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

The beginning of a new year brings a sense of renewal and an opportunity to start fresh. For me, it’s a time to reflect on the previous year’s successes and challenges. Last January, I felt overwhelmed juggling responsibilities at home, managing my tuition classes, and pursuing personal goals. That’s when I decided to make small, meaningful changes in my daily routine. These habits not only brought balance to my life but also transformed my perspective. Let me share them with you, along with personal experiences, in the hope they inspire you in 2025. 1. Start Your Day with Purpose Mornings shape the rest of the day. I used to rush through them, which often left me stressed. One day, I decided to wake up 15 minutes earlier to enjoy a quiet glass of hot water and jot down three priorities for the day. That small change made a big difference. Now, I spend time journaling in the morning, which helps me approach the day with clarity. 2. Embrace Gratitude Gratitude adds positivity to life. T...

Education has always been super important to me because it lays the foundation for a brighter future. However, many people face barriers like financial issues, geographical limitations, and a lack of resources, making it hard to access quality education. Seeing these struggles inspired me to explore modern solutions that are breaking down these barriers. Digital learning platforms like SWAYAM have revolutionized education by making it more accessible, affordable, and flexible. This motivated me to write about SWAYAM, a transformative initiative launched by the Government of India. From upgrading job skills to pursuing new hobbies, SWAYAM provides individuals with the tools and resources to take control of their education and improve their lives. It's a great example of how technology can bridge the education gap and create opportunities for everyone. Now, let's dive into how SWAYAM can benefit learners and how you can get started on this fantastic platform. Investing in educat...

Are your kids facing problems with reading books or writing? You're not alone! Many parents share this concern and are looking for ways to make these essential skills fun and engaging for their children. My Personal Experience When my daughter was nine months old, I started taking her to the library. She became fond of picture books and very soon started to recognize pictures by their names, colors, and shapes. Slowly, she began to describe the pictures in her own words, even telling me what was written on the page. She would ask me to read books every day, and because of this consistent activity, she never faced any reading problems. At an early age, she learned to read books at home. This daily routine not only enriched her vocabulary but also sparked a deep love for books. Watching her eagerly ask me to read every day was truly heartwarming and made me realize the profound impact early exposure to reading can have on a child's development. Fostering a Love for Reading and Wr...

Traveling is often seen as an opportunity to bond with family and friends, but there’s something uniquely transformative about embarking on a solo trip. Many hesitate to travel alone, especially once they are married or have kids, believing that solo adventures are selfish or unnecessary. However, my first solo trip to New Zealand taught me that taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. A Personal Leap of Independence My first solo journey wasn’t planned as a self-care adventure. It was born out of necessity when my husband moved to New Zealand for work, and I couldn’t join him immediately due to visa delays. When my visa was finally approved, I found myself packing for my first international trip—alone. Before this, I had never traveled alone, even within my own city. The idea of navigating airports and foreign destinations without a companion felt overwhelming. Yet, this trip turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As I boarded the plane, my n...

I still remember the day my daughter hesitated to join a dance class. She loved dancing at home but was too nervous about performing in front of others. "What if I mess up?" she asked. I told her about my first attempt at painting—how I had spilled colors everywhere but ended up loving the process. With that, she agreed to try, and a few weeks later, she was twirling on stage with a huge smile. This experience taught me that fear of failure can hold children back, but with the right encouragement, they can overcome it and discover new passions. Here’s how you can help your child embrace new activities without fear. 1. Start Small and Build Confidence Introduce new activities in a gradual and manageable way. Start with simple challenges that your child can easily accomplish. Success in small steps builds their confidence and curiosity. For example, if they’re nervous about drawing, ask them to start with doodles before trying a full picture. 2. Offer Choices to Empower Them Le...

Why I Wrote This Story Every artist, young or old, starts with a blank canvas, but what inspires that first stroke of color? This story is born from a thought that creativity is not just a talent but a gateway to self-discovery. I wanted to explore how imagination can transform the ordinary into extraordinary, how colors can tell stories, and how every brushstroke can be a reflection of our inner world. For anyone who has ever wondered about the magic behind art, this story is a journey into a world where colors come alive to teach us profound life lessons. In the peaceful village of Pictoria, there lived a boy named Rohan who had a remarkable passion for painting. His room was adorned with colorful sketches and vivid drawings that captured the vibrancy of his imagination. One day, while rummaging through the attic of his house, he stumbled upon an old, forgotten easel. A note attached to it read, “The Secret Garden of Colors Awaits.” Curious about where this magical journey takes Roha...

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 w...

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...