Global marketing
professional and author Seema Punwani, whose slice of life book 'Cross
Connection' laced with wit and humour has sparked conversations across the
world, was on a whirlwind tour to Mumbai. She spoke at two events on
parenting, leading up to Mother’s Day, and offered interesting insights on
motherhood, feminism and parenting.
The first of these was
"role of humour in parenting', a much ignored topic . Conducted at
Crossword Bookstores, Kemps corner, the discussion also Dr. Swati Popat Vats,
famed parenting mentor and educationist, co-author of ‘Once Upon a
Story,’The discussion was moderated by the witty Mansi Zaveri - Founder and CEO
of Kidsstoppress, and had the audience in splits.
While discussing whether humour can be used in the case of serious
situations; Punwani asserted that humour has its role. “In serious situations,
joking won’t help solve the problem but will help lighten the moment.”
Dr. Vats added,
“Have a sense of humour with your child. Let them understand what to laugh at
and what to laugh with. But when a child is upset, never laugh it off!”
Mansi was able to draw
out useful tips for mothers. For instance, while Seema suggested that
rather than taking the child aside abruptly to talk about topics like the LGBT
community or sexual preferences, these conversations should take place in
spontaneity, Dr. Swati Popat Vats added, "stop asking for sympathy as
parents. Every parent must know that will go through sleepless nights. You can
either get wrinkled about it or can stay one step ahead with your humour.”
The second event was
at The World Trade Centre Mumbai, which witnessed an empowering panel
discussion. Seema Punwani joined multiple award-winning and
bestselling author, Meghna Pant (author Feminist Rani) Dr. Swati Lodha (author
of "54 reasons why parents suck) to discuss a very pertinent question:
‘Can feminism and motherhood co-exist?’
Moderated by
celebrated TV anchor Swati Khandelwal, the panelists seemed to agree that
the word feminism may be seen increasingly as irksome. However, since it
represents the 'cohort that needs equality more' it remains relevant. The panel
discussed wrong notions of 'the pressure to be a supermom' and moments of doubts
that arise as a mother.
"As a society, we
need to change the questions we ask women," reiterated Meghana Pant, while
Dr Swati Lodha said, " Our social innovation must move away from enforcing
pinks on girls and blues on boys."
Both events were
curated by The Network, India's leading influencer engagement and content
agency. Commenting on the same, Reeta Gupta of The Network, herself a
bestselling author said, " we can spark mindset change, one discussion at
a time. Authors like Dr Swati Popat Vats, Meghna Pant, Dr Swati Lodha and
Seema Punwani, as well as prominent names in Indian media such as Swati
Khandelwal and Mansi Zaveri represent a new balanced consciousness thats
shaping our society."
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