The Good Parent

In this episode of The Good Parent, we have Dr. Shakuntala David in conversation with Shailja Dutt. Dr. David opens up about why 25% of Indian teenagers are experimenting with substances, what parents get wrong when they catch their teen, and the exact questions to ask instead of "why."

She shares real cases from Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurgaon from first experimentation to addiction and explains why boundaries explained are more powerful than rules announced.

The episode raises a question every parent quietly carries: is my teen's substance use a phase or a crisis?About the Guest:

Dr. Shakuntala David is a management trainer, family counselor, and life coach specializing in teenage behavior, family dynamics, and addiction. She works with families across India navigating substance abuse, peer pressure, and identity development in their teens.

What we discuss in this episode:

1.Why teenagers experiment with drugs and alcohol

2.What to do the first time you catch your teen using | ask "what," never "why"

3.How to talk about substance abuse at age 10-12 | before peer pressure hits

4.When experimentation becomes addiction | stages and warning signs

5.Teenage identity development | why it matters for preventionHow to build communication before crisis hits

About the Hosts:

Shailja Dutt is the Founder of Stellar Search & LimeLitt, an entrepreneur, mentor, and mother of two boys. Manoj Kohli is the former CEO of Airtel, a devoted father of two daughters, and a deeply involved grandfather.

Connect with The Good Parent:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thegoodparent/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-parent-podcast/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6vXzFzO5B2HbkBAahyCXzx Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-good-parent/id6784175945

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/c6d53a2c-5c5b-4c1c-ad22-89d207976f44/the-good-parent

Timestamps:

00:00 | Introduction

01:12 | Why Do Teenagers Experiment With Substances? 05:16 | What to Do When You Catch Your Teen Using

09:03 | Peer Pressure, Money & Access

14:58 | Teenage Identity Development & Boundaries

28:38 | Addiction vs. Experimentation - When to Seek Help 40:00 | Impact on Family & Siblings

45:00 | Final Advice for Parents Raising Teens Today

#TheGoodParent #ParentingPodcast #TeenSubstanceAbuse #DrShakuntalaaDavid #IndianParents #TeenDrugAbuse #PositiveParenting #ParentingAdvice #MentalHealth #FamilyValues

In this episode of The Good Parent, Shailja Dutt and Manoj Kohli address real questions parents have about discipline, consistency, honesty, and fostering trust in their children. What sets this episode apart is the absence of a "right way" to parent. Instead, it features authentic discussions about what truly works, where parents often falter, and why fear can be more damaging than beneficial.The episode covers common dilemmas faced by parents: How can you prevent your child from pitting one parent against the other? Should you concede in food battles or continue to fight? Is it more important to have perfect grades or to raise a child who tells the truth? How can you manage grandparents who disregard your rules without causing family conflict? Manoj and Shailja delve into answers that feel less like parenting theory and more like real conversations from parents who have experienced these challenges firsthand.About the Hosts: Shailja Dutt, the founder of Stellar Search & LimeLitt, is an entrepreneur, mentor, and mother of two boys. Manoj Kohli, the former CEO of Airtel, is a devoted father of two daughters and an engaged grandfather. Together, they host The Good Parent, facilitating honest conversations about modern parenting in our digital age.Connect with The Good Parent:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_thegoodparent/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-parent-podcast/Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/6vXzFzO5B2HbkBAahyCXzx?si=250675e79a394b4dApple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-good-parent/id6784175945Amazon Music Podcasts : https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/c6d53a2c-5c5b-4c1c-ad22-89d207976f44/the-good-parentTimestamps:00:00 | Introduction01:12 | Q1: Smart Child or Inconsistent Parents?01:58 | Q2: The Food Battle (Noodles Every Day)04:45 | Q3: Honesty Over Marks06:36 | Q4: The Broken Thing & The Lie08:54 | Q5: Grandparents & Boundaries14:38 | Final Thoughts on Discipline That Works#TheGoodParent #ParentingPodcast #Discipline #Honesty #ParentingQA #IndianParents #ParentingTips #RaisingKids #FamilyValues #ShailjaDutt #ManjKohli #ParentingAdvice #Boundaries #ChildBehavior #RealParenting

In this episode of The Good Parent, Shailja Dutt and Manoj Kohli sit down with a question every parent has asked themselves in the middle of a crowded mall: why does my child behave perfectly one day and completely fall apart the next?The answer, more often than not, has less to do with discipline and more to do with consistency. Children feel safer when they know what to expect from us. When bedtime keeps shifting, when one parent says yes while the other says no, when the rules depend on how tired or busy we are that daychildren lose track of where the boundaries actually are. And that confusion usually comes out through their behaviour.In this conversation, we get honest about what consistency really means. It isn't about being strict all the time. It's about being clear on what's okay, what isn't, and responding in a way a child can understand and predict the same way from both parents, so no one becomes the "good cop" quietly undoing the other. The episode raises a question worth sitting with: what if the tantrum isn't defiance, but insecurity a child asking whether the boundary will still be there tomorrow?What we discuss in this episode:- Why difficult behaviour can sometimes come from insecurity, not defiance- How routine and predictability help children feel safe- Why consistency matters more than strictness- Why both parents need to stay aligned on boundaries- How role modelling shapes a child's behaviour more than rules do- How families can create structure without fear or controlAbout the Hosts:Shailja Dutt is the Founder of Stellar Search & LimeLitt, an entrepreneur, mentor, and mother of two boys. Manoj Kohli is the former CEO of Airtel, a devoted father of two daughters, and a deeply involved grandfather. Together they host The Good Parent honest conversations about modern parenting in a digital age.Connect with The Good Parent:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_thegoodparent/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-parent-podcast/Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/6vXzFzO5B2HbkBAahyCXzx?si=250675e79a394b4dApple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-good-parent/id6784175945Amazon Music Podcasts : https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/c6d53a2c-5c5b-4c1c-ad22-89d207976f44/the-good-parentChapters:0:00 | The Hidden Crisis of Discipline1:02 | The Modern Parenting Struggle3:32 | The Power of Old School Routines6:40 | Building a Foundation for Success10:31 | Nurturing Healthy Habits at Home#TheGoodParent #Parenting #PositiveParenting #IndianParents #Discipline #Consistency #Tantrums #Boundaries #RaisingGoodHumans #ParentingPodcast #ParentingTips

From reels and gaming to ChatGPT, today's children are growing up in a world where every emotion, every question, and even every moment of boredom can be answered instantly by a screen.

In this episode of The Good Parent, Shailja Dutt and Manoj Kohli explore how AI and technology are reshaping childhood, why emotional intelligence (EQ) matters more than ever, and how screens have quietly become children's default way of coping with boredom, silence, and big emotions.

They also reflect on how different childhood looks today compared to previous generations and discuss why simple everyday habits making the bed, cleaning up after themselves, and taking responsibility can have a far greater impact on a child's confidence and happiness than any app or device.

**In this episode, you'll learn:**

• How AI, ChatGPT, and screens are changing childhood

• Why emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more important than IQ

• How screens have become children's default way of managing boredom and emotions

• Then vs. now: How AI is changing learning and holiday homework

• Why meaningful conversations between parents and children are disappearing

• Simple habits that build responsibility, resilience, and independence

• The everyday parenting practices that help raise happier, more confident children

Whether you're raising a toddler or a teenager, this conversation offers practical insights to help your child thrive in a digital-first world.

Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions and should not be considered psychological, medical, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for concerns related to your child.

What does it really take to raise a healthy, confident child?

In this special episode of The Good Parent, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev shares his honest perspective on parenting, fitness, and the habits that shape a child's future.

He reminds us that raising healthy children isn't about strict routines or expensive programs. It's about creating a home where kids play freely, eat well, stay active, and learn by watching the adults around them.

Fitness, he says, is a value—not a schedule. And the strongest parenting lessons are often the ones children observe, not the ones they're told.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why a child's fitness begins with the parent

• Common nutrition mistakes families make at home

• The difference between encouraging and pushing your child

• How Kapil Dev approached fitness and discipline with his own daughter

• Why role modelling is the most powerful parenting tool

Whether you're raising a toddler or a teenager, this conversation is a reminder that small, everyday habits can have the biggest impact on your child's health and confidence.

About the Guest

Kapil Dev is one of India's most celebrated cricketers and the captain who led India to its historic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory. In this episode, he shares his philosophy on parenting, fitness, discipline, and raising children through example rather than instruction.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – Why fitness starts at home
04:18 – Nutrition habits that matter
08:05 – Encouraging vs. pushing children
12:30 – Raising confident kids through sports
18:10 – Parenting by example
24:45 – Building lifelong healthy habits
30:15 – Final thoughts

Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions and should not be considered medical or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for concerns related to your child's health or development.

In this episode of The Good Parent, we have Carmen Vicelich in conversation with Shailja Dutt and Manoj Kohli.Carmen Vicelich is the Founder & CEO of Valocity, a global fintech company operating across multiple countries. A serial entrepreneur and an internationally recognised business leader, she has built her company from the ground up while raising her children and she credits the same principle for both: trust.In this conversation, Carmen opens up about what it really means to be your child's friend without giving up your role as their parent. She shares why she believes trust must come before rules, how she sets boundaries that bring her children closer instead of pushing them away, and the exact questions she asks her kids that make them open up. She also talks about why most parents listen to fix rather than listen to understand and what changes the day you stop.The episode raises a question every parent quietly carries: should you be your child's friend? Carmen's answer comes down to 5 things any parent can start tonight.What we discuss in this episode:- Can a parent really be a friend or is that a mistake?- Trust first, rules second why honesty needs safety- Boundaries that are explained, not announced- The questions to ask instead of "how was school?"- Listening without fixing- Sharing your own life with your child friendship is two-way- Carmen's advice to every parent raising a child todayAbout the Hosts:Shailja Dutt is the Founder of Stellar Search & LimeLitt, an entrepreneur, mentor, and mother of two boys. Manoj Kohli is the former CEO of Airtel, a devoted father of two daughters, and a deeply involved grandfather. Together they host The Good Parent honest conversations about modern parenting in a digital age.Connect with The Good Parent:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_thegoodparent/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-parent-podcast/Timestamps: 00:00 | Trailer 01:17 | Are Parents Meant to Be Friends?05:16 | Peer Pressure, Phones & Setting Boundaries09:03| What to Do When Kids Keep Lying or Repeating Mistakes14:58 | The Rule of Four Core Values Every Child Needs28:38 | Carmen Vicelich: Trust, Teens & Letting Go#TheGoodParent #Parenting #PositiveParenting #ParentingPodcast #CarmenVicelich

RAISING CHILDREN WHO FEEL SAFE TO ASK

Children are curious about their bodies much before parents feel ready to answer.

They notice.

They ask.

They listen.

They learn from what we say, and also from what we avoid saying.

That is why conversations around consent, body safety, good touch, bad touch, and age-appropriate sex education need to begin with care at home. These conversations do not take away innocence. They give children language, confidence, and the safety to come back to us with their questions.

In this Episode 05 of The Good Parent,Manoj Kohli and Shailja Dutt, in conversation with Kalki Koechlin, explore why parents should speak to children about body safety, consent, screen time, sustainability, and emotional security with honesty and care.

They explore:

• How parents can begin early conversations around consent, good touch, bad touch, and body safety

• Why age-appropriate sex education needs honest talk, comfort, and honesty

• How raising kids near nature instills the value of sustainability from an early age

• What presence can look like when work, travel, and responsibility pull parents in many directions

Kalki also shares from her journey as a mother and from her book, The Elephant in the Womb, bringing an honest and deeply human lens to motherhood.

This is a conversation for every parent who wants to protect childhood while giving children the words, trust, and emotional safety they need to understand themselves and the world around them.

Watch the full episode and don't forget to follow our channel.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Why sex education starts at home

01:28 Kalki Koechlin on The Elephant in the Womb

04:05 The truth about motherhood, identity and guilt

10:02 Consent, body safety and good touch bad touch

18:55 Why parents feel awkward about sex education

20:08 Sustainable parenting, Goa and raising children with nature

27:42 Working motherhood, presence and screen time

42:15 Consent, society and what parents need to change

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions and not professional psychological or medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific concerns regarding your child.

About the Guest – Kalki KoechlinKalki Koechlin is an actor, author and mother known for her honest voice on motherhood, creativity and conscious living. In this episode, she joins The Good Parent to speak about body safety, age-appropriate sex education, screen-free rhythms, sustainable parenting, outdoor play and her journey of motherhood, also drawing from her book The Elephant in the Womb.

Follow The Good Parent:

Instagram:   / _thegoodparent  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HsX2y...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Website: https://thegoodparent.com

#parenting #thegoodparent #podcast #intentionalparenting #bodysafety #sustainableparenting #sexeducation #healthyparenting #parentingadvice #youtubeindia #youtubepodcast #kalkikoechlin

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Why Parenting Transitions Are Complex

03:32 Shailja’s Journey From Control to Openness

03:45 Early Authority Makes Letting Go Harder

07:31 Letting Children Build Their Own Identity

08:25 Why Letting Go Feels Harder for Parents

10:44 Real World Exposure Tests Values

12:54 When Emotions Start Affecting Parenting

13:07 Listening Before Deciding

14:00 Letting Go Gradually Based on Maturity

14:56 Introducing Shibani

15:39 Shibani on Parenting Children 13 Years Apart

18:40 Shibani on Different Needs of Son and Daughter

20:21 How Shibani Built a Strong Sibling Bond

23:29 Shibani on Letting Go and Seeing Her Son Thrive

24:22 Shibani’s Advice for Parents

25:34 Shibani on Trusting Your Parenting

28:07 Shibani on Children Learning by Example

30:13 Conclusion

WHY DOES RAISING A CHILD FEEL SO DIFFERENT AT EVERY AGE?

We raise our children with our values, our sacrifices, and our idea of what a good life should look like.But as they grow, parenting asks something new of us at every stage.What worked when they were younger may not work as a teen grows — thinking, choosing, and questioning for themselves.What feels like freedom to them can make the child feel uncertain to the parent.What feels like care to us starts irritating your child — the hugs become less and the arguments become more.And one of the hardest parts of parenting is learning when to hold close, when to step back, when to trust, and when to let go.

In Episode 04 of The Good Parent,Manoj Kohli and Shailja Dutt, in conversation with Shibani Sethi, explore parenting across generations — and how parents must keep growing too as their children move from dependence to individuality.

They explore:

1. Why forming identities in your child matters — encourage those identities gently, or you'll repress who they're becoming

2. How parenting calls for more flexibility, adjustment, and self-awareness as the kids grow

3. What it takes to slowly let go and trust children as they become more mature in their choices and actions

4. How parents can stay emotionally close even when their role begins to change

5. What changes when siblings years apart are raised into completely different worlds

This is a conversation about learning how to grow with your child.It is about staying connected while making room for who they are becoming.

And you will see your values shine — not through control, but through the trust between the parent and the child.For every parent learning to adjust, trust more deeply, and love with both care and space — this conversation will feel deeply personal.

Watch. Reflect. Recalibrate.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions and not professional psychological or medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific concerns regarding your child.

About the Guest – Shibani Sethi

Shibani Sethi is a multi-talented professional known for her work across corporate leadership, literature, and the performing arts. She is primarily recognized as the founder of #ChaptersByShibani, a platform dedicated to meaningful conversations around books, leadership, and personal growth.

What is it really like to raise children when your life is in the public eye?

We often admire public figures for their achievements, but rarely stop to think about the invisible pressure their children carry. Expectations can come quietlythrough comparisons, admiration, or the belief that they must continue a parent's legacy.

In this episode of The Good Parent, Amitabh Kant former CEO of NITI Aayog, senior IAS officer, and a key leader behind India's G20 presidency joins Shailja Dutt and Manoj Kohli to share his perspective on raising children in a highly visible world.

As a father to Vedika and Vanshika, he reflects on how parents can help their children build an identity of their own while navigating the realities of social media, public attention, and digital exposure.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The invisible pressure children of public figures often experience

• Why some children choose to hide their family background

• The risks of sharenting and protecting children's digital privacy

• How to help children build their own identity instead of living up to a parent's legacy

• Why home not school is where values, confidence, and resilience are shaped

• How to balance success, visibility, discipline, and gratitude in modern parenting

This conversation is for every parent navigating a world where children grow up online, privacy is shrinking, and external validation is only a click away.

About the Guest

Amitabh Kant is the former CEO of NITI Aayog, a retired IAS officer, and one of the key leaders behind India's G20 presidency. In this episode, he shares personal insights on parenting, identity, digital privacy, and raising grounded, independent children.

Chapters
00:00 – Social Media & Child Safety Concerns
02:06 – Raising Confident Children in Today's World
04:09 – Parenting Dynamics & Shared Responsibilities
06:11 – The New Age of Digital Surveillance
08:17 – The Illusion of Social Media Reality
10:25 – Children's Perspective on Public Impact
12:35 – Protecting a Child's Individuality
14:38 – Building Emotional Connection with Children
16:38 – Encouraging Diverse Interests & Growth
18:42 – Helping Children Discover Their Strengths
20:45 – Continuous Communication with Kids
22:50 – Parenting in Public Life
24:55 – Balancing Exposure & Privacy
27:00 – Final Reflections on Modern Parenting

Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are personal opinions and should not be considered psychological, legal, or medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance on matters related to your child.

Are we raising entitled children without even realizing it?

Every parent wants to give their child the best love, security, and opportunities. But sometimes, in trying to protect them from disappointment and struggle, we may unintentionally make comfort more important than resilience.

In this episode of The Good Parent, CEO and mother of two Shweta Sawhney shares practical insights on raising grounded, emotionally secure children in a world of abundance.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why entitlement often grows from love mixed with fear not just indulgence

• The early signs of entitlement that many parents overlook

• How to set healthy boundaries without damaging your relationship

• The balance between warmth, discipline, and accountability

• Simple ways to raise grateful, resilient, and confident children

Whether you're parenting a toddler or a teenager, this conversation offers practical ideas to help you raise children who value effort, empathy, and responsibility.

About the Guest
Shweta Sawhney is a CEO and mother of two who believes in raising grounded, emotionally secure children while leading at scale. She brings practical perspectives on balancing ambition, discipline, boundaries, and warmth in modern parenting.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:39 – Are we spoiling our children?
01:29 – Why entitlement is becoming more common
02:10 – Where entitlement begins
03:42 – Different forms of entitlement
05:07 – Real-life parenting experiences
08:14 – Gifts, rewards, and emotional blackmail
11:06 – Achievement, effort, and self-worth
14:26 – Setting healthy boundaries
18:12 – Time vs. material gifts
20:30 – Teaching gratitude
22:09 – Parent, mentor, or friend?
25:18 – Preparing children for the real world
26:36 – Why hard work still matters
28:12 – What parents can do differently

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The views shared are personal and should not be considered psychological or medical advice. For concerns about your child, please consult a qualified professional.