1. What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to become a parenting coach and share your journey on Instagram?
In 2018, after the birth of my second child and leaving my teaching job, I began sharing my experiences on Instagram, detailing daily activities like cooking and cleaning with my children. The pandemic further highlighted our adaptability, leading my followers to grow rapidly from 49 family and friends to a much larger audience. This unexpected growth opened doors to opportunities as a blogger and parenting coach. Initially, I hadn't considered this path, but the positive response made it clear that parenting is a science with techniques to learn and apply.
Handling my own frustrations and challenges effectively inspired me to help others, blending my teaching background with psychological insights.
2. How do you keep your content fresh and engaging while addressing the diverse challenges parents face?
My children are my greatest inspiration, serving as 'guinea pigs' for testing new ideas and approaches before sharing them with my audience. For example, I developed a chart to help my son with toilet training, which proved effective and was then shared on Instagram. Similarly, I apply methods with my teenage daughter to manage her emotions and stress. By experimenting with these strategies at home and observing their impact, I ensure my content is practical, engaging, and based on real-life experiences.
3. Can you share a transformative success story from a parent you've coached that had a significant impact on you?
One particularly impactful story involved a woman from my membership program who was deeply distressed because her daughter was being bullied for her dark complexion. This resonated with me, as I had faced similar color-based discrimination. It highlighted the severe impact of such prejudices on children's self-esteem and well-being. This experience reinforced my commitment to addressing colorism and promoting inclusive, compassionate parenting practices.
4. What unique challenges do you see modern parents facing, and what innovative solutions do you offer them?
Modern parents often face the challenge of over-involvement, leading to "helicopter parenting." This contrasts with past generations, where children had more independence. I advocate for allowing children to experience natural consequences and develop resilience. Parents need to balance their involvement, avoid overcompensating with material gifts, and focus on fostering independence and self-sufficiency. This approach helps children grow into confident and capable individuals.
5. How has your personal parenting journey shaped your approach to coaching and the advice you give?
A pivotal moment in my parenting journey occurred when I, in a moment of frustration, slapped my daughter after a difficult day. Instead of reacting negatively, she comforted me, which made me realize the importance of handling my emotions constructively. This incident was a turning point, leading me to commit to a more empathetic and patient approach in parenting. It inspired me to become a parenting coach and teach others how to manage their frustrations and emotions effectively while nurturing their children.
6. What is the most surprising or unconventional piece of advice you give to new parents, and why do you believe in it?
One unconventional piece of advice I give is to let children experience hunger if they refuse to eat. I recommend not providing snacks or alternative meals if they skip a meal. This approach encourages them to learn the value of food and develop a healthy eating routine. From my experience, this method has been effective in instilling good eating habits.
Bio:
In 2018, after having my second child and leaving my teaching job, I started sharing my parenting journey on Instagram. What began with daily posts about family life and our pandemic adaptations quickly grew into a larger audience. This unexpected growth led me to become a parenting coach, blending my teaching background with psychological insights.
I focus on helping parents navigate challenges like "helicopter parenting" and fostering independence in children. My personal experiences, including a pivotal moment of frustration with my daughter, have shaped my empathetic and patient approach.
I also tackle issues like colorism and offer unconventional advice, such as letting children experience hunger to develop healthy eating habits. My mission is to support and inspire parents with practical, real-life strategies.
Founder of www.joyfulparenting.club
Interviewed by: Sanganidhi
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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