2: Rethinking Expectations, Extracurricular Resistance, Talking About Death and Hiring a Caregiver with Neeti Narula.

In this episode, I sit down with Neeti Narula, a yoga and meditation teacher and creator at Melissa Wood Health. Neeti is also a mom to son Lokan (5) and daughter Rooni (2). Together, we explore the common struggles parents face when their expectations for their children clash with where their kids are emotionally or developmentally—especially around topics like separation and trying new things. For example, how do we respond when we’re eager to see our child join friends in an activity, but they resist? When do we honor their hesitation, and when is it helpful to encourage them to push through? What’s really behind our own triggers in these moments? We also dive into the sensitive topic of talking to our kids about death and personal loss, sharing thoughts on how to approach difficult conversations without feeling the pressure to have all the answers. We end the episode with Neeti seeking guidance on what to consider when hiring a caregiver for her children. Key Takeaways: When we understand our own discomfort around our children’s readiness, we become better equipped to support them through challenges rather than simply pushing them forward. It’s often less about the activity itself and more about giving our kids opportunities for growth and exploration. Sometimes, our default mode is to rush—but leaning into natural consequences, like the simple experience of being late, can be a more effective motivator than we realize. Talking about death often feels scarier for us than for our kids. We don’t need perfect answers; it’s okay to say, “I’m not ready to talk about that yet.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices