenting beyond social scripts. Drawing from her lived experiences as a professor, activist, mother of two daughters (one biological, one adopted), and partner in an egalitarian marriage, Sameena brings rare candour and warmth to the complexities of raising children in modern India.

In this conversation, Sameena narrates her unconventional journey — from an impulsive three-month courtship and minimalist wedding to adopting her younger daughter, navigating identity, and balancing activism with motherhood. Her reflections dismantle the romantic myths of love and marriage, question gendered expectations, and celebrate the joyful chaos of authentic parenting. The episode is as much about personal freedom as it is about empathy, equality, and humour in family life.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

• To hear a feminist perspective on parenting that integrates ideology with affection, discipline with laughter, and activism with daily life.
• To understand adoption through love rather than charity, as Sameena normalizes it with grace and practicality.
• To discover how egalitarian partnership and co-parenting actually look in practice — with wit, occasional chaos, and deep mutual respect.
• To learn why “selfless love” doesn’t work, and why parents must retain a sense of self to model integrity and independence for their children.
• To enjoy the rare blend of intellect and humour that makes tough questions feel human, hopeful, and deeply relatable.

Notable Quotes from Sameena

• “Marriage is not connected to love. You marry to share rent, to take out the garbage, to manage logistics.”
• “We must have chemistry and politics — both subjects must match.”
• “Some babies come from mothers’ tummies. Some come from Nagaland. So, these are two types.”
• “They are the kings, little children. We should earn their smiles.”
• “Selfless love does not work. Because if you let go of yourself, there is nothing to actually love.”

🔗 Resources & References

Sameena's Books:

• Bans & Bar Girls: https://www.amazon.in/Bans-Bar-Girls-Performing-Mumbais/dp/9385606247/
• Forthcoming book: Love Jihad and Other Stories of Desire and Politics

Sameena on Social Media

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameena-dalwai-20546933/
• X/ Twitter: https://x.com/sameenadalwai

Sameena's Podcast:

• Cultural Crossroads: https://open.spotify.com/show/6C6rOhLtEUALydd6qIAIeN?si=560f08f156f7405e

On feminist parenting and equality:

• All About Love by bell hooks
• The Second Shift by Arlie Hochschild
• The Mother of All Questions by Rebecca Solnit

🧘‍♀️ About the Guest

Sameena Dalwai is an Associate Professor of Law and feminist scholar whose work bridges academia and activism. With over two decades of experience in legal education and social justice work, she writes on gender, love, marriage, and minority rights in India. Her upcoming book explores the intersection of politics and intimacy.Sameena is also a mother of two daughters, a partner in a deeply egalitarian marriage, and a podcaster herself. She brings humor, intellectual rigor, and compassion to public discourse, making her a voice of contemporary feminism rooted in everyday life.Follow Sameena’s writings and talks on academic platforms and public forums related to gender, law, and culture.

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

In this deeply reflective episode, we sit down with Sharadha Ramakrishnan — parent, professional, and advocate for embracing imperfection in parenting. Across this honest and often humorous conversation, Sharadha shares how becoming a mother reshaped her views on success, patience, and self-worth.

From navigating neurodivergence and societal expectations to finding moments of joy and stillness, Sharadha’s story is both personal and universal. She opens up about the evolving rhythms of family life — how parenting has forced her to slow down, give herself grace, and embrace delayed gratification. Through laughter, vulnerability, and insight, this episode reminds every parent that growth often hides behind the quiet, unglamorous moments of everyday care.

🌟 Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not “doing enough” as a parent, or struggled to reconcile your pre-parent self with who you’ve become, this episode will meet you where you are.

• Learn how Sharadha reframed self-care as a necessity, not a luxury.
• Discover why “delayed gratification” is the truest teacher of patience in parenting.
• Explore how parenting a neurodivergent child shifted her perspective on achievement and empathy.
• Hear honest reflections about societal expectations, invisible labor, and the myth of “balance.”

Notable Quotes from Sharadha

1. “Nothing can teach you what delayed gratification means more than parenting can. Especially when you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, there is only delayed gratification.”
2. “Children are very forgiving and resilient. Your bad moments are worse in your head than in theirs.”
3. “Give yourself more grace. The reason I had this bad moment is because I was pushed beyond my bandwidth.”
4. “Blindly following advice because someone else did it has backfired for me. Every family is different.”
5. “Each one of us is doing our best at any point in time — and that’s worth celebrating.”

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Interpret advice, don’t imitate it. Parenting wisdom is situational. What worked for someone else may not fit your family.
• Redefine “me-time.” Self-care doesn’t need to be extravagant; it can be a quiet book, a short workout, or simply solitude after bedtime.
• Model forgiveness. Children learn emotional regulation from watching how you recover, not from your perfection.
• Accept delayed results. Growth in children (and yourself) takes time. Parenting is an investment in the long arc of development.

🔗 Resources & References

• The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary — on mindful parenting and breaking generational patterns.
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle — on self-trust, identity, and letting go of perfection.
• NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman — for deeper understanding of neurodiversity.

🧘‍♀️ About the Guest

Sharadha Ramakrishnan is a parent, professional, and advocate for mindful living. Balancing her corporate role with motherhood, she brings a candid, nuanced voice to the conversation around parenting and identity. Her reflections on parenting a neurodivergent child — from guilt to grace — invite listeners to challenge societal expectations and redefine what “good parenting” means.Sharadha believes that the most transformative moments in parenthood come not from control or perfection, but from presence, patience, and empathy — for oneself and one’s child.

Connect with Sharadha on Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

In this inspiring and heartwarming special, we shine the Parenthoot Spotlight on Sonam Samat, founder of Flavour Lab, a pioneering initiative bringing food literacy and cooking education into schools and families. In this conversation, Sonam shares why she believes “children will eat the food if they make it themselves,” how cooking can nurture healthier habits, and why food education deserves the same dignity as math or science.

From rainbow wraps and smoothie bowls to food label sleuthing with magnifying glasses, Sonam brings learning alive with hands-on creativity. Along the way, she tackles topics that matter deeply to parents: picky eaters, gender equity in the kitchen, sustainable food choices, parenting hacks, and how involving kids in food preparation creates lasting impact.

Whether you’re a parent looking for practical ideas, an educator curious about food literacy, or someone who just loves hearing about change-makers raising the next generation of mindful eaters, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and wit.

Why You Should Listen:

• Learn how kids eat better when they cook and how this simple truth can transform mealtime struggles.
• Discover fun, practical ways to teach children about nutrition—from decoding food labels to “eating the rainbow.”
• Hear how Flavour Lab is reimagining food literacy for schools, making it as essential as any academic subject.
• Gain parenting wisdom—from Sonam’s bedtime story hack to turning kitchen disasters into smoothies!
• Get inspired by Sonam’s vision of a world where food education is universal, accessible, and joyful.

Quotable Quotes:

• "I say I'm on day zero of a 30-year journey. And I think it's a good quality to have where every time someone asks you what impact have you seen, you always remember what impact lies ahead of you."
• "A lot of times when you ask kids these days, where does food come from? They say, well, it comes from the phone because you're ordering it and then it gets delivered. No, food grows in the soil."
• "Cooking has for the longest time been a woman’s job… I love that our daughter sees my husband cooking more than me. He’s actually a better cook, even if I’m the one that went to culinary school."
• "If you have a very dense cake and you blend it up with milk, it is a very indulgent, creamy smoothie… not so good as a cake, but really yummy as a smoothie."

About the Guest:

Sonam Samat is the founder of Flavour Lab, a movement to integrate food literacy and hands-on cooking into schools across India. A culinary school graduate, entrepreneur, and passionate parent, Sonam believes food is not just about recipes but about connection, values, and change. Her workshops blend creativity, science, sustainability, and fun—whether kids are building rainbow wraps, investigating ingredient labels, or learning about where food really comes from.

At home, Sonam tests recipes with her daughter and neighbours, advocates for gender equity in the kitchen, and champions bedtime storytelling as a parenting ritual. She describes her work as “day zero of a 30-year journey”—raising children and raising change.

Resources & References:

• Flavor Lab – Learn more about Sonam’s initiative bringing food literacy into schools: https://www.instagram.com/flavour_lab.in
• The Whole Truth Foods – Workshops on food label reading: https://thewholetruthfoods.com

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In this candid, heartwarming, and often humorous episode of Parenthoot with Neha, activist and animal welfare champion  Ayesha Christina Benn opens up about the messy, magical chaos of raising twin daughters while caring for eleven dogs — all alongside running community projects and fighting systemic battles.

From teaching her girls that crying is okay, to setting boundaries as a working mother, to seeing her late dog Lufi as her role model, Ayesha shares her raw, unfiltered reflections on parenting, selfhood, and the importance of honest communication. She reminds us that parenting doesn’t have to mean perfection — it’s about coping, laughing, and creating a safe space where children learn to navigate life authentically.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

• If you’re a parent juggling kids, work, and a “full house,” you’ll find Ayesha’s blend of candour and humor deeply relatable.
• You’ll hear refreshing takes on me-time, boundaries, body positivity, and how to model honesty in everyday family life.
• Her stories — from Ladakh’s cliffs with her fearless dog to bath-time lessons on body acceptance — will move you, make you smile, and maybe even shift how you see your own parenting journey.
• For anyone struggling with guilt, anger, or the pressure to “do it all,” Ayesha’s insights will remind you: you are not alone.

💬 Notable Quotes from Ayesha

• “Me time is no less important than all the other things that I have… the other me time is making sure that I go and get to pet all my 11 dogs.”
• “If you ask me, who do you aspire to be? … It would be my dog.”
• “Crying is not a bad thing… if you’re feeling sad or upset or hurt or angry then crying is okay.”
• “Sometimes accepting your faults in front of your kids really works.”
• “They told me the other day — ‘Mama, we’re friends.’”
• “I bathe with both my girls… and that has been a lesson for me as well as them in body positivity.”
• “What is more important than your body? There is nothing in the world that is more important than your body.”
• “I can be a mother, and I can still say… Mama is not available from two to five.”
• “At the end of it all… it’s one nice, mazedaar, khatta-meetha bhel puri chaat."

👩‍🦰 About the Guest

Ayesha Christina Benn is an activist, educator, and animal welfare advocate who has spent years challenging systemic neglect, raising awareness about humane living, and building grassroots projects. She is also a devoted mother of twin girls and caregiver to a large family of rescue dogs. With humour, grit, and honesty, she navigates the intersections of motherhood, social impact, and personal growth.

You can follow more of her work here:

• Neighbourhood Woof on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynwoof
• Neighbourhood Woof on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Neighbourhoodwoof/
• Ayesha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ack20
• Ayesha on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayesha.kant

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From infertility struggles to redefining self-care, Alisha Purandare shares raw, witty, and deeply relatable truths about modern motherhood.

In this episode, we sit down with Alisha Purandare—an unapologetic champion of keeping motherhood real. Across our conversation, we explore the messy, funny, and deeply human side of parenting. From infertility struggles to embracing the “old stained gray t-shirt,” Alisha opens up about self-compassion, redefining self-care, and finding moments of joy in the midst of laundry, milestones, and chaos.

We talk about the quiet power of patience, the hidden labor behind polished Instagram moments, and why kindness should start with the voice inside your own head. Whether you’re a parent, future parent, or simply curious about the unfiltered realities of raising humans, this episode will make you feel seen, understood, and maybe even a little lighter.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

• Relatable honesty: Hear real stories that dismantle the myth of the “perfect mom.”
• Emotional insight: Learn how infertility shaped Alisha’s outlook on parenting and life.
• Practical inspiration: Discover small acts of self-care that can make a big emotional difference.
• Gentle wisdom: Understand why measuring your child’s progress should never be a race.
• Humour in the chaos: Laugh along at the absurdity and beauty of daily mom life.

💬 Notable Quotes from Alisha

• "I’m a complete couch potato… but if buying a dress and going for lunch makes me feel alive, that’s my cardio."
• "Kindness is not just for the world—it’s for the voice in your own head too."
• "We’re so quick to measure children against milestones… but maybe the real milestone is us learning to wait without panic."
• "Infertility is not a moral failing. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about accepting that biology and timing have their own plans."
• "People see the lipstick and the new dress; they don’t see the highchair I just wiped or the wet diapers I’ve changed."
• "Sometimes joy is just being okay with wearing the old stained gray t-shirt… with two holes in the back."

🛠️ Practical Takeaways for Listeners

• Redefine self-care: It doesn’t have to be spa days—sometimes it’s brushing your hair or wearing lipstick.
• Be kind inwardly: The tone you use with yourself shapes your emotional resilience.
• Slow down on milestones: Your child’s pace is their own; your job is to guide, not pressure.
• Name the invisible work: Acknowledge your hidden labor—it matters even if it’s unseen.
• Release perfectionism: Comfort, authenticity, and connection trump curated appearances.

👩🏽‍🎨 About the Guest

Alisha Purandare is a mother, storyteller, and fierce advocate for authenticity in parenting. Her candid reflections on motherhood—rooted in personal experience with infertility, self-discovery, and the daily grind of parenting—resonate deeply with anyone navigating the unpredictable terrain of raising children. Alisha brings humor, compassion, and a deep sense of honesty to every conversation, reminding us that parenting is not about perfection, but about connection.

Follow Alisha: https://www.instagram.com/joyful_soup, https://www.instagram.com/twopurplelines

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🔔 Review & Subscribe:If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family!

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/
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💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.