Riri Trivedi on how to be a better parent–New Indian Express

Parenting in India is layered and emotionally complex, shaped by cultural expectations, generational patterns, and rapidly shifting social realities. This Book Won’t Teach You Parenting: But It Will Make You a Better Parent, by psychotherapist Riri G. Trivedi and educator and parental coach Anagha Nagpal, enters this space with clarity and compassion and is available at major bookstores and online platforms. The book explores how well-meaning but misguided parenting can leave lasting emotional marks on children, and how parents can recognise and change these patterns to create safer, healthier childhoods.

Trivedi explains that many adult mental health concerns, including anxiety, fear, and insecurity, trace back to early childhood experiences. Parents rarely intend to cause harm; more often, they lack emotional awareness and practical tools. Rather than assigning blame, the book invites parents to reflect on their own upbringing and behavioural patterns, offering a corrective path grounded in empathy rather than judgement.

Spanning eight chapters, the authors examine contemporary challenges affecting both children and parents. These range from unresolved trauma to the growing influence of technology. Nagpal highlights that digital media is now woven into everyday life, making rigid control ineffective. Instead, she advocates open and ongoing conversations around screen use, social media, and online safety. The book also cautions parents against featuring children in online content, drawing attention to the potential psychological and safety risks involved.

Equally important are the book’s discussions on difficult yet essential subjects such as childhood sexual abuse, which often involves known individuals. The authors warn that parental dismissal can break trust and deepen trauma, urging caregivers instead to respond with belief, protection, and emotional presence.

By blending psychological insight with practical guidance, Trivedi and Nagpal offer Indian parents a culturally grounded roadmap. The book ultimately encourages self-growth while helping families build safer, more emotionally attuned relationships.

Rooted in global research and enriched with real-life stories, this book provides a practical framework for positive parenting within the Indian cultural context. It offers timely, age-appropriate strategies to navigate every stage of your child’s journey. It also guides you in healing from your own childhood wounds and breaking unhelpful patterns through meaningful self-reflection exercises. Additionally, it includes a toolkit that guides parents in spotting neurodevelopmental disability/dysfunction symptoms in their child early-on and knowing when to seek professional support. This Book can be ordered through major bookstores and online platforms.