All posts by Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma

About Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma

Hello digital world, This is my space where I put in my thoughts freely. I have been into various professions related to writing and communication. Currently I am a blogger and attempting to be a interesting writer and storyteller for children.

On the airwaves for change

Published Articles, Reshma's Blog, The Hindu

Radio ga gaShamantha and her team of RJs

People Sarathi Jhalak, a community radio station in rural Bangalore, is seeing a steady increase in its listener base. Shamantha D.S., who started the station, walks RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA through the success story

It’s hard not to get affected by Shamantha D.S’s exuberance. Sarathi Jhalak, a community radio station in rural Bangalore at Anugondanahalli, in Hoskote taluk has seen a steady increase in its listener’s base since last August, thanks to Shamantha’s efforts.

Unlike the skyscraper views of most radio stations in Bangalore or the hi-tech ambience, Sarathi Jhalak which is aired on 90.4 FM has a view of tomato fields and cabbage gardens and a bare look room with basic equipment.

Simplicity seems to be the main reason for the station’s rising popularity. The listeners from the villages nearby want content that talks their language and highlight issues that affect them. Doing the balancing act between being a regular station and a community radio station has been a challenge for Sarathi Jhalak.

What was started as an all-woman station is now also employing men as RJs, for program supervision and content programming. Ranging from programs that target the student community and women,, the RJ’s of 90.4 FM say their chosen part-time career has been an eye-opener for everyone.

“On an average we are on air for about 16 hours a day from Monday to Saturday with Kannada anchoring and songs of folk to classical music and film songs from Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films to cater to this region’s audience tastes,” says Shamantha.

The dynamic young woman has been into radio journalism as well as other streams of media careers says starting the radio station through her NGO, Sarathi has been the high point of her career. Shamantha is excited and believes the community radio station has the potential to make a difference in the lives of people in Anugondanahalli and nearby areas. The RJs of Sarathi Jhalak come from very varied backgrounds. They all hail from Anugondanahalli and continue with their day jobs of beautician, driver and counsellor at a hospital. They allocate a few hours to radio out of passion, admitting they had not expected such a response that has turned them into mini celebrities!

Shamantha admits it has not been easy. “I am thankful to government agencies such as BSNL, BESCOM and BECIL who supported us with technical know-how for a radio station including telephone lines and assisted us with relevant technical knowledge to run the station smoothly.

Of course we were all very anxious for the first month as we didn’t know whether we had plunged into the right thing. Today we are happy we are part of a radio station that many villages have made their companion.” She adds that her radio experience at AIR and guidance by key people from AIR has helped her set up the station.

When asked about taking a backseat after being in the forefront as a RJ, and filmmaker, Shamantha demands, “Isn’t seeing a team running a station a greater responsibility? I do go on air sometimes but I feel happy when I see my RJs who were novices and have now turned out to be polished professionals. The listeners’ response in the form of text messages (250 in two hours) and hordes of letters is proof of the adulation we receive.”

After a pause she adds, “Once a boy was lost and we were able to reunite him with his parents within a few hours thanks to the alertness of another listener and our phone lines being open. It is incidents like this or our program Manasina Mathu where youngsters talk of their worries and concerns on air and that make us realize that it’s not only urbanites who are stressed out.”

Shamantha reserves her visits to the station to once or twice a week and has handed the day-to-day management to the RJs and program director. Shamantha who is continuing to dabble in filmmaking and developmental journalism sums up saying, “Sarathi Jhalak has offered insights on the needs of villagers. For instance the need for old age homes in villages, as most youngsters are in cities on work. Issues like this can be addressed and their needs can be taken care of by organisations. We have a long way to go to extendour reach. We are now able to reach only nearby villages and we are hoping our radio reaches more listeners. Finally, along with regular entertainment programs, if we are able to address the needs of the rural folk, that would be Sarathi’s biggest achievement.”

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/on-the-airwaves-for-change/article4668439.ece

The article was published in the Hindu Metro Plus on April 30th 2013.

Once birthed, twice the joy!

Deccan Herald, Pregnancy and Parenting, Published Articles, Reshma's Blog
Reshma K Sharma, April 20, 2013:

TWIN BUNDLE

Anxiety soars high when a would-be mom is in for a double bundle of joy, writes Reshma K Sharma.

Preparing for motherhood brings a bag of mixed emotions for most would-be-moms. However the anxiousness, jitters and concerns are perhaps double-fold right through the pregnancy if a woman is expecting more than one baby. While it is a pleasurable phase for others to see twins dressed in identical clothes or just being together, it could be a daunting task for new mothers, especially for first-timers. Experts opine that the key to manage this phase is effective planning.

To avoid situations where you would get depressed about too many things falling on your lap make sure to get life simpler with good planning. This could be like getting enough clothes for both babies in advance, just in case you’re unable to get them washed everyday. Or it could be getting people to engage one baby at different schedules while you are busy with the other one. In other words, be aware of twin baby necessities right from their clothing requirements to crib to the daily schedule planned in advance if possible. Talk to others, who have had twins; it’ll help you go a long way. But most importantly, be flexible in your approach for last-minute changes in your life.

According to Dr Geetha Belliappa, Consultant Gynecologist & Obstetrician, “A twin pregnancy is as much a double blessing as it is a tough task. Twin pregnancies require more monitoring than single pregnancies. Twins can bring double the joy, but parenting twins means double the work – at least initially. The key is to be prepared. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and needless to say, financially.”

Dr Geeta shares a few insights that would-be-parents of twins or multiples may find useful:

* Breastfeed both babies simultaneously. It really is possible to feed both babies at the same time with one twin on each breast. But it takes great coordination and patience. But it saves you some time for yourself.
* Put the twins in the same crib initially. But shift them to separate cribs once they begin to roll. Otherwise, they may bump into one another and wake each other up. While one crib is fine, two car seats and a double-stroller are absolute musts for newborn twins.
* Twins may be similar, but they are also different. Encourage the differences between twins and never compare twins to one another. Separating the twins in the later stage is highly recommended. It is in their best interest to be separated and get their own group of friends.
* Parenting twins gets easier with time. Young twins are easier to raise as they have each other to play with, and sleep better than singletons once they reach the age of two.

Going by the practical experience of raising twin babies, now aged two, says Shilpa Nayak, a software engineer, “It is very essential to plan on who would be the actual hands-on mother or caretaker in the case of twins and be prepared for the journey. I had my mother all along and thankfully, because of her, I was able to get back to work. I felt that it was only their first year that was the toughest to handle. Especially when they learn to sit, crawl and move around, because you are constantly worried they might harm themselves. But once this phase passes, it’s a lot easier.

Another mother of 10-year-old twin boys, Jyoshna V, confirming this opinion, says “It is the initial one year that new mothers or parents have to cope up with. Challenges of sleep schedules, breast feeding, and potty training are hectic. After that I have felt that it is good as the twins give company to each other. It is indeed a fun experience to watch twins grow up.”

Twins, as most parents and experts feel, are good playmates and companions in the growing years. Many parents also feel it is a matter of time before you can sit back and feel that your job of raising two children is easier than going through parenting phase repeatedly. All it needs is a bit of sound planning and support from your loved ones, and you would be well on your way to bounce back in life.

This article was published in Deccan Herald in the Living supplement on April 20th 2013.

Moms-to-be and Babies Centres in Bangalore

General Thoughts, Pregnancy and Parenting, Reshma's Blog

Bangalore has suddenly turned into a birthing destination with over seven premium hospitals targeting moms-to-be. There are perhaps a few more to set their foot in the hope of lots more more babies to be born.

I am myself right now working for a second maternity hospital in my career and I am completely enjoying it. Wonder again if there is an overdose of these hospitals but I guess investors are setting up as they do see a demand. It certainly is one of the urban facilities provided for city dwellers.

More industry trends indicate lot more mother and baby stores, lounges and related facilities coming up. I just hope all this helps a larger audience in terms of safety, facilities and luxury would be an added advantage.

Watch out as I would be writing more on this segment until I move to a new arena.

A pocketful of sunshine

Deccan Herald, General Thoughts, Published Articles, Reshma's Blog

It may seem harsh, but you are the only one who can help yourself through darkness, writes Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma.

 

Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma, March 2, 2013:

CROSSROADS

Life appears to be near perfect, if not absolutely perfect. Then, unexpectedly, monsters come your way, knocking on your doors. You encounter a major illness. Or a huge financial loss with which you have lost everything in one stroke – money, status, and relationships.
Or a situation where you lost the love of your life to death or divorce. Or an infertility diagnosis that leaves you feeling barren. A personal tragedy in life, needless to say, drains you emotionally.
The catastrophic personal loss becomes a phase that most of us struggle to come out of. Life just seems to be at crossroads that make you choose between giving up and surrendering to the situation, and starting your second innings in life. Surviving the situation is probably the trickiest part of these instances.
But the biggest challenge lay in finding happiness, or atleast comfort, after having battled out tragedies.

Says Dr Keerti Tewari, a breast cancer survivor in her thirties, post her treatment at HCG hospitals six years ago, “For a person who has studied medicine, I knew that there was something wrong with me, and finally decided to have a check-up. On conducting a random self-examination, the results confirmed that I had breast cancer. The very name of the disease or imagining its implications put me off completely. But my husband let me cry for about two days and then took control of the situation. We started going to several hospitals for consultations and zeroed in on HCG. But no matter what form of support system you may have, ultimately it is only you who has to stand up for yourself and battle out the negativity from your life.”
“The pain I underwent was unimaginable, both at an emotional level and at a physical level. I was balding, putting on weight due to the treatment, and even losing my eyelashes! It was not an easy path when I chose to battle with cancer and decided to have my life back.”
Life, at times, demands that you go harsh on yourself to make things better for yourself. If you can’t hold onto yourself, no one can. Sharanya Gupta (name changed), who recently had her divorce come through, says, “Everything seemed good when I married the man of my choice. I even had my family to support me. I took a sabbatical from work as I wanted to live this dream of being a happy wife. Now it seems so illusionary and a dream that was only mine and not my husband’s! I was trying to work on my marriage which was turning sour and soon got to know that my husband was cheating on me! The feelings of anger, frustration, and shock hit me hard. I had wasted my time on a relationship that was never meant to be a good one. Finally, it dawned on me that brooding over it would fetch me nothing and that I had to walk out of the marriage. I got back my job and let myself be consumed by work to forget everything else. I did everything that I wanted to, like going to watch good plays, travel a little bit, spending time with myself, though I had good friends and family with me. Today, living as a single woman has become a conscious and deliberate decision. If nothing else, I’m  atleast at peace with myself.”
If you can take control of your life and lead yourself towards a better you, nothing can stop you from being at peace.

Anish R, a young businessman who faced a huge financial crisis says, “Financial loss is something that just doesn’t take away only monetary assets. It can take away a person’s social status, lead to severe emotional breakdown and even break relationships. I had suffered so terribly in my business venture that there was a stage when I was close to losing my home. I was even worried about the next meal. The pressure was immense and I had to start all over again.

It does take a lot of courage to keep a straight face in front of people, especially when you do not want their sympathy, and just want to thrive on ideas and opportunities to stand tall once again. Today, my business is doing fine and I have built up another home. Being emotionally strong is a key aspect in getting over financial crisis.

Negative thoughts of anger, frustration and depression, or even suicidal tendencies, are going to hit you, but you must give up!”
You have only yourself to prove to and you must never let yourself down. Ali Khwaja, a counsellor, says, “Trauma or a breakdown can be the result of any major happening where the person is unable to cope, and it affects him/her emotionally. Individuals need to look for self-help mechanisms, where they build on inner strength to cope with such situations, and then talk about it to family or friends. Build a support system around you to help you sail through this phase and also, if required, talk to a professional counsellor to fight the battle.”
As a word of caution, he further adds, “Parents need to teach children to understand that failure is part of life and accept that it’s absolutely fine not to be an achiever in everything. That life has its ups and downs for every individual. People need to learn to survive the minor battles right from the beginning in case a situation arises where you need to be strong and this can happen only if you are emotionally secure.”
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross might have given the world five stages of grief to any form of catastrophic personal loss model in her book ‘On Death and Dying’. The stages – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are mechanisms of adjusting with grief and perhaps those who are survivors of personal loss or trauma may have undergone these stages or much more.
But a strong message from survivors is that it is only ‘you’ who can help yourself to overcome a burdening experience. Remember difficult times will definitely pass. It’s only a phase. Let go and live life as a fighter, and maybe the best is yet to come, so live on…

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/315821/a-pocketful-sunshine.html– The article was published in the Living Supplement of Deccan Herald on March 2nd 2013.

Celeb soup for the bored soul

Published Articles, Reshma's Blog, The Hindu

Why are we so obsessed with celebrity news? The personal life of models, actors or cricketers may be a stress reliever or a conversation starter, says Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma

Whether we’re flipping channels, turning to page three, or surfing the Internet, we perk up as soon as a celebrity is talked about in the media. It could be their birthday, an outburst of anger, photographs of their parties, or a date they had in a restaurant. Anything and everything to do with celebrities, especially if there are photographs or videos available, is instantly devoured by a large audience.

Why are we so intrigued when we hear such news or gossip? Says Gautami K, a marketing professional, “I think it’s the boredom or monotony of life that gets to us. Every once in a while, I do browse major news sites or entertainment sites for celebrity news. Likewise, if I am at home I do want to be updated on the latest gossip on Indian celebrities or the Hollywood ones. This is one of the ways I can relax.”

Many people find reading of a cricketer’s interests or an actor’s lifestyle a way to transport themselves to a world where they seldom think of their own worries.

Says Manjula Shetty, proprietor of a leading beauty salon, “Women find it very relaxing when they are reading something on lifestyle or the film magazines. You generally find a lot of these magazines at beauty salons because women come here to be pampered and relax.”

Of late, almost everyone in show business seems to post intricate details of their life, whether to share good news or to defend their actions, statement or opinion. In the age of blogging and twitter, we hear what kind of dress they wore or what their opinion is on some issue, or what their new baby is like. Everything to do with glamorous celebrities seems to be welcome. These celebrities also know that it’s good to be talked about even if they are not doing all that well in their chosen profession. After all, being a celebrity is all about being clicked and followed in the virtual world, too. Is it only women who find such gossip interesting? No, says Raghu Rao, a professional working in an advertising agency. “Men too like to know of their favourite sports personalities’ personal life, photographs or comments by their favourite actors to feel closer with their icons.”

There have been instances when those in the public eye are abusive, misbehave, or make controversial comments, before apologizing just as publicly. There are wannabes who post frivolous pictures of themselves that are anything but appealing. In a country that is heavily dependent on film celebrities, cricketers and the like for major entertainment news, people like to know personal details. No one complains until there is an overdose of news about a single celebrity. Celebrity gossip offers stress-free therapy, brings friends together over lunch and lightens up the office environment. It also gives people reasons to laugh or feel good that they were not the person caught in an awkward photograph, opening a window for negative emotions to be thrown out. The next time you find an introvert colleague surfing through an actor’s childhood pictures splashed on the web, perhaps you could join in. It may just start a conversation.

The article was published on February 19th 2013 in the Hindu Metro Plus- http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/celeb-soup-for-the-bored-soul/article4428222.ece

When the stork comes a-calling in style

Deccan Herald, General Thoughts, Published Articles

Being pregnant has never been more fashionable than now, writes Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma

Thanks to Bollywood Moms, the average woman is now confident about her pregnancy, struts about in branded maternity clothing, and participates in fashion hunts. She may take a break to enjoy her pregnancy or she may continue to work. Either way, she wants to prove to herself and others around her that she is “pregnant, confident, and happy. Period.”

The Brits are celebrating the royal pregnancy in style with the much hyped Kate Middleton’s expected arrival in July 2013. Back home, we might not have a royal baby on the news as the next big arrival, but there are enough women celebrities who are married, and the next big announcement after their wedding seems to be of their pregnancy.

Yes, pregnancy has become a style statement! It has become a reason to be fashionable, to be in the limelight, and get fans to hear about the much-awaited news. Today anchors, models, and actresses take it in their stride to talk about pregnancy, as it adds a new dimension to their personality.

Who could forget Bollywood actress Aishwarya’s pregnancy announcement with her losing a film project due to pregnancy!

Her journey as a mother with baby Aaradhya, and of course, post–pregnancy weight were quite the eye-grabbers in all media. Celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Mandira Bedi, Lara Dutta, and Celina Jaitley have all been in the limelight for pregnancy-related announcements promoting yoga CDs, baby pictures and more. In what has been seen as a global trend, women are becoming stronger in their decisions and like marriage, pregnancy too has become a natural phase of life that is accepted. It doesn’t bother women anymore as they believe with talent, work will come again, even if it is in the show business.

A decade ago, in India, this would seem inappropriate, especially if one were in the glam industry of films, small screen, and entertainment channels. A decade ago, no such hype existed. Women, especially under the arc lights, were reluctant to talk about pregnancy. Moms-to-be wanted to hide the growing bulge, as pregnancy was considered as an announcement that could hamper career prospects.

Today, however, pregnancy fashion has become a huge business opportunity to be cashed. The mom-to-be is bombarded with a host of products like pregnancy clothing, accessories, necessities like pregnancy pillows, stretch mark creams, specified pregnancy slip-on shoes to name a few. In all the gamut of assertion and the need for women to be recognized for their talent, no matter what event occurs in life, the phase has also become the perfect opportunity for marketeers to utilize the given opportunity with products and services to suit the category. This, they say, is all about “living in style” and “convenience”. The would-be-mother is made to feel special and privileged. Several events encourage the lady to be in the limelight with fashion shows or pregnancy calendars. Pregnancy photographers are a new breed of camera-persons on the block, who make you believe that pregnancy is a time to be cherished and stored as a wonderful memory.

In the last decade, a drastic change from multi-speciality hospitals to dedicated maternity hospitals has spruced up for the changing consumer. Today, many pregnant women want to go to a single speciality hospital when it comes to maternity care. No wonder these single speciality hospitals of pregnancy and paediatric care have enough activities to make the momma-to-be believe that this is once-in-a-life-time opportunity and that it needs to be special. With just one or two pregnancies being the norm in urban households today, it is not surprising that most moms-to-be are embracing activities from dedicated mother and child stores, hospitals, and websites that talk of pregnancy as a “never-before and never-after (perhaps)” experience. Many women have even become regular bloggers who write articles and stories detailing every month of their pregnancy and post pregnancy experiences!

Since ages, pregnant women have always been advised to exercise for an easy delivery. Now though, there is a fun alternative – dance therapy! Even classical dance forms are being appropriated and choreographed to suit pregnant women. This trend is fast catching up and even has the approval of many gynaecologists. It is probably not long before we see a pregnancy-speciality restaurant or a special pregnancy makeover by a noted salon to make the lady’s day.

Here are some of the most trendy ways to enjoy pregnancy:

– Get a makeover done with a noted beauty salon
– Get a specialized photographer to shoot you a pregnancy portfolio
– Get friends to arrange for a pregnancy get-together in someone’s home. It would be good to share an afternoon lunch with other pregnant women to talk about your current phase, especially with people who are in the same zone. Try and arrange for a movie screening on DVD with fresh juices and popcorn to munch on.
– Write a few letters to the unborn baby. Actual handwritten letters. Maybe on what you did that day. These can be stored in a well-decorated box and shared with your little one, once she is able to understand and of course, read well.
– Look-up a restaurant that can arrange for a lovely candle-light dinner in a beautiful ambience that will make you feel good.

Basking in motherly glory is certainly an in-thing now, and most pregnant women are lapping it up. And why not? Afterall, pregnancy is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a miracle the woman’s body was designed for!

 

The article was published on February 2nd 2012 in the Living Supplement of Deccan Herald.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/309197/when-stork-comes-calling-style.html

Review of English Vinglish -from my perspective

General Thoughts, Reshma's Blog, Reviews

It’s been quite some time right since I happened to watch  a Sridevi movie and this one of Sridevi -English Vinglish -I actually went for it only after receiving a lot of good reviews for it.

I had my own apprehensions in the beginning when the movie was announced as I had quite disliked one of my other favorite actresses so called comeback -Aaja Nachle.

As I sat in the theatre, for a night show after a  interesting work day, I actually started relating to the movie in many ways. Perhaps I was the brat where I would think my mom doesn’t know English like the daughter shown in the movie or mine and my mother’s first flight to London where neither her or me (in my fifth grade) didn’t know the right usage of the language.

Yes I did my schooling where that was the best one in that area but when I came to Bangalore to join Kumarans, I was completely freaked out.

Today as I write the blog and hold my job as a Communication Manager I do feel it has been a long journey though it can be better in the coming years.

Coming to the movie, Sridevi looked her age and I was actually glad scripts are written according to the required characterization and did not feature a young heroine.  Thank you Gauri (director of the movie)  for making people realize people need not be Judge mental (as spoken in the movie) of anyone in life.

 

The need to feel good during pregnancy

General Thoughts, Pregnancy and Parenting, Reshma's Blog

It’s funny but many women do not make a conscious effort to feel good during theri pregnancy. I say this from my experience and itneractions with my close blood relations who have been pregnant in the recent past.

With one or two children becoming the norm, unless of course you are one of those rare women who have the urge to go through the birthing process again and again, women in their pregnancy need to feel happy to the extent possible during pregnancy.

For one the phase wouldn’t repeat easily and it is good time to take a break from work if you can. Yes pregnancy is to be enjoyed not to be dealt with unnecessary stress. Of course if your Obstetrician allows and if you feel you are fit to be working until the next month and most importantly, you have a work place that has peers who encourage you and not bother you with irritable stares, then you should do what you feel is right.

In my current work stint I happen to see so many pregnant women, I wonder if they feel happy or scared or tired to go through this journey. From my end I would like to wish all the pregnant women -Enjoy the phase if you can. Pamper yourself and feel good. You are Pregnant and You are Special.

At ease, ladies ’n’ gentlemen

General Thoughts, Published Articles, Reshma's Blog, The Hindu

Trends In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is what everyone strives for, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

“Do me a favour please, just get dinner from the nearby pizza outlet? I will be reaching home late,” says Sowmya N., an HR professional and colleague riding home with me on a Tuesday evening. As I look at her wondering if it is difficult to go back home and cook for just two, she defends herself. “Yaar, it is convenient and that’s what is important to me to keep me sane.”

Come to think of it, what is it that most urban dwellers want for good living? Money and a host of smaller wants. But what is increasingly dominating urban minds is the desire for convenience .

People do not mind digging deeper into their pockets to achieve a stress-free life. From what weekend shopping trends indicate in malls and food stores, we like to go to a place where everything is stocked under one roof and we can get out faster. Why? Because it is convenient. When it comes to holidays, many of us want travel schedules that suit our preferences and offer relaxation.

Obviously affordability, rising incomes and glimpses into how people are living in developed countries are making us opt for services or products that bring us closer to that kind of life. Adding to this perception is the idea that convenience is saving time and helping us to multitask. We have technological innovations that offer services through mobiles, PDAs and laptops. Firms such as At My Doorsteps, Rentoys.in and AyurShop offer groceries, toys or even ayurvedic products at our homes.

Books online

A similar initiative started over a decade ago is an online library that picks up and drops off books that you want to borrow. Says Vani Mahesh, Proprietor, Easylib.com, “Starting an online library way back in 2001 was only to cater to an audience that understands convenience using technology. In our case getting books delivered home using technology or as part of premium service is only because Internet is no longer expensive and highly reliable. Moreover, that’s exactly what our customers look for–convenience at their doorstep.”

So is convenience so important that we look for it everywhere? Says Saraswathi Rao, a homemaker and mom of teenage children, “I believe people have grown up from the struggling economy and most living in cities want to lead a good life and achieve things faster. Moreover, they are very much aware of what makes them happy. So you have people going beyond boundaries and taking help of resources and technology to save time, multitask and attain more, even if comes at a higher cost, because that is what we strive for in our lives.”

Global exposure is making people see what it means to live life smartly rather than live life on hard terms. One phase of life that has offered convenience on various levels is motherhood. Says young mother Shruthi Tripathi, “With women returning to work faster post motherhood, this stage of life has embraced many things to make the role of mother easier right from bottles to pacifiers and prams amongst host of other utility items. You even have professional nannies who come to your home at a fee to make you feel motherhood is meant to be as stress free as possible.”

The social fabric of society too has changed and it could well be one of the reasons why people are looking for comfort in every aspect of life. Perhaps 30 years ago joint families helped take some of the pressure off. With nuclear families and multi-tasking being the order of the day, urbanites are now continually looking for that comfort zone in as many services as possible.

Published in the Hindu Metro Plus on August 1st 2012

Click the link- http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article3709622.ece

Ideal age to have a baby

General Thoughts, Pregnancy and Parenting, Reshma's Blog

An opinion on the ideal age to have a baby in one’s life.

As I play with my little one who is just about to turn three in a few months time, the thought has often crossed my mind, if I  would have been a better mom if I had a baby ten years ago. Personally I would have been obviously much younger, more energetic but also much frustrated(trying to convince myself !). It was not out of choice that i had a baby post 30, it happened that way.

I do see a lot at my current workplace, moms who look and are much older quite fine with the fact that as age increases the conception rates come down. With women entering professional fields in late 20’s it has become an accepted norm that it’s ok to marry late and more importantly have a baby later.

Well I feel any age after your marriage is great to have a baby. But as a human being you should be able to decide when you want to be a mother or father. Better if the couple decide on the time mutually so that you are both responsible for the decision. From my own experience I feel parenting is a great task if both partners contribute in bringing up the child.

So have a baby when you feel is the right time and that time can be any time when you are prepared, aware of the responsibilities and enjoy the phase.