LAKSHMI NAMBIAR

Were there any similarities between you and your daughter as a child?

My husband jokingly calls me and my daughter "me and mini me" as we both have bangs and look quite similar today. When I reflect on my childhood, I see a lot of myself in my daughter. Like her, I had bangs when I was a child too. We were outgoing and vocal about our thoughts We never held back from speaking our minds and were always eager to express ourselves.

One thing to keep in mind is that each generation of children is exposed to different experiences and opportunities, which can impact their achievements For example, I do not remember much about my accomplishments at 11 , but my daughter has already published a book of poems called "Undiscovered". It's amazing to see the potential and talent that children today possess and how they are way ahead of where we were at their age Overall, it's important to recognize and appreciate the similarities and differences between ourselves and our children. By understanding their unique personalities, interests, and experiences, we can support and guide them towards achieving their own goals and aspirations

Advice you would have given your younger self about motherhood?

Firstly, prioritize self-care. Being a mother is a tough job and it can be easy to neglect one's own needs while taking care of a child. But it's essential to remember th at taking care of oneself is equally important as taking care of the child. Secondly, don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Motherhood can be overwhelming at times and asking for help can make a world of difference Reach out to family, friends, or even hire a babysitter to give yourself a break. This can help relieve some of the stress of motherhood and allow you to recharge your batteries which is beneficial for both the mother and child.

What’s the key to raising strong women in today’s environment?

As a mother to a daughter, I strongly believe that raising strong women in today's environment involves exposing them to strong female role models. Personally, this is something I am passionate about, which led me to co-author a book called "The Dot That Went For A Walk" featuring stories of 51 women role models Showing your daughter women who have achieved great things can inspire her and give her the confidence to pursue her own dreams.

Also, it's crucial to instill in young girls the belief that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to and that they have the power to make a positive impact in the world. Encouraging independence and self-confidence can help build their sense of agency.

Creating a supportive environment is also essential Encouraging open communication and actively listening to their concerns and feelings, validating their experiences and emotions, can help build their self-esteem and resilience.

What is something you and your daughter bond over?

My daughter and I have a strong bond over our shared love for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. We have been traveling as a family since she was two and have been fortunate enough to visit many amazing destinations around the world. Whether it's walking the walls of Dubrovnik Old Town in Croatia, experiencing Patagonia, or even enjoying the sauna in Finland among others

However, our strongest bond is formed when we visit galleries and museums to see art. I get super excited to share art with her and hear from her what she likes and dislikes about each piece. Our visits to various museums and art galleries have been some of our most cherished moments together, and we always come away from each visit feeling enriched and inspired.

What is your favourite memory together?

Oh, it's impossible to pick just one favourite memory! My daughter and I have had so many amazing experiences together. But, if I had to choose, I'd say that visiting the Museum of Modern art MoMa in New York was definitely one of the highlights Tamaara was particularly excited to see the original works of some of her favourite artists like Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali, as she had only seen their work in books before. It was so fun to see the excitement in her eyes as we walked through the galleries and discussed the art and stories behind each piece. I loved hearing my daughter's perspective on the different pieces, and seeing how her appreciation for art was developing. It was a truly special moment to share with her and one that I'll always treasure