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Journalism of Courage

Alisha Lalljee

The writer is a Mumbai-based psychologist, psychotherapist and special educator

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More From Alisha Lalljee

Are children born defiant? Understanding why they say no, argue and rebelSubscriber Only

September 01, 2026 10:00 IST

When parents give children everything they ask for, they are often surprised when those same kids grow intensely defiant. By shifting from constant over-accommodation to clear, consistent expectations and limited choices, parents can guide a strong-willed child toward healthy independence

Tue, Sep 01, 2026

Parenting begins with you: Why healing yourself helps raise emotionally secure childrenSubscriber Only

August 01, 2026 09:00 IST

Every parenting challenge is also an opportunity for self-discovery. Understanding how your own childhood influences your reactions can help build stronger, healthier relationships with your children.

Fri, Jul 24, 2026

Should parents say sorry to children? Why apologising builds trust, emotional securitySubscriber Only

July 01, 2026 10:00 IST

A heartfelt apology can strengthen trust, repair emotional bonds, and teach children accountability without compromising parental authority.

Mon, Jun 29, 2026

Why teenagers grow silent around parents and feel emotionally unsafeSubscriber Only

June 02, 2026 10:00 IST

Parents often describe their children as distant or secretive, while children describe feeling misunderstood, judged, or emotionally unheard.

Tue, Jun 02, 2026

You’re not a bad parent, you’re just an overstimulated oneSubscriber Only

May 01, 2026 10:00 IST

Allowing yourself moments of stillness without guilt. These are not luxuries. They are essential.

Tue, Apr 28, 2026

Winning isn’t everything but losing teaches everythingSubscriber Only

April 02, 2026 14:12 IST

A child who loses already feels confused, frustrated, or quietly embarrassed. What he or she needs next is safety, not advice.

Thu, Apr 02, 2026

Social media, social media ban, social media misuse, Social media platforms, social media websites, social media policies, editorial, Indian express, opinion news, current affairs

Best of Both Sides: To curtail harm caused by social media, policies need to protect, not controlSubscriber Only

March 13, 2026 06:25 IST

Childhood is a period when identity is fragile, self-worth is still at a formative stage, and peer validation carries enormous weight. A thoughtful, calibrated restriction acknowledges both realities: That social media is here to stay, and that children deserve stronger guardrails

Fri, Mar 13, 2026

How the West Asia war is triggering a mental health crisis for Indian children in the GulfSubscriber Only

March 06, 2026 14:44 IST

Children make sense of the world through their sense of safety. When they see images of violence or experience danger first-hand, they feel fragile

Fri, Mar 06, 2026

How to groom children to not turn into people-pleasing adultsSubscriber Only

March 01, 2026 10:00 IST

At the core of people-pleasing lies a fear of rejection and a longing to feel secure in connection.

Sat, Feb 28, 2026

From Ghaziabad tragedy, a grim reminder of the layered, complex emotional maze that is adolescenceSubscriber Only

February 06, 2026 07:09 IST

Adolescents need to feel valued. Parents and children together can set boundaries for social media, internet use

Fri, Feb 06, 2026

Typing the truth: AI is not a therapist but it may be the first listener many confide inSubscriber Only

February 01, 2026 10:00 IST

If AI helps people take that first step towards therapy, if it helps them move from silence to expression, then it has a place in the healing journey.

Tue, Jan 27, 2026

Why ‘strong kids’ still need to cry – like a tree that bends instead of breakingSubscriber Only

January 05, 2026 13:56 IST

Children who are allowed to cry grow up with a healthier relationship to their inner world. They learn to recognise emotional signals instead of ignoring them

Wed, Jan 07, 2026

Raising emotionally literate kids in a home that does not speak emotionsSubscriber Only

December 08, 2025 10:00 IST

How can parents give their children the sense of emotional comfort they themselves never knew? And how can they break free from patterns that have shaped their lives for decades?

Mon, Dec 08, 2025

When your child mirrors your stress: How parents can gently break the cycle togetherSubscriber Only

November 01, 2025 09:30 IST

From rushed mornings to raised voices, children absorb more than we realise. Here’s how to recognise emotional mirroring and bring calm back into your home.

Sun, Oct 26, 2025

WhatsApp groups: useful or toxicSubscriber Only

October 01, 2025 10:00 IST

WhatsApp groups function as both a tool for efficient communication and a potential source of stress. When utilized appropriately, these groups can enhance parental involvement and coordination without creating undue anxiety.

Fri, Sep 26, 2025

Am I helicoptering or just caring?Subscriber Only

September 01, 2025 12:02 IST

In India, the matter is more complicated. Family involvement is common and often expected.

Mon, Sep 01, 2025

Online real-money gaming ban: An addiction for our children, curbedSubscriber Only

August 28, 2025 07:08 IST

India’s youth deserve more than just a firewall. By combining thoughtful regulation with robust counselling and prevention programmes, the country can create a safer digital environment

Thu, Aug 28, 2025

Parenting, parent, children, boyhood, gender discrimination, childhood

How mothers and fathers experience parental guilt differently, and what can helpSubscriber Only

August 01, 2025 12:10 IST

Most importantly, children benefit not from perfect parents, but from emotionally attuned ones.

Sat, Jul 26, 2025

Getting back post a summer breakSubscriber Only

July 11, 2025 11:05 IST

This emotional reset is important because motivation doesn’t come only from goals or plans it also depends on how we feel.

Fri, Jul 11, 2025

Turning time off into time well spent: Making holidays count for kidsSubscriber Only

June 07, 2025 11:07 IST

From reading and creative activities to career prep and community service, here are some ways children can make the most of their school break

Fri, Nov 28, 2025

How to nurture focus and curiosity in children and teensSubscriber Only

May 26, 2025 10:40 IST

From structured routines and mindful tech use to curiosity-driven learning, here is a holistic guide to supporting young minds in today’s fast-paced world.

Mon, May 26, 2025

Emotional intelligence in children: Importance, development, and long-term impactSubscriber Only

April 07, 2025 16:51 IST

Teaching emotional intelligence at an early age can provide lifelong benefits, equipping children with skills to navigate challenges effectively and maintain healthy relationships.

Fri, Nov 28, 2025