56.Harsh Consequences of Excessive Screentime on Brain Development ft Dr Madhumitha Ezhil @screenfreeparent
What exactly happens inside a child’s brain when they spend hours glued to screens?In this episode of The Modern Indian Parent, host Rinie Gupta is joined by Dr. Madhumitha Ezhil, an expert in early childhood brain development. With rising concerns around kids being hooked on Cocomelon, YouTube Shorts, and Reels — this conversation breaks down the neuroscience behind screen addiction and its alarming long-term effects.If you’ve ever Googled:“Why is my toddler obsessed with screens?”“Are educational videos good for babies?”“Signs of screen time addiction in kids”“Virtual autism symptoms”“Parenting without screens”— then this is the episode for you.Dr. Madhumitha offers grounded insights, science-backed facts, and practical tools to help modern parents make more informed screen time choices. Episode ChaptersSkip to the part that interests you:0:00 Introduction03:59 Dr. Madhumita’s Journey into Screen Time Reduction08:23 Recommended Screen Time for Babies and Toddler11:01 What Excessive Screen Time Does to a Child’s Brain13:47 Dopamine, Addiction, and the Science Behind Screen Cravings15:38 Are Educational Shows Like Miss Rachel Actually Beneficial?19:56 Understanding Virtual Autism and Its Impact25:19 Early Warning Signs of Screen Overuse in Kids29:47 How to Talk to Grandparents About Reducing Screen Time35:46 When Parents Struggle to Say No to Screens43:58 Managing Your Own Screen Habits as an Adult51:21 Is It Safe to Share Your Child’s Images on Social Media?01:01:44 Final thoughts and How to Reach Dr. Madhumita Stay Connected With Us!️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates! Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/ Connect with the guest:https://www.instagram.com/thescreenfreeparent/
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55. The Power of Occupational Therapy for Your Child
In this enlightening episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Sanchita Daswani engages with Dr. Mahek Uttamchandani, a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with over two decades of experience. She is also the director of Stepping Stones-centre for excellence for occupational therapy. Together, they explore the often-misunderstood world of occupational therapy, breaking down its significance for children under five.Are you a mother worried about your child's developmental milestones? This episode dives into how occupational therapy can be a proactive approach rather than a last resort. From addressing sensory processing disorders to enhancing daily skills, discover practical tips and insights that can help your child thrive.Tune in to demystify therapy, understand when to seek help, and learn how simple activities at home can foster growth and independence in your little ones. Skip to the part that interests you: 03:45 Dr. Mahek Journey into occupational therapy06:15 Why is there a stigma around occupational therapy?07:55 What is occupational therapy?09:01 When should a parent consider occupational therapy?12:36 What are some signs to look out for that a kid needs therapy?15:05 The Rise of Specialists in Child Care18:08 Occupational Therapy for Newborns: Reflux and Colic22:37 Defining Sensory Processing Disorders27:09 Helping kids struggling at mealtimes32:24 The difference between toddler tantrums and actual struggles35:17 How to help kids that can’t focus42:11 Understanding Shyness and Social Skills44:37 The Process of Occupational Therapy AssessmentStay Connected With Us!🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/👩 Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/Connect with the guest:Dr. Mahek Uttamchandani: https://www.instagram.com/steppingstonesptc
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54. Unschooling Explained: Maximising Your Kids' Potential Without Classrooms
What if your child never went to school — and still thrived?In this episode of The Modern Indian Parent, we dive deep into unschooling with Vishruti Shah — a conscious parenting coach and unschooling mom who has never sent her 9-year-old to school. With over 400k parents following her journey online, Vishruti shares how she carved out a unique educational path rooted in self-directed learning, emotional awareness, and freedom from traditional molds.This episode is a must-listen for modern parents who are questioning whether rote learning, rigid school structures, and academic pressure are truly the only path to success. If you’ve ever searched for:“What is unschooling?”“How to homeschool in India?”“Can kids succeed without going to school?”“Unschooling vs homeschooling differences”“Best learning approach for my child”— this episode answers all that and more.From busting myths about unschooling to practical tips on building a learning-rich home, Vishruti shows us how to raise children who are confident, self-motivated, and emotionally secure.📌 Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Rinie on Why Unschooling Matters03:18 – Meet Vishruti Shah: Conscious Parenting Coach and Unschooling Mama of 204:22 – Why She Never Considered Traditional Schooling09:58 – Unschooling vs. Homeschooling: What’s the Difference?11:55 – Getting Other Families Onboard for Unschooling15:31 – A Day in the Life: What Unschooling Looks Like21:51 – Why Children Don’t Need Teachers or Fancy Resources for Learning30:20 – How She Built a Home Full of Learning Resources32:43 – Future Prospects of Open Learners: University & Careers41:28 – Where to Begin: Practical Advice for New Unschoolers45:07 – Finding Your Unschooling Community48:28 – Final Thoughts and How to Reach VishrutiStay Connected With Us!🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/👩 Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/Connect with the guest:Vishruti Shah: https://www.instagram.com/vishruti_joyes_parenting/
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53. Fatherhood Unfiltered: What Dads Wish Moms Knew, ft Prranav Vashistha | Father's Day Special
We always hear about motherhood—but what about fatherhood? What does it really feel like to be a modern dad raising young kids today?In this Father’s Day special of The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Rinie Gupta sits down with father, mental health advocate, and podcast host Prranav Vashistha (The Gut Feel Show) to discuss the emotional realities, unspoken struggles, and unique responsibilities that dads carry in today’s parenting world.From overcoming fear-based parenting and perfectionism to navigating in-law conflicts and sharing the mental load — this candid conversation gives fathers validation, practical advice, and honest insights that are rarely discussed.Whether you’re a dad, a mom, or a parent trying to better understand your partner — this is the episode that finally puts the father’s voice front and center.What You’ll Learn:How fatherhood has evolved across generationsWhy fear is not discipline — and what real boundary-setting looks likeHow dads can support moms in the postpartum periodThe emotional gap between moms and dads — and how to bridge itHow moms can let dads help (without micromanaging)What fathers expect from mothers in returnHow dads can diplomatically handle in-law conflictsThe values dads hope to pass on to their kidsWhy teamwork is the foundation of modern parenting📌 Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction: Father’s Day Special – A Dad’s Perspective03:19 How Fatherhood Has Changed Over Generations07:40 Why Fear-Based Parenting Doesn’t Work11:17 The Nine-Month Gap: How Moms & Dads Experience Parenthood Differently after Pregnancy17:27 Should Dads Change Their Lifestyle After Having a Baby?19:13 How Moms Can Let Dads Help22:42 What Dads Expect From Moms26:35 Dad’s role in Handling Conflicts with In-Laws28:50 Setting Boundaries with, Extended Family30:57 Lessons Dads should Pass On to Sons32:53 Closing Thoughts: Fathers Will Feel Seen & HeardStay Connected With Us!🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/👩 Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/Connect with the guest:Prranav Vashistha: https://www.instagram.com/prranavvashistha/
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52. The Power of Early Brain Development ft. Pranay Dattani, Tickle Right
With 90% of a child's brain formed by age five, this episode dives deep into how parents can foster an environment that enhances cognitive growth through right-brain stimulation.In this enlightening episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, host Sanchita Daswani talks with edupreneur Pranay Dattani, founder of Tickle Right, about the critical importance of early brain development in children. Pranay shares actionable insights on creating dynamic experiences for young children, emphasizing holistic learning that nurtures resilience and creativity.Parents, this is your chance to unlock the secrets of effective parenting during those formative years.Discover how to support your child's emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills, ensuring they thrive in the future! This episode is sponsored by Tickle Right.📌 Episode Chapters⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:02:28 Intro and founding of Tickle Right06:46 What does holistic brain development mean?08:11 Difference between right and left brain?11:56 How toys build your child’s brain?13:29 Newborn activities to nurture the brain16:35 Why is brain development so important in first few years?17:52 How important are schools for brain development?24:48 How can we help as parents to promote creativity outside of school?28:12 Long term benefits of supporting brain development in early years?30:31 How can working parents help their kids thrive?33:46 How to teach kids to build resilience?40:28 Tickle right: Purpose and how they support kidsStay Connected With Us!🎙️ Follow The Modern Indian Parent Podcast for exclusive parenting tips & episode updates!📲 Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/modernindianparent/👩 Connect With The HostsRinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/ Connect with the guest:Pranay Dattani: https://www.instagram.com/tickleright/https://tickleright.com
Welcome to the "Modern Indian Parent," the podcast that challenges outdated practices and embraces modern parenting in Indian families. Join Sanchita, a pediatric nutrition consultant, and Rinie, a pediatric sleep consultant and newborn specialist, as they cut through the noise and help you confidently own your parenting choices, even when dadi, nani, and the next-door aunty don’t agree. Each week, enjoy real-life stories and expert advice on sleep, nutrition, health, relationships, and more. Grab a cup of chai (or a glass of wine) and join the conversation!