"Personal blog about motherhood, lifestyle, kids,education, food"

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up without siblings? The idea for this article came during a heartfelt conversation with one of my students, an only child. She shared her joys, struggles, and the unique bond she shares with her parents. Her words reminded me of stories from my friends who grew up solo, navigating life with their own set of experiences. Being an only child is like walking a one-of-a-kind path. It’s filled with enriching moments, occasional challenges, and a bond with parents that’s truly irreplaceable. Let’s explore 15 experiences that define this journey, as shared through stories and insights. 1. You Become Your Parents’ Whole World As the only child, you’re the center of your parents’ universe. Their love, attention, and expectations revolve around you entirely. It’s heartwarming to feel so cherished, but it can also bring the weight of living up to their high hopes. 2. A Unique Bond with Your Parents Growing up without siblings often deepens the connec

Deciding where your child will receive their early education is a significant choice, as it shapes their future in profound ways. As both a parent and an educator, I recognize the importance of this decision. Many parents find themselves pondering whether a private or government school is the better option. Balancing costs, curriculum, and teaching styles can be daunting. This guide is designed to help you navigate these choices by providing a thoughtful comparison of private and government schools at the nursery and primary levels. 1. Curriculum and Learning Objectives Government and private schools often follow different educational frameworks, which greatly influence your child’s learning journey. Government schools typically stick to national or state curricula, focusing on essential subjects like math, language, science, and social studies. This standardization ensures a stable foundation for academic progression. Conversely, private schools may offer a variety of curricula, such

Chhath Puja has always been close to my heart, though for years, I couldn’t actively participate. This year, as I watched the preparations and heard the sounds of the festival around me, something stirred within. The memories of past celebrations, the joy, and the togetherness, made me want to share what Chhath Puja means to me. It’s not just a religious festival; it’s a beautiful tradition that connects us to nature, family, and our roots. Where is Chhath Puja Celebrated? Chhath Puja, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, is devoted to worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Many devotees gather by the sacred rivers, particularly the Ganges and Yamuna, where the rituals take on a serene and powerful atmosphere. Though it’s most famous in India, the festival is also celebrated in Nepal and various countries where Indian communities have taken their traditions. In my family, we observe the pooja at home, but we make it a point to visit the Yamuna River to witne

Writing has always been a way for me to connect with others, share experiences, and hopefully make a positive impact. Recently, I’ve noticed a common pattern—many people, including myself, are sleeping later and waking up earlier, trying to keep up with demanding routines and endless tasks. While it may feel like part of a productive lifestyle, this habit can have serious hidden costs. Here’s what I discovered about how this lifestyle affects us—15 ways that a lack of proper sleep can impact us deeply, often in surprising ways. 1. Persistent Fatigue When we sacrifice sleep, our bodies don’t have enough time to recharge, resulting in constant fatigue that makes getting through the day a struggle. 2. Reduced Productivity Inadequate rest directly impacts our ability to focus and complete tasks efficiently. A tired mind takes longer to perform even simple tasks, leaving us feeling less accomplished. 3. Memory Problems Our brains rely on sleep to store and recall information. Without it, ou

The inspiration for writing this article comes from my daily experiences as both a parent and tutor. I often see kids struggle with boredom or frustration when it comes to studies. It made me realize that learning needs to be engaging, not a burden. Sharing what works for me, and seeing it help others, has become a passion of mine. Children don’t need rigid schedules or complex methods. They need an approach that taps into their natural curiosity. Over the years, I’ve tried different strategies, and these are the ones that have consistently worked, making learning an enjoyable part of life. 1. Games Over Rote Learning Kids love games, and turning lessons into games transforms their attitude toward learning. In my classes, I often use point systems or small rewards, and it’s amazing how quickly they engage. At home, simple activities like counting objects or using flashcards for spelling can make a big difference. The key is to make learning feel like play, rather than something they ha

As I celebrated Dussehra this year, a thought came to my mind. I’ve always been fascinated by how diverse our celebrations are, with each state in India having its own unique ways to mark festivals. The Dussehra season, in particular, offers such a rich array of traditional dishes that I couldn't resist sharing them with all of you. I believe that food tells a story, and as I keep writing, I love sharing my experiences and memories through these recipes. Growing up in North India and now staying in Bangalore, I’ve had the chance to experience a delightful mix of cultures and flavors. One of my fondest memories is from a few years ago when I first tasted Bengali Shondesh at a friend’s Dussehra gathering. That soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweetness filled with the fragrance of cardamom took me right back to childhood. I remember the aunties exchanging recipes, discussing little tweaks they made to make the sweets their own. I was instantly inspired to learn the art of Shondesh-making myse

With Navratri just around the corner, I felt inspired to write about two of its most exciting and joyful traditions—Garba and Dandiya. These lively dances are a highlight of the festival, and they hold deep cultural meaning beyond just having fun. Watching a Garba or Dandiya performance is like seeing joy in motion, and I wanted to share why these dances hold a special place in everyone’s heart during this festive time. My love for these dances stems from how they unite people of all ages—kids, adults, and elders alike. It’s always fascinating to see people bond through the rhythm, the beats, and the celebration of life. This Navratri, why not dive into the world of Garba and Dandiya and experience the joy for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know! What is Garba? Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, performed in a circle around an image or statue of Goddess Durga. This circular motion symbolizes the cycle of life—birth, death, and rebirth—reinforcing the idea that the