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Parenthoot with Neha

Parenthoot with Neha

By: Neha Garg
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 Parenthoot redefines the conversation about parenthood, focusing on the parents behind the roles. With a blend of serious insights and playful moments, we share real, relatable stories from diverse parents. Our episodes dive deep into the lived experiences of balancing professional and personal lives, highlighting both the challenges and joys. Celebrating authenticity, our guests offer raw, unfiltered truths, making listeners feel seen and understood. Join us for inspiring, heartfelt conversations! WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQNeha Garg Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #40: Finding Enchantment: Lessons on Childhood, Identity & Letting Go, ft. Samina Mishra

    #40: Finding Enchantment: Lessons on Childhood, Identity & Letting Go, ft. Samina Mishra
    Aug 19 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with Samina Mishra—acclaimed documentary filmmaker, writer, educator, and co-founder of the Magic Key Centre for the Arts & Childhood. What unfolds is a deeply personal and insightful conversation on parenting, creative identity, co-parenting after separation, and the profound (and often imperfect) joys of raising a child.Samina opens up about raising her son Imran, now 23, with a rare mix of vulnerability and warmth. From their post-separation co-parenting journey to their mutual love for Chinese food and movies, every anecdote gently illuminates how parenting can be a site of rediscovery and creativity—if we allow it.We also explore the overlap between her professional work with children and her personal journey as a mother, her commitment to preserving cultural identity, and how adulthood didn’t signal an end to creative contribution but perhaps a re-beginning.🎧 Why You Should ListenYou're a parent, educator, or caregiver navigating modern parenting challenges.You’re interested in raising thoughtful, creative, socially conscious children.You’re exploring the idea of co-parenting or single parenting with empathy.You're a fan of Samina Mishra’s work or the wider intersection of childhood, creativity, and identity.You’re in search of quiet wisdom and poetic truth in a noisy parenting world.💬 Notable Quotes from Samina"Looking for wonder and enchantment and joy is important, I think, in life… because the difficult stuff… we need to go the distance.""Parenting is that time where you rediscover the world… with someone seeing it for the first time.""Sometimes… you can’t fix it. And you have to accept that.""Your child is important. But your child needs to know there are many other kinds of childhoods.""Children are not just the responsibility of the parent... we need to think about how to be a good world, a good society."👩🏽‍🎨 About the GuestSamina Mishra is a Delhi-based writer, filmmaker, educator, and arts curator whose work centres on childhood, identity, and social justice. She tells stories across books, films, and creative initiatives, foregrounding the voices of children in contemporary India. Samina's work gently bridges the personal and political, foregrounding children’s voices and resilience. Her books and films are widely used in classrooms, libraries, and community initiatives to spark conversations on empathy, diversity, and social change.Major BooksJamlo WalksNida Finds a WayHina in the Old City (also published as Hina in Purani Dilli)My Sweetest MangoShabana and the Baby GoatThe House on the HillThe Sweet Shop WarsMy Friends in the CityWhere Does It Hurt?Happiness ClassEditor of Stories of Courage and Compassion, The ABCs of ArtDocumentary FilmsThe Teacher and the WorldTwo LivesJagriti YatraThe House on Gulmohar AvenueStories of GirlhoodHappiness ClassJamlo Walks (also adapted as a children’s book)Educational & Artistic InitiativesTeaches at Jamia Millia IslamiaRuns the Magic Key Centre for the Arts & ChildhoodRegularly curates and facilitates workshops and storytelling festivals for children and educatorsSamina’s Instagram: A beautiful collection of personal reflections, books, films, and wonders. 💬 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.👋 Join our WhatsApp Community!🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQ💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between
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    56 mins
  • #39: From Sleep Schedules to Selfhood: Navigating Modern Motherhood, ft. Kismet Nakai

    #39: From Sleep Schedules to Selfhood: Navigating Modern Motherhood, ft. Kismet Nakai
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with photographer and conscious parent Kismet Nakai. Together, we unpack the raw, real, and deeply human experience of motherhood — from the early months of sleep deprivation to navigating identity shifts, partnership dynamics, and parenting philosophies in modern India.Kismet candidly shares her journey of raising her daughter Vera — with structure, warmth, a sense of humour, and most importantly, grace for herself. This episode offers a blueprint for parents who are seeking permission to do things differently, tune out the noise, and lean into what truly works for their family.🎧 Why You Should ListenYou’ll hear Kismet reflect on:The tension between structure and surrenderMaking peace with asking for helpBreaking the myth of “perfect parenting”Co-parenting as equal partners (and calling out the praise gap)The small things that make big differences — like a consistent sleep scheduleLetting go of comparison cultureTeaching children to be emotionally aware, resilient, and curious💬 Notable Quotes from Kismet“There should not be this thing that, ‘Oh, he’s such an involved father.’ No—he IS the father.”“You don’t see a 15-year-old with a pacifier. So, it’s fine.”“Every mother goes through some sort of loss of self. It’s impossible not to feel that at some point.”“Just... enjoy them. This moment. Right now.”“If you’re chasing that sameness, then this is not what you should do.”“There are only 18 summers with your kids. Seven have already gone.”🧠 Practical Takeaways for ListenersSleep is sacred – Kismet swears by sleep training and shares how it transformed her parenting experience. Don't wait too long to create sleep rhythms that work for everyone.Baby-led everything – From weaning to routine-setting, Kismet lets her daughter take the lead, introducing trust and agency early.Get help, guilt-free – Whether it's a nanny, a lactation consultant, or paid sleep support — if it helps you show up better, it's worth it.Don’t fear mess – Dirty floors, food flinging, emotional outbursts — it’s all a part of healthy development.Build your village – Kismet is part of a mom group that celebrates different choices. Find yours or build one!Let go of the “old you” – Embrace the evolution. Trying to “bounce back” to your pre-parent self is not just unrealistic — it can steal joy from the now.Humour helps – A light heart can shift even the most stressful days. Laugh often, especially at yourself📚 Resources & ReferencesTaking Cara Babies – Baby Sleep Courses (https://takingcarababies.com)— a resource Kismet recommends investing inThe Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander & Iben Sandahl — philosophies that echo Kismet’s approach to emotional intelligence and independenceLa Leche League International (https://llli.org)— global support network for breastfeeding👤 About the Guest Kismet Nakai is a photographer, storyteller, and deeply intentional parent. Based in Chandigarh, she brings a thoughtful, nuanced voice to both her artistic work and her parenting choices. Kismet's approach to motherhood is rooted in self-awareness, respect for the child, and a refusal to perform perfection. Whether she’s experimenting with baby-led weaning or navigating modern co-parenting roles, she shows up with honesty, humility, and humor.📱Follow Kismet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kisjayenn💬 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.👋 Join our WhatsApp Community!🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQ💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • #38: Redefining Motherhood: Feminist Leadership, Villages, and Guilt-Free Living, ft. Tena Pick

    #38: Redefining Motherhood: Feminist Leadership, Villages, and Guilt-Free Living, ft. Tena Pick
    Aug 5 2025
    In this heartfelt, humorous, and fiercely honest episode, we sit down with social entrepreneur and feminist leader Tena Pick — founder of Coro, a groundbreaking co-working and play space designed for modern parents and their kids. Tena opens up about her journey from gender development to motherhood, the creation of a values-driven business, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting her four-year-old son, Leo.With her signature wit and warmth, Tena shares reflections on feminist parenting, redefining success, managing mom guilt, building your village, and why we all need to get better at leisure without guilt. This episode is both a comfort and a challenge — to think, reflect, and imagine parenting with more curiosity and less judgment.🧠 What You’ll Rethink After ListeningThat “me time” must be earned — instead, joy can and should be bite-sized and guilt-free.That villages just happen — you'll see how much intentional effort it takes to build one, and to be a good villager yourself.That parenting must look a certain way — Tena gently dismantles the “perfect parent” myth and offers a more curious, human approach.That leadership is about being available 24/7 — you’ll question toxic hustle culture and rethink what success looks like when you're raising both a business and a child.That judgment is inevitable — instead, Tena encourages replacing it with curiosity, especially among mothers.💬 Notable Quotes“Mama runs Coro and Tatha cooks.” A proud parenting moment that upends gender norms—straight from the mouth of Tena’s four-year-old son.“We suck at leisure. And that’s a fact.” On the struggle to enjoy free time without guilt or productivity pressure.“Everyone wants a village, but not everyone is a good villager.” Tena’s mic-drop wisdom on the reciprocity required in building a strong support system.“A bad day does not make a bad parent.” A powerful reframe for guilt-ridden caregivers—zoom out and breathe.“Be curious, but not judgmental.” Tena’s parting advice on parenting, womanhood, and navigating difference with grace.“You are irreplaceable at home—but not irreplaceable anywhere else.” A reminder to realign our priorities without apology.📚 Resources & Mentions💻 Coro Bangalore – Coworking + Playspace for Parents (https://www.instagram.com/corospace)📚 The Will to Change by bell hooks – for feminist parenting and love📘 Untamed by Glennon Doyle – referenced in tone/themes📈 UN Women – Gender & Unpaid Care Work🎾 Shift Parenting Explained🛋️ Fair Play by Eve Rodsky – resource on domestic labor division📖 Tiny Joys & Bite-Sized Self-Care👩‍⚕️About the GuestTena Pick is a gender and development specialist turned social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Coro, a beautifully designed hybrid space in Bangalore that blends co-working, childcare, and community for modern families. Tena is also a passionate advocate for feminist parenting, intersectional leadership, and reimagining how women live, work, and raise the next generation.Her honesty about post-partum depression, parental guilt, societal pressure, and privilege makes her voice a vital one in the conversation on parenthood today. You can find her often leading with love — and probably eating banana bread with Leo after school.📱 Follow Tena:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenapickLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenapick/💬 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.👋 Join our WhatsApp Community!🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQ💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
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