Let’s face it- the opportunities to introduce stories of mythology and folk tales to our children are not as many as what we had when we were growing up. We do not visit native spaces as often. I do not follow religious occasions as much as my parents. I certainly was uncomfortable explaining stories of politics and war to my toddler. But the disconnect makes it even more important to introduce cultural stories to our children. Here is a simple list on how we go about it in our family and a round up of my favourite resources. I hope this helps you.

For the sake of simplicity, I have included ithihaasas like Ramayana and Mahabharata in this discussion along with mythological stories.

Involved celebrations

I myself am not very religious or ritualistic. We spend time finding out the meaning of rituals and making it accessible to our children.
For example, the focus is more on related mythology stories and food for us, every festival.… Click to read the rest

Last July, we had a beach play-date with V and her friends for her 3rd birthday. At some point during the play, the kids and I were busy hunting for crabs while the other parents stayed behind. At that moment, my heart was so full that I declared to the universe that I was finally ready for another baby. A few days later, V suddenly announced that she wanted a sibling, and a few days after that, we found out I was pregnant. Just like that. I thought this pregnancy was special. Of course, that was pre-lockdown.

It was a difficult pregnancy, with some complications (that seem minor now) , and I kept telling my girls that the birthing better be easy!

I was due to deliver around mid April. The planner I am, I had everything planned out to the T. The hospital bag list, a list of things for V to be engaged, a list of photographs to be taken with the husband at the hospital and even to how I’d make sure I wasn’t holding the baby when V came to visit us with her grandparents.… Click to read the rest