My Approach to Conscious Parenting: Sanskara-Based Parenting

Inspired by Indian Knowledge Systems

Parenting is one of the most earnest responsibilities bestowed upon us, shaping not only a child’s life but also the future of humanity. My journey into sanskara-based parenting began during my youth when I was introduced to the concept of the Shodasha Samskaras—the 16 vital milestones of a human life—through sessions at Chinmaya Yuva Kendra.

At that time, we were a group of spirited young adults navigating the highs and lows of youth, often unaware of the depth and beauty of the cultural wisdom surrounding us. It was during this phase, between the ages of 18 and 22—a biologically fertile and emotionally vibrant period—that our mentors taught us about these samskaras. The very first one, Garbhaadana, involves consciously invoking a child into the womb and welcoming them into the family with love and intention. This teaching was a revelation, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of the immense responsibility and transformative power of parenting.

The Power and Responsibility of Parenthood

Parenting begins long before a child is born. Every thought, decision, and action of the parents-to-be has the potential to shape the path their child will take. This is why choosing a life partner is so crucial—it's about envisioning the legacy you wish to leave, the values you want to pass on, and the qualities you hope to instill in your child. Parenting is not a random act; it is deliberate, purposeful, and requires complete awareness.

As youth, we begin to create parenting patterns influenced by our experiences with our own parents. We dream of either providing our children with the same parenting we received or doing things differently to address what we felt was lacking. Ultimately, these aspirations are shaped by how we were parented. This is also the age when independent thinking blossoms, giving us the opportunity to lay the foundation for the kind of parents we aspire to be. It is at this stage that we have the power to break transgenerational parenting patterns and consciously choose to parent our children in the way they truly deserve.

A Journey of Learning and Unlearning

When my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I attended an intensive workshop on Indian culture and samskaras, it ignited a shared resolve: whenever we decided to become parents, we would do it with complete awareness and preparation. This decision guided every step of our journey, starting from understanding the rituals of our wedding to seeking the right mentor for our parenting journey.

Our mentors introduced us to the wisdom of Indian Knowledge Systems, emphasizing the importance of education before conception. In Bharata’s culture, parenting and teaching are deeply intertwined. The word “parenting” itself, for me, is synonymous with “educating.” To be a great parent is to be a lifelong learner, and to teach is to inspire growth in oneself and others.

Decoding the Shodasha Samskaras

The Shodasha Samskaras offer a structured path for nurturing a child not only physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This spiritual dimension—the adhyatmika—is the driving force behind all others, as per our ancient wisdom. The guidance encoded in these samskaras, though often masked by rituals, contains universal truths about human development.

With the blessings of our mentor, Maa Skanda Meera, and a supportive community of like-minded parents, we embarked on the journey of decoding these samskaras. We sought to understand the internal and external transformations a child undergoes at each stage and how we, as parents, could support and guide these changes.

Blending Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science

While the Indian Knowledge Systems provided the spiritual and cultural foundation, modern sciences such as developmental psychology, neuroscience, and game theory (referred to as Leela in our tradition) complemented our approach. This synergy of ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding enriched our parenting methods, ensuring holistic development for our child.

Sharing the Knowledge: Happy Toddler Hub

Along this journey, I realized that every child deserves the kind of intentional and thoughtful parenting we were practising. This inspired me to extend my learning to others through curriculum development, parent counselling, and workshops.

At Happy Toddler Hub, we support parents who face challenges in their parenting journey. Our focus is not on “fixing” children but on empowering parents to address issues such as:

• Managing stress without transferring it to their children.

• Balancing career and parenting responsibilities.

• Preparing for developmental milestones.

• Handling sibling rivalry or preparing for a new sibling’s arrival.

As a dancer and dance movement therapist, I use creative techniques to help parents explore their own patterns, identify shortcomings, and discover solutions within themselves. Parenting, like life, is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Our Indian Knowledge Systems beautifully remind us that all the wisdom we need is already within us; it simply needs to be divined out through self-reflection and proper guidance.

A Personal Journey & A Community Vision

Parenting is a sacred journey of nurturing not just a child but a conscious human being. By blending the timeless wisdom of our rishis with the tools of modern science, we can create an environment where our children thrive—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is not just an approach to parenting; it is a way of life, deeply rooted in the culture of Bharata.

I invite all parents to embark on this transformative journey of sanskara-based parenting. Together, let us rediscover the beauty of raising children with intention, awareness, and love—ensuring that they, too, grow into mindful, fulfilled, and compassionate individuals

Take the First Step toward Conscious Parenting

If you need guidance in your parenting journey, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. And, if you need support in your parenting journey, please join our Happy Toddler Hub.
If you are a parent planning to conceive or are pregnant, do explore my book "Your Divine Baby Experience" and the sessions I conduct for parents-to-be. Together, let’s nurture the next generation with awareness, love, and wisdom.

Discover my son Prakrit's journey from Garbhaadana to Upanayana in this blog. Click Here.