Another Parenting Perspective

by Smruti Gopal

Another Parenting Perspective talks about ways we can strengthen the parent-child relationship through the process of parental evolution. In this book, Smruti Gopal takes you through the parenting journey with an inward focus. She takes you on an insightful ride through the different planes of development, starting from birth to adulthood. She talks about ways you, as a parent, can show up fully and authentically for your child in whichever plane they currently are in. This book addresses topics like parent-child power struggles, sibling rivalry, peer pressure, conscious use of screen-time, parenting from an empty nest, and much more. You will find examples, tools, personal experiences and more than a few inspiring ideas to help you parent your child with the deepest connection and utmost presence. This book outlines the necessary skills and actions that can transform your parenting experience into an evolutionary and meaningful one.

Genres: Nonfiction

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2024

Reviews

[Dalia (book_o_creativity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often to be a parent we forget we were once a child. Sometimes to be a parent we need to heal our inner child. We need to remember parents were once children, as vulnerable as our own children are. 'Another Parenting Perspective' explores ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship through the evolution of parenting practices. In this insightful book, the author guides us on an introspective journey through the various stages of a child's development, from birth to adulthood, emphasizing on the importance of parents being fully present and authentic in their interactions, regardless of the developmental phase their child is in. It will not only help you to be a good parent but also help you to introspect about your own childhood.

'Another Parenting Perspective' is a nonfiction book on parent-child relationship. The warm, empathetic book delves into common challenges such as power struggles, sibling rivalry, and peer pressure, offering practical strategies to navigate these issues. It also covers contemporary concerns like the conscious use of screen time and the dynamics of parenting from an empty nest. I loved how in simple language everything is described with small chapters. Through a mix of examples, tools, and personal anecdotes, the author provides inspiration and guidance for parents seeking to deepen their connection with their children. It emphasizes how modern generation needs more empathy and understanding rather than power control over them. It advocates softer, gentle approach towards conscious parenting.

Coming to the writing the book encourages parents to embrace their role as a continuous learning experience. The language has been kept very simple for better understanding. Small chapters making it pacey and to the point. The quality of writing as well as the style is good. The writing is filled with compassion and empathy, connecting the reader's no matter in which phase they are. Even though I liked the book, I Would have loved small workbooks for parents after each chapter but nonetheless this book provided valuable lessons. Recommended to all parents out there.

[bookswithchaipai · Rating 4 out of 5]

New parents face numerous hurdles as they navigate the early stages of parenthood. Sleep deprivation, constant worry, and the steep learning curve of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Balancing work and family life, managing expectations, and finding time for self-care are additional challenges. In her book, Smruti has drawn a roadmap to success, providing guidance for overcoming every situation from early parenthood to the offspring's adulthood.

With over two decades of experience as a Montessori educator, Smruti Gopal has poured her wisdom and insights into her writing. Drawing from both her professional teaching career and her personal journey of raising her own daughters, her advice is both concise and invaluable.

Smruti advocates for the Montessori method, a legacy left by Dr. Montessori. One of the important principles she emphasizes is respect. Being rude or yelling is considered disrespectful to the child.

By citing various scenarios and explaining what not to do, and then teaching us the right approach, Smruti provides a formula for raising well-rounded children.

Having a 16 year old myself, the chapters which helped me the most were -
- More about Teens and Tweens and Peer Pressure
- Consciously Approaching Exams
- Preparing Young Adults for a Conscious Romantic Relationship

This book has provided me with a great deal of insight into the mind of a teenager and will remain a fixture on my side table whenever I need parenting advice.

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Another Parenting Perspective" by Smruti Gopal is a heartfelt guide that dives into the essence of parenting with a refreshing inward lens. The book is a journey through the stages of a child's growth, offering a hand to parents to be present and genuine at every step. Gopal's narrative is relatable, filled with real-life examples and strategies that resonate with parents from all walks of life. It's a book that not only talks about the challenges but also celebrates the joys of parenting, all while encouraging parents to heal and grow alongside their children. A truly transformative read for those who seek to parent with awareness and love.

[litwithneha ( Neha Modi ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is succinctly written, filled with insights from the author’s own parenting experiences with her two children. The author covers a wide range of topics including sibling rivalry (which was much required for me), peer pressure, the struggle to limit the screen time etc.

I am glad the book doesn’t make parenting sound like a daunting task (though it sometimes feels like one), yet provides some practical ideas to get over the routine struggles.

The book provides simple and effective parenting tools which come from the author’s own parenting journey. An insightful read for parents with kids of all age groups.

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Starting A New Life?-
Review of ‘Another Parenting Perspective’
🖋️📖

There is plethora of noise where parenting books are concerned. A lot of them are written from western point of view but are they valid in our country where not just geography but language and culture changes every few hundreds of kilometres? Fret not, because Smruti Gopal brings you a thorough deconstruction of what it means to be a parent.

Another Parenting Perspective deals with dozens of questions and doubts that linger in minds of new parents or parents-to-be. Gopal starts right from the beginning- do you want to be a parent? She asks. But why? She gives bullet points to help you ask questions and also to clear your doubts and suspicions.

The book is split into many chapters that cater to different phases and planes of development and age your child is in. She stresses on parental healing, urges us to deal with our childhood trauma first so that it can be a rock for healthy child-parental relationships. She supports her theories from other books, citing various authors to cement her writing. She even quotes Khalil Gibran-

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and afar.
Let your bending in the archer's hands be for happiness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves the bow that is stable.’

Smruti has also written about that omnipresent problem every parent faces- how to deal with the screen. She advocates lesser screen time as that will allow the child to-

* Touch, feel, smell, hear, and see the things that are in their immediate environment.
* When a child reaches out to touch a flower in a garden, a delicate object, or a newborn sibling, show them how to gently touch by saying the word "gently" rather than preventing them from touching by saying "no."
* Give your child opportunities to try new tastes, but don't get them to taste things through manipulation. Give the actual names of things, feelings, and sensations they come in contact with.
* Bring the child's awareness to the air around them, the sky above them, and the ground beneath them.
* The planet Earth offers rich sensory experiences; allow your child to experience them all.

Do read the book if you are going to embark upon this journey.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The discovery of the true self happens on an inward journey or a willingness to get onto one.’

Having a niece and a nephew is a blessing. As I witness them grow and their mothers become a super mom, this book is like a different journey altogether.

Another parenting perspective introduces us to the conscious parenting methods that help us strengthen our bond with our child as she talks about the various planes of development, starting from birth to adulthood. Smruti talks about the Montessori method she was introduced to while raising her children and it is interesting to learn about it.

From preparing for the role of parenting to how to know we are on the path of parental evolution, how sacred spiritual environment helps a child grow to find their meaning of spirituality and witness our own and our child’s spiritual evolution.

‘Define, re-define, change narratives, and flow with what spirituality means to you. Trust and know that whatever path you're called to, is right for you.’

These lines stayed a little longer with me.

While Smruti talks about spirituality, childbirth, and guidance for new parents, she talks about non-birthing parents and the changes one goes through as a couple, how the psychological environment influences children deeply, how a moment of pause and self-reflection is essential in this journey and a lot more.

With her simple and practical approach, Smruti gives a completely different perspective on parenting to the readers which will be helpful for all the new parents. Her writing style is captivating and to the point making it easy and relatable for the readers. The topics and the concepts she covers are essential in our fast-paced lives, especially in the times of the internet and online content.

In the hurricane of thoughts on a parenting journey, this book is like a much-needed pause addressing many important topics while raising a child. Identifying parentification, how can we help a child become fearless, and the role of humour in parenting to welcome change, this book has a lot more with apt examples, tools and inspiring ideas. A must-read for new parents.

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Parenting Perspective by Smruti Gopal
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As someone who is not a parent yet this book provided an insightful look into the complexities and rewards of parenting, and a deeper understanding of my own parents' experiences. This book as a guide emphasizes parental evolution and introspection, urging parents to show up authentically at every developmental stage of their child's life and also for themselves and as a couple.
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What makes this book particularly compelling is its holistic approach to parenting. It addresses common challenges such as power struggles, sibling rivalry, peer pressure, and screen time, all while emphasizing the importance of building a deep connection with one's child but never forgetting one self. What I loved was she advocates for parental healing, encouraging parents to address their own childhood traumas to foster healthier relationships with their children. This idea is reinforced with references to other authors, adding depth to her insights.
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She mentions finding oneself via parenthood
Gopal also provides practical strategies for managing screen time, promoting reduced exposure so children can engage more with their immediate environment. Her advice includes fostering sensory experiences and encouraging children to explore the world around them.
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The book is organized to cater to different developmental stages, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced parents. Each chapter is rich with examples, tools, and personal anecdotes, which make the advice relatable and actionable. Reflections on parenting teenagers and the process of letting go are especially thought-provoking.
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Another Parenting Perspective stands out by addressing cultural nuances often overlooked in parenting literature. It offers practical and psychological insights that are relevant globally, making it a meaningful guide for anyone looking to deepen their parenting journey and connection with their child.

[Sameeksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a dialogue in Kota Factory that resonates deeply: “Parents’ decisions might end up being wrong, but their intentions are never wrong.” This encapsulates the essence of parenting, a journey where parents learn and grow alongside their children. Family planning and parenting are supreme responsibilities that come with immense power. I have seen and heard how children often carry their parents’ traumatic baggage, leaving lasting scars.

In her book, Smruti offers a comprehensive perspective on parenting techniques. She breaks down the basics, from the reasons behind parenting to the expectations it brings, and explains the process and learning curve that come with it.

What I love about the author’s approach is that she doesn’t just focus on fundamental concepts or training for various aspects of life. She also acknowledges the complexities of sibling rivalry, setting boundaries, and power struggles among children. While the book serves as a guide for parents aiming to train their kids for a better future, it also delves into the notions of co-parenting and divorce.

The uniqueness of this book lies in its narration and fresh perspectives. It highlights the necessity of communication, changes in parenting styles such as methods of punishment and rewards, and preparing young adults for conscious romantic relationships.

Overall, this book explores a variety of approaches for a better understanding of parenting styles. It is a perfect guide for embracing parenting with a renewed perspective!

[Hema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another parenting perspective by Smruti Goyal is a handy book for people who deal with Kids. Not only for people who have kids or are expecting one. This book really gave me an insight on parenting. This generation is very different to our generation. We use to play a lot of outdoor games and these kids love to remain indoor and that too on screen. She has given a lot of examples on how to deal with kids.
She starts this book by making a couple think on why they want to become parents. How to prepare on this journey. What it feels to be a new parent and some guiding tips. She covers a lot of topics that comes as your child grows up.
She talks about sibling rivalry which is very common but how every parent deal is different. Some kind of boundaries are needed for the betterment of your child. When your kid makes a mistakes give them some time to realise and work on that.
She has given amazing pointers which are very simple but yet very very helpful in the upbringing of your kid. Every parent is different but they all want the same thing for their kid.
The way this book is written is just amazing. It is not only for how to raise a kid but also on how to become better yourself. You could go by reading a single topic everyday or you could read few topics at once. It is 200+pages but it will keep you intrigue and in awe of how simple she has made this parenting look like. At the end of the book she has written few poems of parenting.

[kriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book :Another parenting perspective
Author Smruti
Review : In “Another Parenting Perspective,” Smruti Gopal offers a profound exploration of parenting that emphasizes personal growth and deepening the parent-child relationship. Throughout the book, Gopal guides parents through a transformative journey, focusing on evolving alongside their children from infancy through adulthood.
Gopal’s approach is refreshingly introspective, encouraging parents to engage authentically with their children at every stage of development. She adeptly navigates complex topics such as parent-child dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the conscious management of screen-time, offering practical tools and personal anecdotes that resonate deeply with the reader.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to blend theory with practical application. Gopal not only discusses the psychological and emotional aspects of parenting but also provides actionable advice to foster genuine connections with children.
Overall, Smruti Gopal’s “Another Parenting Perspective” is a must-read for parents seeking to enrich their parenting journey. It’s a compassionate and insightful exploration that equips readers with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of modern parenting with grace and intentionality.
4/5
#bookphotography #bookstagram

[bookswithkinkita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Parenting Perspective by Smruti Gopal is a thought-provoking book that delves into the realm of parenting.
The author emphasized the importance of self-reflection and understanding the layers of parenting.
One of the key insights presented in the book is the necessity for parents to prioritize self-care and personal growth to provide the best possible environment for their children.
The author sheds light on the delicate balance between parental aspirations and respecting the individuality of their children, cautioning against imposing parental plans without considering the children's perspectives.
A particularly compelling aspect of the book is the emphasis on fostering a friendship-based relationship with children. The author advocates for open communication, establishing conscious boundaries, and effectively managing stress and failure.
Additionally, the book offers valuable insights into understanding and supporting children in their romantic relationships, recognizing the potential impact of parental dynamics on a child's willingness to share their personal life.
By offering concise and practical guidance, the author equips parents with the tools to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children.

[Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parenting brings a lot of joy but at the same time can be very stressful as we are responsible for another human being!! We, as parents have the best intentions for our children but our parenting is based on our own experiences as a child and societal dictates. However, many a times we struggle when we find that our children are resisting what we think is right. Smruti through this book forces us to look at parenting from a different perspective. Through personal anecdotes, she asks us to first parent our own selves before we can parent our children. She asks us to reflect on our belief systems and conditioning. She gives practical inputs on parenting across the planes of development from a toddler, teenager and adult-child. Drawing on her experiences as a Montessori Educator, Conscious parenting coaching and her own spiritual journey, she demonstrates how it is important to be a parent for your child at that present moment and not a ‘fantasy child’.

If you're seeking a different lens on parenting coupled with a deep, meaningful connection with your child, this book, with its accessible writing style, is a valuable guide.

[Shruti k · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to my mother, there's no set formula for being a good parent; it's all about learning from experience. While each journey is unique, getting guidance or hearing about others' experiences can offer valuable insights to help us navigate parenthood better.

In this insightful book authored by a teacher, every aspect of parenting is thoroughly explored. From the motivations behind parenthood to nurturing the parent-child relationship, topics such as postpartum depression and handling peer pressure are thoughtfully discussed. The author skillfully weaves together examples, practical tools, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking questions urging parents to form stronger bonds and be more engaged parents.

As a mother, I found this book to be incredibly informative. It helped me navigate through moments of doubt and confusion, providing clarity on various aspects of parenting. Whether you're a new parent or struggling with child-rearing, this book offers valuable insights that can make a difference in your journey.

[Pavireads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Another Parenting Perspective" by Smruti Gopal is a helpful guide for parents that emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. The book encourages parents to reflect on their own childhood experiences and traumas to build healthier relationships with their children.

Gopal addresses common parenting issues like sibling rivalry, peer pressure, and screen time, while also discussing topics like bullying, exam stress, and co-parenting after divorce. Her advice is practical and easy to follow, making the book useful for parents everywhere.

One key strength of the book is its focus on conscious communication. Gopal offers tips on how to listen actively and speak in ways that children understand, helping parents connect better with their kids.

Overall, "Another Parenting Perspective" is a valuable resource for parents at any stage. It provides practical advice and personal stories that can help parents navigate the challenges of raising children while building a deeper, more genuine connection with them.

[Auraofthoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you look at the world with a different lens ?

Well parenting requires many perspectives to thrive in its journey.

Another Parenting Perspective by Smruti Gopal, compels the parents to dig down inwards to find answers for various questions or confusions that arise when either planning for a baby or raising the child.

The author touches every possible aspect of parenting right from planning for a child, birth to adolescence and finally when a child settles in his/her own family life.

The author sparks inward thinking firstly by posing different questions to parents and then explaining the author's own perspective by citing relevant and relatable examples.

The author, Smruti keeps emphasizing that parenting is not a pursuit but it's a journey of discovery.

Why you should read ?
The book comprises very unique perspectives on Anxiety, setting healthy boundaries, spiritual connection of parenting, handling sibling rivalry and much more. The book is definitely for the all parents and parents to be to explore, think inward and shape their own ways of parenting. ⭐️✨️

[Sindhu Vinod · Rating 4 out of 5]

The genre of self-help when it comes to parenting has a lot of books that offer a lot of information. Quite often the level of information makes you drenched and most often isn’t very relatable since it suits the Western lifestyle. This book by Smruti offers a fresh perspective and which is why the title is another parenting perspective.
Smruti through this book emphasizes much more self-awareness and personal growth while taking the reader on an introspective journey of effective parenting. What really opened my eyes was to look at yourself first and then go to guiding the children. The most important difference that we notice in kids of this generation is their exposure to the outdoors. Kids these days prefer to keep themselves occupied within the house or should I clearly say within their rooms. Be it educational, extracurricular, or even sporting kids resort to screens, Smruti gives you ways to handle this problem.

[Paperback_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the perfect guide for all age parents. This was a well detailed book. Simplified with the bullet points in each chapter. I really loved the writing style of the author. While reading this book, readers could feel themselves in Direct conversation with the author. The book cover was cute and simply beautiful. The title was justified. The best part of the book was it answers all my questions related to parenting. Books on such topics are much needed. Each chapter has so many questions and their answers are explained in a well detailed manner. So many parenting methods, tips and tricks are given in the book. Every minor detail was given for better parenting. I was amazed over the quality of the content. Some of the best chapters were Conscious Boundary setting, Tending to our Inner Garden. The author has shared her personal life experiences. I recommend this book to all the parents. One should definitely read this book whether you are parents of toddlers or adults.

[Srijani Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Another Parenting Perspective" by Smruti Gopal offers valuable insights for parents, especially those new to the journey. Gopal draws from her Montessori background and personal experiences, covering a wide range of topics from early childhood to adolescence. The book emphasizes the importance of respect, self-care, and open communication. Some chapters, like those on handling peer pressure and preparing teens for relationships, are particularly useful. However, the book's structure can feel disjointed at times, and some might find the style too informal. Overall, it’s a helpful guide with practical advice for modern parenting.
Rating: 3.5/5🌟

[Our_readingjourney · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER PARENTING PERSPECTIVE - SMRUTI GOPAL

As a parent each day is a challenge some easy to navigate some tricky where we all keep our child's well being in mind.
To be an effective parent one must first focus on oneself esp the trauma and life experience we faced as children can have an unconscious effect on the parent child relationship.
As parents after birth we want our kids to excel at all their early milestones, get into school then college later job and marriage and eventually having kids of their own. We want them to excel in all of them but what if something doesn't go according to this plan ? This book will be like a guiding tool for you right from tops for to be parents and new parents to the journey of a parent via self reflection and why it's absolutely essential is described comprehensively.
The author has in depth talked about most common issues like bullying, sibling rivalry, peer pressure, setting boundaries, navigating the world of teens and tweens, exam stress, preparing young adults deal in romantic relationship, empty nest to even divorce and coparenting.
For me , I really appreciated tips where I can let my kid be kid and help deal with her fears and anxiety.
The chapter of conscious communication was most beneficial to me and takeaways like active listening, speaking the language which my child will understand and true communication helped me realise my faults and how I can overcome them.
Rest assured as I navigate through my daughter's coming journey this book will act likemy friend in helping me guide to do what's best for her and help ease my parenting role.

[Solitude and books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong parent-child relationship fosters emotional security, builds self-esteem, supports cognitive development, and provides a foundation for healthy social relationships and overall well-being throughout life.

Another Parenting Perspective by Smruti Gopal explores strengthening the parent-child relationship through personal growth.

It is such a handy book!

It covers child development from birth to adulthood, addressing issues like power struggles, sibling rivalry, and screen-time.

The book offers examples, tools, and personal experiences to help parents connect deeply and authentically with their children, transforming the parenting journey into an evolutionary and meaningful experience.