Nobody can really understand the anxiety of an expecting mother. She goes through a plethora of unexplained emotions, gets a whole lot of advice from family and friends and eventually has to find the strength within her to deal with the responsibility that's to come next.
But this is precisely what makes the journey so adventurous. However, if you are about to become a second-time mother, things could be a bit different from the first time around, or so explains new mum Genelia Deshmukh.
The 29-year-old actor who is currently enjoying her stint as a second-time mother shared her intimate parenting experience and explained how she planned to raise her two sons.
A rural and urban upbringing for her sons
In an interview to IANS, she said that just as any mother would, she wanted to incorporate the sensitivities of both sets of parents while raising her sons Riaan and Rahyl.
"Riteish has had a rural upbringing, and I am glad that my boys will have a rural childhood as well as an urban one," she said, in a way explaining that she plans to keep her sons rooted to their culture and traditions.
In doing so, she encourages her elder son Riaan, to participate in pujas and celebrate all the festivals. However, this does not mean she has no intention of introducing newer ideas and modern parenting techniques.
Genelia's modern parenting
Sharing candid details on how she likes to spend time with her eldest Genelia says, "I am not one too keen for games, parties or play dates. But I do love playing football with Riaan, I think it is very important to do a lot of outdoor activities. I believe in giving him an insight into different things, even reading and singing."
And this form of casual and cool parenting, which honestly is true for most Indian parents, comes to her from her own mother and mother-in-law.
According to her, both the ladies have influenced her in being calm and cool when dealing with her sons and it is this temperament that has helped her relax during her second pregnancy.
"My mother is a modern day grandmom and so is my mother-in-law. Both of them have given me the space to do what I think is right and they have followed what I believe is right, which I think should be an advice to most mothers and grandmoms because everyone is doing their best," explains the new mum.
Continue reading to see what Genelia did to keep herself relaxed during her second pregnancy!
Being a second-time mother
Talking about her experience of becoming a second-time mother, Genelia said that while during the first-time she was an anxious mess, the second time around she was more relaxed, thanks to her experiences so far.
Yes, that's right. She said that her experiences during her first pregnancy have helped her, just like they would to any second-time mother!
The new mum explained, "There are loads of anxieties and all of us get into this circle of being extremely anxious and question whether we are doing the right or wrong thing. As a new mom, you need a lot of assurance and I have seen the difference between my experiences as a first-time mother and the second time around."
"I have seen how I have grown, and felt more comfortable the second time. With time, you realise there is no point in being anxious and that moms just have to trust their way," she added.
The actor who was born into a Catholic Mangalorean family also added that motherhood has brought in many changes in her. The bubbly actor explained how she looks at things from the perspective of a mother and not just a wife!
How motherhood changed Genelia, both times differently
"When I became an actor, things changed. And even when I got married, things changed. Which is why I wouldn't call it a change, but a part of growing up. It is a part of life and it's about adjusting to each new phase. As a person, motherhood has taught me a lot and it made me more aware. I have always considered myself as an aware person, but I think it has doubled or tripled after motherhood," she explains.
The Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya actor also added, "The most exciting moment of my life was when I had Riaan, but I was also filled with anxiety at that point. As much as I wanted to be confident."
As for her second son Rahyl she says that while she was certainly an anxious mother, she was still very excited.
"I was not sure whether I was doing the right thing or not. By the time I had my second one -- Rahyl, the excitement did not lessen at all. It's the same joy that you experience. But now, I feel a lot more confident and I know that I am doing the best I can, and so are other mothers out there," she says.
It seems that Genelia Deshmukh has gone through experiences that almost all mums go through and it shows her grounded personality. But it is also a great ready-reckoner for mums who are about to become a second-time parent.
The only thing to remember is to let go of any fear and anxiety and help your elder child adapting to a new sibling in the house. This will certainly take the edge off, which a second pregnancy can pose.
Read: Genelia Deshmukh shared an important message that truly defines motherhood!
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