In a candid conversation on her daughter Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast, Shweta Bachchan Nanda offered a refreshingly honest glimpse into her early years of motherhood, challenging conventional norms about what it means to be a present parent. The lifestyle personality, known for her forthright nature, shared how she crafted meaningful connections with her children, Agastya and Navya, by embracing her own personality rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Embracing Imperfect Mornings, Creating Afternoon Magic
Shweta Bachchan Nanda openly admitted that she was never a morning person. The typical school-day rush did not involve her preparing breakfast or sending her kids off. Instead, her routine began with a simple, loving gesture. "I couldn't wake up in the morning. I am not a morning person. So you guys would come, give me a kiss, and I'd say bye, have a nice day," she recalled on the podcast recorded in January 2026. This honest admission sets the stage for her unique approach to parenting.
However, the afternoons were her domain. Shweta spoke fondly about the ritual of picking up her children from school. Those car rides transformed into cherished pockets of connection, free from distraction. With her son Agastya, she established a weekly tradition that remains a highlight in her memory. Every Friday, after collecting him from nursery school, they would make a special stop at McDonald's. The ritual was so eagerly anticipated by young Agastya that he would climb into the car and immediately declare, "Okay, mama, happy meal." For Shweta, the value was never in the fast food itself, but in the comfort, consistency, and joy of a small, predictable ritual shared week after week.
The Psychology Behind Small Rituals: Expert Weighs In
To understand the deeper impact of such parenting choices, insights were sought from Dr. Pretty Duggar Gupta, Consultant Psychiatrist at Aster Whitefield, Bangalore. Dr. Gupta explained the significant psychological benefits of these personal rituals, especially when a parent cannot adhere to standard routines.
"When a mother is not able to carry on with the usual morning routine, small personal rituals—which may be just going to the school to pick up the kids—do a lot more than just fill up the time," notes Dr. Gupta. From a clinical perspective, these predictable micro-interactions create a sense of emotional safety. They reliably signal to a child that they are important, even if the broader daily structure is different. Research on family rituals indicates that it is the consistency and the parent's warm presence during these acts, more than the activity itself, that boosts closeness and feelings of parental support.
Quality Over Quantity: Building Lasting Emotional Bonds
Can a relaxed, fun time later in the day outweigh a rushed morning goodbye? Dr. Gupta confirms, "Yes—spending relaxed, playful time later in the day can make children feel more connected than a hurried, perfunctory goodbye in the morning." Science backs this up, showing that the quality of interaction is paramount. Short periods where parents are emotionally available and responsive have the strongest positive effect on a child's social and emotional development.
Such undistracted time allows for "affective attunement"—where a parent tunes into and matches the child's emotional state. This process is fundamental for emotional co-regulation, building a foundation for resilience and emotional intelligence in later life.
By choosing a parenting style that aligned with her true self—like not forcing early mornings—Shweta Bachchan Nanda taught her children a vital lesson. "When a mother parents in a way that aligns with her temperament, she models adaptive coping, showing children that self-awareness and self-care are integral parts of love," explains Dr. Gupta. This authenticity reduces parental burnout and ensures more consistent emotional availability, which is far more valuable than performing idealized routines.
Ultimately, showing children that bonding can be unique, joyful, and defy preset norms offers priceless gifts. It teaches them that relationships are creative and flexible, deepening trust and self-esteem. Dr. Gupta confirms that children from families where genuine connection is prioritized, even if it looks different, often show greater resilience, fewer behavioral problems, and stronger social skills. Shweta Bachchan Nanda's story is a powerful reminder that in parenting, being authentically present in small, consistent ways can forge the strongest bonds of all.
