Breaking the “Perfect Mother” Myth

“Kaisi maa hai?” — a question soaked in judgment.
When Moushami Kapadia, a biker mom and artist, chose mental health over martyrdom, society had opinions.
But she had one mission: to be a calmer, more connected mother, even if it meant taking the road less traveled.

In a moving conversation with Psychologist Reena Chopra, she unpacks the emotional truth behind long-distance parenting.

The Invisible Weight of Mom Guilt

No matter how hard she worked, one question lingered — “Am I doing enough?”

For many Indian mothers balancing career and caregiving, guilt becomes a constant shadow.
Moushami realized that guilt doesn’t make you a better mom — peace does.

“When I take care of myself, I come back to my child recharged and joyful — not resentful.”

What Self-Care Really Means

Self-care isn’t spa days or vacations — it’s mental hygiene.
It’s taking time to breathe, cry, talk, and rest — so your energy doesn’t overflow as anger or fatigue.

Reena Chopra adds,

“Children learn emotional regulation from the energy their parents bring home, not from what they say.”

A mindful break helps both the parent and child heal.

When Distance Builds Strength

Distance doesn’t always weaken bonds — sometimes, it strengthens them.
In Moushami’s case, being away for work made every call, hug, and visit intentional.
She learned that connection isn’t about time — it’s about presence.

“Even when I’m away, my daughter knows I’m emotionally there,” she said.

Society’s Judgment vs. Inner Peace

Society labels working moms as “selfish,” stay-at-home moms as “lazy,” and single moms as “broken.”
But the truth is, every mother is doing her best within her circumstances.

Long-distance parenting forces one to define motherhood beyond proximity — to love deeply without guilt.

How to Stay Emotionally Connected

💬 Daily check-ins: short voice notes or video calls.

💙 Rituals of connection: bedtime affirmations, shared journaling, or weekly letters.

🧘‍♀️ Emotional balance: therapy, mindfulness, or community support.

🌿 Honesty: telling your child why you’re away builds trust, not confusion.

Calm Mother, Calm Child

A mother’s calm becomes a child’s compass.
When mothers stop equating exhaustion with love, they teach children that self-respect is part of care.

Reena Chopra beautifully puts it:

“You can’t pour from an empty cup — and children don’t need perfection, they need peace.”

Final Takeaway

Motherhood isn’t about constant presence — it’s about consistent love.
When women choose to nurture their mental health, they raise emotionally secure, resilient children.

A calm mother isn’t selfish.
She’s sacred. 🌸

Discover holistic parenting tools and emotional wellness programs at
👉 Saar Holistic Wellness

Enroll in the
🎓 Certified Parenting Coach Program
to empower your parenting journey.

Watch the full podcast:
🎥 Long-Distance Parenting Reality

Follow guest Moushami Kapadia on
📺 YouTube