Motherhood often brings you back to your roots in ways you never expect. For Tinaz Bathena, born and raised in Mumbai and still living here, this phase has been deeply grounding. Surrounded by family, culture, and familiarity, both tradition and modern thinking have shaped her journey into motherhood. Having spent time abroad, returning home during this phase made her realize the importance of raising her daughter with strong roots while also giving her the freedom to grow into her own person.
Through her honest reflections, Tinaz shares what it really feels like to raise a 10-month-old, the small moments, the quiet realizations, and the values she hopes to pass on.
What part of your daughter’s personality is shining through at 10 months?
Ten months in, her personality is already so vibrant and expressive. She’s incredibly curious, always observing and exploring everything around her. There’s a playful, joyful side to her that comes out in her smiles and little giggles. At the same time, she’s quite attached and affectionate, which makes our bond even more special.
Do you feel more protective because she is a girl? How do you balance safety and freedom?
She’s just like any child, but I do feel a little extra protective, especially hearing so many stories around me.
I’m mindful of who she interacts with and the environments she’s in, even at this early age.
At the same time, I don’t want fear to limit her freedom or confidence.
So I’m learning to stay cautious and aware while still letting her grow and explore naturally.
How do you avoid labeling or stereotypes at such an early age?
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people who don’t box her into stereotypes or labels. So far, I haven’t really faced that challenge with her. I focus on giving her the freedom to explore and be herself. For me, it’s important that she grows up without any predefined expectations.
What does confidence look like at this stage, and how do you build it?
For me, confidence at this stage really comes from consistency and repetition. As she discovers steps, balance, or new things, repeating them gently helps her learn. That consistency reassures her and reinforces what she’s picking up. Over time, it gives her the confidence to try and do it on her own.
Has motherhood made you confront any fears about the world she will grow up in?
I don’t think motherhood has brought in any new fears for me. As long as her safety is my top priority, I feel at ease. Beyond that, I see life as her journey to experience and grow through. My role is simply to support her while she finds her way.
What was it like bathing her on your own for the first time?
This is actually still to come for me. I haven’t bathed her on my own yet. She has an amazing father who’s been so supportive and involved in everything with her. We’ve always done it together, which makes it feel like a shared experience. So for me, it’s less about doing it alone and more about bonding as a family.
Did bathtime feel like a task or a ritual?
To be honest, it was never really a task. It was always part of a set routine for us. Our mornings were structured with her massage, which she absolutely loved, so calm and soothing. That would be followed by her bath, then cuddles and a quick nap. It felt less like a chore and more like a comforting, predictable rhythm to our day.
Which milestone made you emotional in an unexpected way?
I think the first milestone that truly made me emotional was when she sat on her own without support. She had been doing tummy time and trying to crawl, but this felt different. It suddenly made me realize she’s really growing up. That moment stayed with me. It was a mix of pride and a little realization of how fast things are changing.
What everyday ritual feels sacred to you now?
I’ve really come to cherish our mornings because they’re so predictable. I know what’s coming next, how she’ll be, and how the day begins to unfold. That sense of routine gives me calm and helps me plan the rest of the day better. There’s something very comforting in that consistency. It feels grounding and reassuring.
What do you hope your daughter says about you as an empowered woman?
I hope she sees me as someone who was strong, yet gentle in her approach to life. Someone who stood by her values but also stayed open and understanding. I want her to say I gave her the freedom to be herself while always being her safe space. And above all, I led by example and showed her what it truly means to be confident and kind.
A Gentle Reminder for Every Mother
Tinaz’s journey is a beautiful reminder that motherhood is not about doing everything perfectly but about creating a space where your child feels safe, seen, and free to grow. It is in the small routines, the shared moments, and the quiet decisions that real parenting takes shape.
If there is one thing to take away, it is this. Give your child both roots and freedom, and trust that they will find their way.
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