Parenting in today’s world feels like navigating a maze with ever-changing walls, from digital distractions to evolving social norms, it’s no easy feat. To help parents find their way through this maze, Leena, co-founder of the Bodh Griha Institute and an advocate for holistic child development, has penned down a thoughtful and insightful book on modern-day parenting called Raising Tiny Humans.
Her book draws wisdom from both ancient Indian philosophies and modern scientific principles, making it a perfect blend of traditional values and contemporary understanding. In this exclusive interview, Leena opens up about her inspiration, the challenges of writing, and what makes her approach to parenting truly unique.
“Hi Leena, thank you for sharing your insights about modern parenting. I am very excited to start this conversation, so let’s start with the first question.”
1. Straightaway, getting into the “modern-day kids”, what do you think is the major component that distinguishes them?
“Hi, thank you. To answer your question, the advancement in science and technology has proved to be the game changer. Being the first true digital natives i.e., growing up in an era when smartphones and other electronic gadgets and internet are a vital part of life; their worldview is absolutely different and this is what distinguishes them from the previous generations.”
“That’s an excellent point. it’s true how technology has completely redefined the childhood experience today.”
2. Would you say it is a more difficult era of kids to deal with, or does it require more effort than it used to?
Modern-day parenting might appear to be tough with plenty of challenges (digital distractions being the most prominent one). So parents too need to upgrade themselves. I believe that smart parenting techniques would work better instead of the old school ideas.
“Smart parenting” that’s a refreshing term! It perfectly captures how parenting has evolved from rules.”
3. How did you decide you wanted to write a book on parenting when there have been plenty in the market?
True that a plenty of stuff on the same topic is already available both online and offline but my interactions with parents and students made me feel compelled to put forth smart upbringing methodologies which would be a complete blend of strategies mentioned in our ancient texts and the scientifically proven ones but in a summarized form.
“It’s interesting”
4. What are the topics that you have shed light on in this book?
“The book contains important topics such as
Firstly, Parenting is not just any simple thing but it is a big responsibility of shaping a life and thus contributing to the development of the society and nation. Hence parents need to parent themselves in a certain way before right-parenting their kids. This book tells you how to gear up.
Secondly, this book focuses on “constructive discipline method” of upbringing kids (Laadayet, Taadayet, Mitrayet) which has been picked up directly from our scriptures and is scientifically proven too. This is a time-honored strategy which has not lost its charm and significance even after ages and proves to be one of the best parenting techniques even in the modern era.”
“Parenting yourself before parenting your child”, that’s profound.”
5. What were the challenges of writing a ‘How-to’ book? Did you have all the answers right away, or did it take some time?
“Writing this book was never an easy task.
The first challenge was to deliver something which is absolutely new and not stale. Why would people read the same old repeated stuff already present in plenty in the market? Why would they even purchase such a book which has nothing fresh to deliver?
Secondly, modern day parenting is extremely challenging and can even be exhausting at times.
Hence, I included a lot of reading, research and interactions with psychologists, pediatricians and parents as my prep work for writing the book.”
“That kind of groundwork really shows your dedication and it is reflected in your book.”
6. During your interactions with contemporary parents, what was the one question that was reiterated?
“A few reiterated questions included:
How to restrict usage of gadgets?
How to feed nutritious food as kids are only willing to consume junk?
How to inculcate moral values in children?
How to make them disciplined?”
“Those are indeed universal concerns! Every parent can relate to at least one (if not all) of these struggles.”
7. Is your target audience the parents, or can other people also read this book?
“To-be parents and parents of children up to 12 years of age can benefit the most from this book. But even others can read it.”
“Awesome”
8. Are you also a reader? If yes, what kind of books do you read?
“Yes, I myself am a keen reader. I love to read both fiction and non-fiction.”
9. How has it been like now that you have published your first book?
“It feels great. And especially when people find your book to be helpful, it gives you a different satisfaction.”
“That’s the best reward any author could ask for”
10. Will you continue to write about topics that you are passionate about in your career or venture into other genres?
“I haven’t yet decided but I think I would definitely try to experiment.
In the meantime, my upcoming books include:
Understanding My Parents (a book especially for children to bridge the gap between them and their parents). It is a lovely book that contains stories, answers to plenty of questions that arise in the tender minds of children regarding their parents and motivation for the children to strengthen the “Parent-Child Relationship” — all presented in an entertaining, humorous, and touching way.
While my second book is especially for teenage and young girls and women. This book focuses on helping them conquer challenges, unlock their potential, explore mindfulness, connect with their inner self and thus illuminate their lives.”
“Both projects sound incredibly inspiring! It’s wonderful to see your writing continue to focus on building stronger, happier individuals and families.”
Leena’s work stands as a gentle reminder that parenting isn’t about control, it’s about connection. By blending ancient wisdom with modern understanding, she not only simplifies the complexities of raising children today but also rekindles the essence of mindful, value-based parenting.
Her journey as an educator, social worker, and now an author is a testament to her belief that nurturing children begins with nurturing ourselves.
Grab your copy of Raising Tiny Humans today-
Amazon
Flipkart
Follow Leena’s journey on Instagram – adbhutam2026
