Parenthoot with Neha

In this episode, we sit down with Saurin Parikh—a creative, chilled-out dad navigating the nuanced world of co-parenting with empathy, honesty, and a healthy dose of humour.

Saurin opens up about raising his teenage son, Hridansh, while maintaining a deeply respectful and collaborative co-parenting bond with his ex-wife Hiral. From the early days of telling their son about their separation to jointly deciding on academic streams and discussing dating and emotions—Saurin's approach to fatherhood is refreshingly modern and emotionally attuned.

🎯 Why You Should Listen:

• A rare, real, and relatable conversation on parenting post-separation
• Insights on raising emotionally aware and independent teens
• A model of amicable co-parenting done right
• Witty moments, honest vulnerability, and deeply thoughtful takeaways

✨ Key Highlights:

• How they broke the news of their separation to their 9-year-old son—and how he responded with wisdom beyond his years
• The role of community, common friends, and personal growth in raising a child together while apart
• Day-to-day parenting logistics, emotional resilience, and the subtle beauty of "figuring it out"
• Conversations on teenage curiosity, dating, identity, and independence

📚 References & Mentions:

• Subtle nods to media tropes where parents “stay together for the kids”
• Counselor support offered by their school for stream selection
• Their mutual decision to co-live in the same neighbourhood for ease of parenting

👤 About the Guest:

Saurin Parikh is a remote-working creative professional, co-parent, and full-time father to a curious and witty teenager. Known for his grounded outlook, gentle parenting approach, and matter-of-fact wisdom, Saurin embodies the ethos of parenting with presence—even through life’s pivots.

👉 Follow Saurin:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaurin/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/thesaurin

💬 Join the Conversation

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

☕ Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.

In this deeply insightful and thought-provoking episode of Parenthoot Spotlight, we sit down with Meera Marthi, CEO & Co-founder of Where Are India’s Children (WAIC), an organization dedicated to transforming India’s adoption system and advocating for the rights of children in institutional care.

With warmth, wit, and a wealth of experience, Meera sheds light on the urgent gaps in India's adoption system, the barriers preventing thousands of children from finding families, and the crucial role of technology, policy reform, and grassroots advocacy in solving these issues.

We also discuss WAIC’s Safe Surrender campaign, which seeks to prevent unsafe child abandonment, the societal myths surrounding adoption, and what prospective parents need to know before embarking on this journey. Whether you're considering adoption, working in child welfare, or simply want to be part of the change, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode

🌐 Where Are India’s Children (WAIC) – Learn more about their work and donate: waic.in

📜 Juvenile Justice Act (Section 35) – Read about the Safe Surrender law: https://legislative.gov.in

📌 CARA – Central Adoption Resource Authority – Official website for adoption in India: http://cara.nic.in

📍 Safe Surrender Awareness Campaign – Read and share WAIC’s campaign: https://waic.in/safe-surrender

📖 Books on Adoption & Parenting:

• The Connected Parent – Karyn Purvis & Lisa Qualls
• A Home for Choco – Keiko Kasza (Children’s book on adoption)
• The Primal Wound – Nancy Verrier (On adoptee identity)

👥 NGOs & Adoption Support Networks:

• Families of Joy (familiesofjoy.org) – Adoption advocacy & counseling
• Padme Foundation (padme.in) – Adoption support & counseling

📣 Follow WAIC on Social Media:

• Instagram: @WAIC_family4everychild
• Twitter: @WAIC_campaign
• LinkedIn: Where Are India’s Children

How You Can Help

✅ Donate to WAIC: Even small contributions help keep their programs running. waic.in/donate

✅ Spread Awareness: Share this episode and discuss Safe Surrender & Adoption with your community.

✅ Ask Questions When Supporting Shelters: If you donate to a childcare institution, ask:

• How many children here are eligible for adoption?
• Are they being processed for adoption?
• Why or why not?

✅ Volunteer: WAIC is always looking for people to help with advocacy and awareness programs.

✅ Consider Adoption: If you've ever thought about adopting, explore the process and educate yourself.

This episode underscores an important reality: adoption is not just about providing homes for children; it's about ensuring their legal right to even be considered for a family. Through systemic reform, awareness, and social change, we can work towards a future where no child is left behind in the system.

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. Let’s normalize adoption and help more children find their forever families.

Join the Conversation

🔔 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/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

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In this milestone 25th episode of Parenthoot with Neha, we welcome the incredible Sargam Sharma - architect, entrepreneur, mother, and an unfiltered voice on parenting. She takes us through her deeply personal and emotional journey of raising two sons - Abeer and Suveer - each unique in their own ways. Sargam opens up about the realities of parenting a neurodivergent child, the emotional toll of motherhood, and the small victories that make it all worth it.

Why Listen?

• If you're a parent, this episode is an honest reflection of the highs and lows of raising kids.
• If you’ve ever felt unseen as a mother, Sargam’s words will resonate deeply.
• If you love heartfelt storytelling about resilience and unconditional love, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Highlights:

• The Reality of Parenthood: Sargam discusses the unexpected struggles of raising a child with autism and how it reshaped her worldview.
• Sibling Bonds: How Abeer, Sargam’s elder son, naturally became his younger brother’s protector.
• Motherhood & Identity: Sargam shares her battle with postpartum depression, losing herself in caregiving, and finding purpose again.
• The Power of Support: Enter Pooja Didi, a caregiver turned family member, and how she became the backbone of their home.
• Finding Joy in Small Wins: Why teaching Suveer a single word or watching him eat independently felt like Everest-level achievements.

Mentions & References:

• Books: Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon (on parenting neurodiverse children)
• Movies: Taare Zameen Par (A poignant look at childhood struggles)
• Music: How music played a crucial role in soothing and connecting with Suveer

About the Guest

Sargam Sharma is the founder of Studio Champa, a design and décor brand that celebrates creativity. A trained architect, she left her career behind to focus on raising her children, only to rediscover herself years later. She now balances motherhood, work, and advocacy, all with unflinching honesty.

Follow Sargam's work:

• Studio Champa: https://www.instagram.com/studio.champa
• Sargam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sargam_4/

Join the Conversation

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

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.

In this episode, we sit down with writer and professor Rupleena Bose, who takes us through the intimate, often surprising journey of raising her daughter, Duniya Nuri. From navigating love and identity as a parent to watching her child redefine everyday magic, Rupleena shares honest reflections that will resonate with every listener.

Key Highlights:

• How Rupleena’s approach to life and time changed after becoming a mother
• The beauty of a childhood spent in Goa, far from malls and city chaos
• Parenting philosophy: Letting go of control and embracing adaptability
• Raising a daughter who defies all plans and expectations
• The unnoticed beauty in daily life, seen through a child’s eyes
• Why parenthood creates an invisible divide between parents and non-parents

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever questioned your parenting choices, worried about doing everything “right,” or simply needed a reminder that we are not alone in this journey, this episode is for you. Rupleena’s insights, humor, and literary approach to motherhood will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even look at an ice cream shop a little differently.

Mentions & References:

• Books: A Life’s Work by Rachel Cusk
• Movies: Kill Bill (A mother’s journey through a new lens!)
• Websites: Motherly (A global community for parents)

About the Guest:

Rupleena Bose is a writer, professor, and storyteller who seamlessly weaves personal experiences with larger cultural narratives. She teaches English literature and creative writing, bringing her deep love for books into both her academic and personal life. Her latest novel, Summer of Then, has been widely praised for its introspective storytelling and evocative prose, exploring themes of memory, change, and self-discovery.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rupleena is also a mother to five-year-old Duniya Nuri, whose presence has profoundly shaped her worldview, writing, and understanding of time. Alongside her partner, filmmaker Spandan Banerjee, she balances the dynamic worlds of academia, literature, and parenting.

Splitting her time between the bustling energy of Delhi and the slow, nature-immersed life of Goa, Rupleena has created a unique family experience for her daughter—one filled with art, literature, and the freedom to explore. In this episode, she shares how parenting has redefined her perspectives, the lessons she has learned from her child, and the surprising ways in which motherhood has influenced her creative voice.

Follow Rupleena's work:

• Buy Rupleena's book, Summer of Then, here: https://www.amazon.in/Summer-Then-Novel-Rupleena-Bose/dp/0143465708
• Rupleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupleena-bose-7b95848/
• Rupleena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupleena

Join the Conversation

Review & Subscribe:

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

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.

Dr. Hemant Sharma, a renowned neonatologist and an expert in newborn care, unravels the science and myths surrounding early parenting.

As a trusted pediatrician, Dr. Sharma brings not just medical expertise but also warmth, humour, and deep empathy for new parents navigating their journey.This conversation is packed with actionable insights, myth-busting facts, and real-life advice on topics ranging from breastfeeding and colic management to safe skincare and the role of traditional remedies in baby care. Whether you are a first-time parent or looking for scientific clarity on common parenting dilemmas, this episode is your go-to guide for confident and informed parenting.

Key Topics Discussed in the Episode:

Why Neonatology?

Dr. Sharma shares his journey into neonatology, how he transitioned from adult medicine to pediatric care, and why saving a newborn’s life brings unparalleled joy compared to any other field.

A Doctor’s Most Memorable Patient Story

Dr. Sharma recounts a life-changing experience with a preterm baby who faced multiple medical emergencies but survived due to timely intervention. This story highlights the importance of early detection and trust between doctors and parents.

The Truth About Holding Babies: Can It Spoil Them?

Breaking a widely believed myth, Dr. Sharma explains why holding and comforting babies doesn’t spoil them but rather fosters emotional security and trust.

Colic and Gas: A Parent’s Nightmare

This section covers the causes of colic, the vicious cycle of crying and gas, and gentle techniques to soothe a colicky baby—including skin-to-skin contact, tummy time, and proper feeding practices.

Fevers in Babies: When to Worry

Fever often causes panic among parents. Dr. Sharma explains:

The difference between viral and bacterial fevers

When to use Paracetamol

Why fever height doesn’t always indicate severity

Home remedies and when to visit a doctor

The Breastfeeding vs. Formula Debate

Dr. Sharma strongly advocates exclusive breastfeeding for six months, explaining how mother’s milk is naturally designed for the baby’s evolving needs, boosts immunity, and reduces infections. He also addresses situations where formula might be necessary and why formula-fed babies may appear chubbier but not necessarily healthier.

Skincare for Newborns: What Works & What’s Harmful

Should newborns use baby soaps, creams, and oils?

Sleep Struggles: Why Do Babies Stay Awake at Night?

Dr. Sharma reassures parents that newborns are naturally nocturnal due to their intrauterine rhythms. He shares tips on how to establish better sleep cycles over time.

Parenting Myths That Need to Go!

Kajal doesn’t make eyes bigger

No oil should go into a baby’s ears or nose

Brandy for cough? A big no!

Jaundice in Newborns: What’s Normal & What’s Not?

Dr. Sharma clarifies that most newborns develop some degree of jaundice, but not all cases need treatment. He warns against relying on sunlight alone, as it can delay necessary medical care.

Hygiene & Newborn Care

The importance of handwashing for parents and visitorsWhy newborns should be kept away from crowds for at least 1-2 months

Career vs. Parenting: Finding the Balance

Dr. Sharma shares his refreshing take on work-life balance, encouraging parents to embrace the temporary break from their careers in the first few months of parenting.

Guest Information

🎙️ Dr. Hemant Sharma is a leading Neonatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. With years of experience in paediatric and neonatal care, he specialises in high-risk newborns, neonatal nutrition, and early childhood development.

📍 Hospital Details:

🏥 Amrita Hospital, Faridabad

📍 Sector 88, Faridabad, Haryana, India

📞 Contact: 0129-2851234, 0129-3521234

🌐 Website: http://amritahospitals.org/faridabad

For consultations with Dr. Hemant Sharma, visit the Neonatology Department at Amrita Hospital.

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In this episode, we sit down with Runam Mehta, Chief Growth Officer at Primus, as she unpacks the raw, unfiltered realities of modern parenthood. From juggling an intense career with the chaos of parenting to navigating life’s biggest transitions with her partner, Runam shares wisdom, wit, and real-world strategies that will leave you reflecting on your own parenting and professional journey.

Key Highlights:

• Balancing motherhood and career: How Runam structured her workdays to align with her non-negotiables.
• The power of choosing the right partner: Why support in marriage is a game-changer for ambitious women.
• Her biggest parenting fail—and how it changed everything.
• The impact of COVID on young children: How she helped Anjali overcome fears and social anxieties.
• Why evolving priorities are key to sustaining both work and family.

Why Listen? If you’re a working parent trying to navigate the complexities of career and childcare, this episode is full of relatable struggles, hard-earned wisdom, and practical insights that will leave you inspired.

About the Guest: Runam Mehta is a health-tech leader, a mother, and a fierce advocate for women in the workplace. As CGO of Primus, she’s transforming healthcare solutions while raising a strong-willed daughter with her equally driven partner.

Join the Conversation

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

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.

Sanghamitra Chakraborty, a seasoned writer and editor, takes us through the journey of motherhood, marriage, and self-identity. She reflects on raising her son Srijan (Josh), the bittersweet reality of seeing him become independent, and how parenting never truly ends—even when your child is grown.

Through warmth, honesty, and humor, Sangamitra opens up about the real challenges of parenting—the mistakes, the guilt, the growth, and the love that remains unwavering. She shares how she and her husband, Arunava Sinha, built a marriage on friendship, tackled parenting disagreements, and navigated the complexities of letting go.

From childhood stories to postpartum struggles, from dealing with empty nest syndrome to debating about giving children gadgets, this conversation is a heartfelt reflection on what it truly means to be a parent. If you are a parent (or plan to be one), this episode will touch you deeply.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• The Emotional Journey of Parenthood: Why parenting never really ends, even when your child is an adult.
• Motherhood & Identity: The struggle to maintain a sense of self while being a parent.
• Lessons from an Older Mother: How having a child in her mid-30s shaped Sanghamitra’s parenting style.
• Balancing Career & Motherhood: The guilt, the choices, and the struggle to find reliable help.
• Parenting Through Postpartum Depression: How emotional turbulence in the early years shaped her journey.
• The Empty Nest Transition: Learning to cope with loneliness after your child moves away.
• Raising a Kind & Empathetic Child: Why emotional intelligence is more valuable than achievements.
• Marriage & Parenting: How differences in parenting styles between partners can be navigated.

Notable References & Cultural Mentions

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting – The book Sanghamitra relied on during pregnancy.
• Mother India & Nirupa Roy’s Iconic Mother Roles – How Bollywood’s portrayal of motherhood shaped emotional expectations.
• Soumitra Chatterjee and His World – Sanghamitra’s latest book.
• Shelja Sen’s Parenting Columns in Children First – One of the first long-running parenting columns in India, commissioned by Sanghamitra.
• Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) – A place where young Josh’s love for reading was recognized by many.
• TED Talks on Parenting & Technology – A source of research for Sanghamitra’s debates on gadget exposure for kids.
• Psychology of Parenting Books – Sanghamitra’s reading material that informed her parenting choices.
• The COVID Lockdown & Travel Restrictions – How it disrupted Srijan’s education and led to mental health struggles.

Why Should You Listen?

• If You’re a Parent – This episode will reassure you that no one has it all figured out.
• If You’re Struggling with Letting Go – A must-listen for parents whose children are leaving home.
• If You’re Balancing Career & Parenthood – Sanghamitra’s experience will resonate deeply with working mothers.
• If You’re Curious About Modern Parenthood – The episode explores how parenting has changed over generations.
• If You’re Looking for Wisdom & Warmth – Expect laughter, vulnerability, and deep insights.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the emotional highs and lows of parenting. Sangamitra’s honesty about career, guilt, love, and growth makes this conversation one that will stay with you.

If you’ve ever wondered:
🔹 “Did I do enough as a parent?”
🔹 “How do I let go while still being there?”
🔹 “Can I be a good parent without losing myself?”

…then this episode is for you.

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Parenting isn’t just about being there 24/7—it’s about how you show up. In this deeply insightful, funny, and emotional episode, Amit Chhabra joins Neha to share his experiences as a weekend dad and how he balances a demanding corporate career with fatherhood.

Amit jokingly calls himself a "hands-off father"—someone who doesn’t spend as much time with his daughter, Anya, on weekdays due to work. But what he lacks in daily hours, he makes up for with intentional weekends filled with activities, sports, and shared laughter. From coaching Anya through competitive skating to traveling with a four-month-old at 14,000 feet, Amit’s parenting journey is packed with moments of discipline, growth, and pure joy.

Expect candid confessions, hilarious travel mishaps, and deep reflections on fatherhood, marriage, and the evolving dynamics of modern parenting.

Why You Should Listen:

• If you’re a working parent struggling with guilt, this episode is for you.
• If you believe in raising disciplined, resilient kids, you’ll love Amit’s philosophy.
• If you love travel & parenting stories, you’ll enjoy the crazy experiences Amit shares.
• If you’re wondering how parenthood changes marriage, Amit keeps it real.

References and Resources Mentioned:

Parenting & Education

• BabyCenter – The parenting resource Amit and Kavya relied on in Anya’s early years.
• Modern schools & changing discipline – Amit observes that schools today are more lenient, allowing kids to slack off, unlike his own strict schooling.
• Nat Geo & Discovery – Amit’s failed attempt at making Anya interested in educational TV instead of YouTube.

Pop Culture & Fun Mentions

• Elon Musk, Shahrukh Khan & Donald Trump – Amit humorously says kids idolize their fathers in the same way people idolize public figures.
• Universal Studios Singapore – The moment Amit realized that theme parks > nature trips for Anya.
• Crazy Talks & Baingan Ka Bharta – Amit & Anya’s fun tradition of making silly rhymes about food.

Sports & Parenting

• National Skating Championships – Anya qualified but didn’t win a medal. Amit is proud of her resilience.
• Table Tennis – Amit was a national-level player in school and believes sports teaches discipline.

Travel Stories & Mishaps

• Nathula Pass, Sikkim – A 14,000-foot adventure gone wrong (oxygen scare).
• Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – The monitor lizard incident in their tent.
• Seychelles – A crow stole baby Anya’s food from her pram.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa – When Amit & Kavya were mesmerized by lions… while Anya colored in her book.

About the Guest:

Amit Chhabra is a corporate leader, adventure-loving traveler, and devoted father to 8-year-old Anya. By weekday, he’s a busy professional; by weekend, he’s a hands-on dad, making the most of every moment through sports, travel, and shared laughter. A former national-level table tennis player, Amit believes in instilling resilience and discipline in kids through experiences. From skating lessons to road trips gone wrong (but memorable!), his parenting journey is filled with heart, humor, and wisdom.

Follow Amit:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitchhabra7/

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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/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/

Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.

In this episode of Parenthoot with Neha, we’re joined by the vibrant and inspiring Shibani Kumar—a powerhouse entrepreneur, a self-proclaimed “chaotic panda,” and a deeply dedicated mom. Shibani’s parenting journey is anything but ordinary. From navigating the early years as a single mother during a pandemic to building a beautiful partnership with her husband Alok, Shibani’s story is a testament to resilience, humor, and unconditional love.

Key Highlights:

Why You Should Listen: This episode is a heartfelt blend of life lessons, laugh-out-loud moments, and inspiring reflections on parenting. Shibani’s journey reminds us that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, adaptability, and finding humor in the everyday mess.

References and Resources Mentioned:

About the Guest: Shibani Kumar is the founder and CEO of Properganda, a digital agency focused on using online platforms for meaningful impact. She’s also a doting mom to eight-year-old Shlok and a proud partner to Alok. Shibani’s journey exemplifies grit, adaptability, and the power of humor in the face of life’s challenges. When she’s not balancing her career and family, she finds solace in music, cake, and the occasional late-night TV binge.

Follow Shibani's work:

Join the Conversation:

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This episode features an inspiring conversation with Amita Malhotra, an entrepreneur, advocate for gender equality, and mother to a spirited daughter, Tarini. Amita’s journey, from navigating the early uncertainties of parenting to balancing her professional aspirations, is an ode to resilience, growth, and reimagining societal norms. With stories filled with humor, wisdom, and vulnerability, this episode captures the transformative power of parenting and its impact on personal and professional life.

Key Highlights:

Why You Should Listen

This episode isn’t just for parents. It’s for anyone looking to reflect on relationships, self-growth, and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected turns. Amita’s wisdom, coupled with practical advice and relatable anecdotes, makes this a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of life and love.

References & Recommendations

About the Guest

Amita Malhotra is a changemaker, founder of Equalsportz and Equalitee, and an advocate for gender inclusivity. A mother to a bright and mature daughter, Amita draws inspiration from her parenting journey to challenge societal norms and create impactful initiatives. From her podcast Raising an Athlete to workshops for parents, Amita’s work empowers families to build supportive and inclusive environments.

Follow Amita's work:

Listener Takeaways

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