"A Magical Achievement": Parenting Mivaan In A Nuclear Household

For Mallika Saha, motherhood isn't just a role, but it's her biggest accomplishment. “If someone asks me what I’ve achieved in life,” she says, “I’d say I’ve given birth to a human being. And that I’m bringing up a human being. That’s magical. That’s my achievement.”

Originally from North Bengal, Mallika and her husband Bapan now live in Noida, with their six-year-old son, Mivaan. 

Parenting for them has always been a joint effort, with duties divided equally. While Mallika cooks and packs Mivaan’s lunch, Bapan gets him ready in his uniform for school. Mallika picks him up after school, gives him his lunch and ensures he gets a nap in. In the evening, when Mallika conducts her dance classes, Bapan reads to Mivaan and ensures he eats dinner on time.  

They’re both deeply involved in Mivaan’s life, school and activities. One of the biggest things they’ve ensured is maintaining a healthy diet for him. “We never introduced refined sugar,” Mallika says. “Even when we offered momos, he’d say, ‘Two pieces only, Mamma, make them at home tomorrow.’” Mivaan has now grown to not be too fond of fast food, and enjoys all vegetables. 

Being in a nuclear family, they also wanted Mivaan to join lots of co-curriculars, as they believe that his cognitive skills are best developed around his peers. Mivaan gets music lessons, and goes for taekwondo and dance classes. 

Mallika’s only advice to parents-to-be or those thinking of becoming parents, is to be sure and ready. “Parenting is not a photoshoot or trend. It’s a huge responsibility. You’re shaping a life. Mental, physical, and economic readiness matter the most,” she said. For new parents, she insists that they listen to doctors only, and not rely on the milieu of information widely available online, or on advice from people around. 

The family goes on numerous vacations, outings and indulges in unique activities together, but Mallika’s favourite moment on her parenting journey remains an old one. She recalls the first skin-to-skin touch with Mivaan after her C-section. “They brought him to me, and he touched my cheek,” she says. “In that moment, everything changed, my emotions, my worldview. That’s the magic of motherhood.”