Kim Kardashian reflects on the bittersweet reality of being a mother: ‘The sad part about motherhood is…’

Kim Kardashian posted about one of the most bittersweet aspects of parenting. (Source: Instagram/Kim Kardashian)

Kardashian, who shares children North, 11, Saint, 8, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5, with her ex-husband Kanye West, has always been open about her experience as a mother. 

According to a People report quoting a source, Kardashian has been the “primary caregiver” for their children since filing for divorce in February 2021, balancing her career, personal life, and parenting responsibilities. As children grow, parents often struggle between being supportive and encouraging self-sufficiency, as highlighted in Kardashian’s post. 

To understand how parents can best approach this balance, indianexpress.com spoke with Neha Cadabam, a child psychologist at Cadabams Mindtalk, about strategies for supporting children in developing their independence while maintaining a strong, healthy bond.

Fostering a strong bond with their children while also encouraging their independence

Cadabam states that building a strong bond with children while fostering independence requires a balance between connection and empowerment. “Studies show that children who experience secure attachment are more likely to become confident and self-reliant as they grow.”

She adds, “One effective way to create this bond is through responsive parenting—listening to a child’s needs, validating their emotions, and providing consistent support. This teaches children that they have a safe base to return to, giving them the confidence to venture out. Parents can nurture autonomy by setting clear boundaries and providing choices within those boundaries.” 

For instance, letting a child choose what to wear or which activity to try fosters decision-making skills within a supportive environment. This way, the parent remains involved without micromanaging, helping the child build self-reliance.

Children learn by example when parents handle stress or setbacks with a positive mindset. (Source: Freepik)

Strategies for parents to build resilience in children while supporting their autonomy

Building resilience involves helping children develop coping skills, adaptability, and a sense of personal strength — all while respecting their independence, mentions Cadabam. Instead of rushing to solve every issue, parents can guide children through difficulties by asking open-ended questions like, ‘What do you think would work here?’ or ‘How can we approach this differently?’

She continues, “Another strategy is to model resilience. Children learn by example when parents handle stress or setbacks with a positive mindset. Positive reinforcement also plays a role in building resilience. Praising effort rather than just success encourages children to persevere even when challenging. This way, they become accustomed to overcoming obstacles, which fosters a sense of resilience that stays with them as they grow.”

Parents can further support autonomy by gradually increasing responsibility according to the child’s age and maturity. Giving them tasks to complete on their own — such as managing a small allowance or packing their school bag — teaches them to handle responsibilities while allowing them the space to learn from mistakes.