Motherhood looks different in every home, shaped by where we come from and where we choose to build our lives. Swati Narsinghani, originally from Godhra, shares that whether a mother lives in a bustling city or a quiet town, the environment influences the pace of parenting and the kind of support system she builds. That awareness of context and community has quietly shaped her journey as a mother to her 17-month-old daughter.
Seventeen months into motherhood, Swati speaks with honesty about confidence, guilt, stereotypes, and the silent promises she makes every day. Her reflections are tender, thoughtful, and deeply relevant for any parent raising a girl in today’s world.
Below is her story, in her own words.
Seventeen months in, do you feel more confident as a mother or more aware of how much you’re still figuring out?
Seventeen months in, it is a mix of both. I am more confident in reading her cues, but I am still very much figuring out how to handle toddler tantrums and changing sleep needs.
She is still so little, yet already forming opinions. When she insists on doing something her way, how do you balance guiding her and letting her be?
It is a delicate balance. I try to allow independence, like letting her choose her toys, but set firm boundaries on safety, such as not playing near stairs. I guide her by offering two choices instead of saying no, giving her a sense of control.
As a mother to a girl, when did you first start thinking about the kind of world she will grow up in?
That thought started the moment I knew she was a girl. The desire to make the world safe, equitable, and kind for her began instantly.
Have people already started making comments about how girls should behave? How do you filter what to keep and what to ignore?
Yes, comments about clothes, behavior, and being “ladylike” come often. I filter it by asking, does this encourage her to be kind, confident, and free? If it is about rigid gender roles, I ignore it.
Do you find yourself being more protective because she is a girl? How are you working through that instinct without raising her in fear?
I am very protective, but I work through it by focusing on teaching her skills, like physical confidence, rather than raising her in fear of the world.
What belief from your own childhood are you consciously choosing not to pass on to her?
I have not thought of anything like that yet.
What does mom guilt look like for you right now?
Right now, it is mostly about screen time, needing a ten-minute break, or feeling guilty when I lose patience after a long day. I talk myself through it by remembering that a regulated mother is better for her than a perfect one.
Has motherhood changed the way you see your own body, voice, or confidence as a woman?
Motherhood has made me see my body as a source of strength rather than just aesthetics, and my voice has become more assertive when advocating for her.
When she observes you cooking, speaking, reacting, or resting, what example do you hope she absorbs?
I hope she sees me resting without guilt, speaking kindly to myself, and setting boundaries, showing her that women are allowed to take up space.
One day she will ask who she is and where she comes from. What foundation are you quietly building for that future conversation?
I am building a foundation of unconditional love and a strong, safe emotional connection.
If one day she could remember only one feeling from her childhood, what feeling are you trying to give her every single day?
I am trying to give her the feeling of being safe, safe to explore, safe to be emotional, and safe in my love.
A Quiet Strength in Everyday Motherhood
Swati’s reflections remind us that raising a girl does not begin with grand gestures. It begins in small, everyday decisions. It begins in choosing confidence over conditioning, skills over fear, and regulation over perfection. It begins in allowing our daughters to see us as whole women who rest, set boundaries, and speak with strength.
Seventeen months may seem like just the beginning, but the emotional groundwork laid during this stage lasts a lifetime.
If her words resonated with you, we would love to hear your story too. Join our growing community of honest, intentional mothers.
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You can also follow Swati Narsinghani on Instagram at @swati_nagdev_ to stay connected with her motherhood journey.
