Dr. Ankita Raj, an author with a different fragrance. Her words express a lot about parenting. She has written four books of similar ideas (Happy Parenting, Parentoons 1 and 2, Pyara Pariwar). Her fifth book is ready for publication by VL Media Solutions, Delhi. Independent columnist Ms. Kavita Kabira has discussed with Dr. Ankita about her writing and other related issues:

Modern world parenting has become extremely complicated, how do you think parents can connect better with children?
Ankita: I believe one should just keep acknowledging the feelings. Children know what to do; they watch you. Hence by leading with the action you can always connect.

As per you is there a huge difference between rural and urban parenting? Can one learn from another?
Ankita: There is a difference in every parenting. Let us teach each other by making a co-parenting club and sharing experiences. No one is perfect. We should always be ready to learn and grow.

In today s times is the pressure on the child or pressure on the parent is more? What do you think are the possible reasons? Tips as per you?
Ankita: Parents are troubled with salary and children are troubled with pocket money. Feelings are the same. Problems exist because the line of communication is unclear. Just acknowledge the feelings and you will get to hear everything.

How much independence is good for kids. A lot of parents are confused as to whether and how much decision making they should offer children example in terms of digital media?
Ankita: The level of independence cannot be quantified. During independence when something goes wrong, people must have the faith to fall back upon each other for help.“I did this because…” has to be valid and reliable. Parents may modify talks to children in order to make them develop a capacity of judging things correctly.

You have worked on so many books? Describe your journey as an author?
Ankita: I wrote my first book because of the troubles I had faced during pregnancy; so thought of sharing the solutions to all. And my recent book was out of the passion that I have developed for psychology.

You have two daughters. Share your experience and changes that you went through as a mother?
Ankita: All mothers can feel the answer to this question. And, for all the non-mothers, pick up the phone and talk to your friend who is a Mom. They will surely laugh at this.

What were your challenges as a mother and how did you overcome them?
Ankita: You may please read my books as they list the problems and solutions.

What are your tips for other aspiring parents and what tips your books give them to become a better version of parenting?
Ankita: Be a Friend-Philosopher-Guide parent and not a James-Bond Parent.

Besides parenting what are the other areas that you can talk about?
Ankita: My doctoral research had areas of women empowerment. So, anything about them.

what is your take on changing dynamics of relationships with the younger generation? How to better deal with them?
Ankita: Things are changing so generations must accept it. Moreover, don’t say, “You don’t listen to me. Say, “I feel bad when you don’t listen to me”. Try it and get back to me.

what is important to you? Religion or spirituality and how to go about them?
Ankita: Spirituality would be number two. Humanity leads the race.

Talk about your favorite day with your kids?
Ankita: My daughter said, “Let’s make a cartoon for Parentoons”. I felt happy that she wanted to be a part of what I like doing. So, in the evening when we finished, we watched Madagascar together with popcorn and a cold drink.

One warm and touching incident of your life that changes your outlook?
Ankita: I married my Husband. (Please stop laughing )

You are the founder of Greenhath Products? How was it inspired? Share your journey with our readers?
Ankita: My baby sitter gifted me with a macramé keychain. I had not seen that ever. I asked the cost and she said 80-rupees. That left me aghast because if I had to purchase that from any Large Format Retail then it would not cost me less than 1000-rupees. I felt the importance of labeling and branding. That’s when I thought of employing such women who lack exposure to potential markets by starting my Greenhath.

What role do you play through Asiapacific – UN women organization?
Ankita: I use their platform to talk about women’s employment and education through parenting. They showed interest in my work because the two problems are universal.