#MothersDay: I want to teach my daughters to find joy in small things, says Shital Shah

Shital Shah, a single mom to five-year-old Serena and one-year-old Sara, says, “Being a mother has given me everything and I don’t need anything else. I have zero me time, but I have no complaints. One’s biggest need is love and my daughters have fulfilled that. We have a soul connection and were meant to be together. I don’t have any typical expectations from my daughter, like whether they will take care of me in my old age or anything.” Excerpts from a chat:

‘A mom expects her family to support her decisions’

Moms want respect for what they are doing. Striking a work-life balance is very difficult for a mother. So, she expects her family to support her decisions and I have been blessed to have that support. However, I have close friends who had to give up on promising careers because their husbands weren’t supportive enough. Why should hiring a nanny be still such a taboo? Respect and hands-on help from the family are a must, else a mother feels very lonely.

‘Spending time with Sara and Serena is just priceless’

1.I want to teach my daughters to find joy in small things, love nature and value relationships. If they don’t know how to be happy, then it would be pointless even if they are super successful and earn well. While motherhood is blissful and enjoyable, a mother should also hold on to her individuality and own self. She shouldn’t ignore her own job or hobbies. She should learn to strike a balance instead of letting go of things she loves doing. My mom is a super ambitious and successful woman, and I have learnt a lot from her. Earlier, my life was all about me time and I would travel the world. But thanks to my daughters, my need for socialisation is zero now. I don’t watch TV either, but I don’t miss anything. I love all the tantrums, noise, games, and laughter. Spending time with Sara and Serena is just priceless.