The Parenting Pause en Every Indian parent knows the feeling, your doctor says no sugar, your relatives say they turned out fine, and school homework is somehow on an iPad. Modern parenting is noisy, contradictory, and exhausting. The Parenting Pause exists to cut through that noise. Hosted by Naina, a working mother and finance consultant, this podcast brings together experts across mental health, nutrition, education, sports, and Ayurveda, for real conversations that help urban Indian parents pause, breathe, and navigate it together. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes biweekly. Meet Naina. πŸ‘‹A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause. By day, Naina helps companies navigate financial decisions. At home, she’s navigating something far more unpredictable: raising children in an age of screens, social media, AI, and information overload. Like many parents today, she’s constantly learning, questioning, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every stage brings a new set of questions. The Parenting Pause was born from those conversations. The ones parents have with themselves, with experts, and with each other as they try to make sense of modern parenting. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, making the right choices, or simply trying your best while figuring it out as you go, you're in good company. Welcome to The Parenting Pause. ❀️ https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/46a776b0-68bc-11f1-95a5-833390ac3dd5/image/01c29723b0490e1d26899da214d15071.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The Parenting Pause episodic Naina Sharma Every Indian parent knows the feeling, your doctor says no sugar, your relatives say they turned out fine, and school homework is somehow on an iPad. Modern parenting is noisy, contradictory, and exhausting. The Parenting Pause exists to cut through that noise. Hosted by Naina, a working mother and finance consultant, this podcast brings together experts across mental health, nutrition, education, sports, and Ayurveda, for real conversations that help urban Indian parents pause, breathe, and navigate it together. 🎧 Subscribe for new episodes biweekly. Meet Naina. πŸ‘‹A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause. By day, Naina helps companies navigate financial decisions. At home, she’s navigating something far more unpredictable: raising children in an age of screens, social media, AI, and information overload. Like many parents today, she’s constantly learning, questioning, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every stage brings a new set of questions. The Parenting Pause was born from those conversations. The ones parents have with themselves, with experts, and with each other as they try to make sense of modern parenting. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, making the right choices, or simply trying your best while figuring it out as you go, you're in good company. Welcome to The Parenting Pause. ❀️ Every Indian parent knows the feeling, your doctor says no sugar, your relatives say they turned out fine, and school homework is somehow on an iPad. Modern parenting is noisy, contradictory, and exhausting. The Parenting Pause exists to cut through that noise.

Hosted by Naina, a working mother and finance consultant, this podcast brings together experts across mental health, nutrition, education, sports, and Ayurveda, for real conversations that help urban Indian parents pause, breathe, and navigate it together.


🎧 Subscribe for new episodes biweekly.

Meet Naina. πŸ‘‹
A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause. By day, Naina helps companies navigate financial decisions. At home, she’s navigating something far more unpredictable: raising children in an age of screens, social media, AI, and information overload.

Like many parents today, she’s constantly learning, questioning, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every stage brings a new set of questions.

The Parenting Pause was born from those conversations. The ones parents have with themselves, with experts, and with each other as they try to make sense of modern parenting.
If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, making the right choices, or simply trying your best while figuring it out as you go, you're in good company.
Welcome to The Parenting Pause. ❀️

]]> Naina Sharma studio@ideabrews.com Aparna Popat: Discipline, Resilience & Girls in Sport From an 8-year-old girl who had never held a racket to a 16-time National Champion, Aparna Popat's journey is about far more than badminton. In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Naina sits down with Aparna Popat- Indian badminton legend, Olympian, and one of the sport's most respected voices- for an honest conversation about discipline, resilience, coaching, and parenting. Together they unpack what it really takes to raise a champion, especially a girl, in a country where more than half of teenage girls aren't in any sport. From training through injury and navigating high-pressure matches, to learning the value of patience, balance, and effort, Aparna shares powerful lessons for parents and young athletes alike. She also opens up about the role of coaches, the importance of letting children enjoy sport, why the ecosystem around a child matters just as much as talent, and what needs to change so more girls stay in the game. Whether you're a parent, athlete, coach, or simply someone who loves a good inspiring story, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and timeless lessons on sport, parenting, and resilience. πŸŽ™οΈ What you'll hear in this episode: How Aparna went from wanting to play tennis to becoming a badminton legend What her coach saw in her before she even knew how to play How she managed injury, pressure, and the mental side of competition Why fun, consistency, and balance matter in a child's sporting journey What parents should and should not do when supporting a young athlete The real reasons girls quit sport, and how to keep them in the game Where women in sports in India stand today, and what still needs to change Chapters: 01:49 – Playing Through a Career-Threatening Injury 08:18 – 17 Years, 16 National Titles 10:55 – How Badminton Found Her 17:47 – Nature vs. Nurture 21:20 – Patience, Practice & the Discipline of Doing It Again 27:54 – Discipline On and Off Court 32:38 – The Ecosystem: Why Being a Sports Parent Is Hard 38:30 – The Role of a Coach 44:13 – From Her First Coach to Prakash Padukone 49:02 – Living Alone in Bangalore 55:03 – Building Mental Strength Under Pressure 1:01:15 – Rapid Fire Round 1:03:57 – Girls in Sport 1:10:55 – Progress for Women in Indian Sport 1:20:10 – What Sport Gives Girls Beyond the Game 1:22:26 – Life Lessons from Sport 1:26:52 – How to Start a Child's Badminton Journey 1:33:36 – Sports Science, Nutrition & Mental Health 1:37:30 – Access & Affordability 1:43:48 – Aparna as a Mom 1:49:33 – Closing Thoughts πŸ”” Subscribe to The Parenting Pulse for conversations with athletes, doctors, and experts who are redefining what it means to raise children well. About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure. πŸ“Œ Follow The Parenting Pulse: Instagram: @theparenting_pause #TheParentingPause #AparnaPopat #BadmintonIndia #IndianBadminton #Parenting #SportsParenting #GirlsInSport #WomenInSports #YouthSports #YoungAthletes #RaisingChampions #SportsForKids #ParentingTips #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology #Badminton #Olympian #IndianSports #SportsInIndia #ParentingPodcast Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:30:00 -0000 full 1 3 Naina Sharma From an 8-year-old girl who had never held a racket to a 16-time National Champion, Aparna Popat's journey is about far more than badminton. In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Naina sits down with Aparna Popat- Indian badminton legend, Olympian, and one of the sport's most respected voices- for an honest conversation about discipline, resilience, coaching, and parenting. Together they unpack what it really takes to raise a champion, especially a girl, in a country where more than half of teenage girls aren't in any sport. From training through injury and navigating high-pressure matches, to learning the value of patience, balance, and effort, Aparna shares powerful lessons for parents and young athletes alike. She also opens up about the role of coaches, the importance of letting children enjoy sport, why the ecosystem around a child matters just as much as talent, and what needs to change so more girls stay in the game. Whether you're a parent, athlete, coach, or simply someone who loves a good inspiring story, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and timeless lessons on sport, parenting, and resilience. πŸŽ™οΈ What you'll hear in this episode: How Aparna went from wanting to play tennis to becoming a badminton legend What her coach saw in her before she even knew how to play How she managed injury, pressure, and the mental side of competition Why fun, consistency, and balance matter in a child's sporting journey What parents should and should not do when supporting a young athlete The real reasons girls quit sport, and how to keep them in the game Where women in sports in India stand today, and what still needs to change Chapters: 01:49 – Playing Through a Career-Threatening Injury 08:18 – 17 Years, 16 National Titles 10:55 – How Badminton Found Her 17:47 – Nature vs. Nurture 21:20 – Patience, Practice & the Discipline of Doing It Again 27:54 – Discipline On and Off Court 32:38 – The Ecosystem: Why Being a Sports Parent Is Hard 38:30 – The Role of a Coach 44:13 – From Her First Coach to Prakash Padukone 49:02 – Living Alone in Bangalore 55:03 – Building Mental Strength Under Pressure 1:01:15 – Rapid Fire Round 1:03:57 – Girls in Sport 1:10:55 – Progress for Women in Indian Sport 1:20:10 – What Sport Gives Girls Beyond the Game 1:22:26 – Life Lessons from Sport 1:26:52 – How to Start a Child's Badminton Journey 1:33:36 – Sports Science, Nutrition & Mental Health 1:37:30 – Access & Affordability 1:43:48 – Aparna as a Mom 1:49:33 – Closing Thoughts πŸ”” Subscribe to The Parenting Pulse for conversations with athletes, doctors, and experts who are redefining what it means to raise children well. About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure. πŸ“Œ Follow The Parenting Pulse: Instagram: @theparenting_pause #TheParentingPause #AparnaPopat #BadmintonIndia #IndianBadminton #Parenting #SportsParenting #GirlsInSport #WomenInSports #YouthSports #YoungAthletes #RaisingChampions #SportsForKids #ParentingTips #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology #Badminton #Olympian #IndianSports #SportsInIndia #ParentingPodcast From an 8-year-old girl who had never held a racket to a 16-time National Champion, Aparna Popat's journey is about far more than badminton.

In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Naina sits down with Aparna Popat- Indian badminton legend, Olympian, and one of the sport's most respected voices- for an honest conversation about discipline, resilience, coaching, and parenting. Together they unpack what it really takes to raise a champion, especially a girl, in a country where more than half of teenage girls aren't in any sport.

From training through injury and navigating high-pressure matches, to learning the value of patience, balance, and effort, Aparna shares powerful lessons for parents and young athletes alike. She also opens up about the role of coaches, the importance of letting children enjoy sport, why the ecosystem around a child matters just as much as talent, and what needs to change so more girls stay in the game.

Whether you're a parent, athlete, coach, or simply someone who loves a good inspiring story, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and timeless lessons on sport, parenting, and resilience.

πŸŽ™οΈ What you'll hear in this episode:

How Aparna went from wanting to play tennis to becoming a badminton legend

What her coach saw in her before she even knew how to play

How she managed injury, pressure, and the mental side of competition

Why fun, consistency, and balance matter in a child's sporting journey

What parents should and should not do when supporting a young athlete

The real reasons girls quit sport, and how to keep them in the game

Where women in sports in India stand today, and what still needs to change

Chapters:

01:49 – Playing Through a Career-Threatening Injury
08:18 – 17 Years, 16 National Titles
10:55 – How Badminton Found Her
17:47 – Nature vs. Nurture
21:20 – Patience, Practice & the Discipline of Doing It Again
27:54 – Discipline On and Off Court
32:38 – The Ecosystem: Why Being a Sports Parent Is Hard
38:30 – The Role of a Coach
44:13 – From Her First Coach to Prakash Padukone
49:02 – Living Alone in Bangalore
55:03 – Building Mental Strength Under Pressure
1:01:15 – Rapid Fire Round
1:03:57 – Girls in Sport
1:10:55 – Progress for Women in Indian Sport
1:20:10 – What Sport Gives Girls Beyond the Game
1:22:26 – Life Lessons from Sport
1:26:52 – How to Start a Child's Badminton Journey
1:33:36 – Sports Science, Nutrition & Mental Health
1:37:30 – Access & Affordability
1:43:48 – Aparna as a Mom
1:49:33 – Closing Thoughts

πŸ”” Subscribe to The Parenting Pulse for conversations with athletes, doctors, and experts who are redefining what it means to raise children well.

About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure.

πŸ“Œ Follow The Parenting Pulse:

Instagram: @theparenting_pause


#TheParentingPause #AparnaPopat #BadmintonIndia #IndianBadminton #Parenting #SportsParenting #GirlsInSport #WomenInSports #YouthSports #YoungAthletes #RaisingChampions #SportsForKids #ParentingTips #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology #Badminton #Olympian #IndianSports #SportsInIndia #ParentingPodcast

]]> 6708 Rashid Khan: The Values That Built a Cricket Legend From a war-torn village in Afghanistan to the world's biggest cricket stadiums what does Rashid Khan think really matters in life? In this episode of The Parenting Pause's Inspiration Series, Naina sits down with Rashid Khan Afghanistan and Gujarat Titans legend, ICC #1 ranked bowler, and now a new father to baby Azlan for a conversation about the difficult journey, defining values, and quiet inspiration behind one of cricket's greatest ever careers. From making his bat out of wood and his ball out of melted plastic in a village in Afghanistan, to facing three balls in a trial and walking home rejected Rashid's story is less about cricket and more about character. πŸŽ™οΈ What you'll hear in this episode: – Why Rashid says "who I am is because of her" and what his mother actually taught him – How he processed rejection at 15 without crumbling and what parents can take from it – The mindset behind his mental strength: "My parents saw bullets. I see a ball." – 4 values he lives by good heart, kindness, solution-orientation, and honesty – Why personal milestones only come when you stop chasing them – What he wants to pass on to his son Azlan Whether you're a cricket fan, a parent, or both this one will stay with yo πŸ”” Subscribe to The Parenting Pause for conversations with athletes, doctors, and experts who are redefining what it means to raise children well. About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure. πŸ“Œ Follow The Parenting Pause: Instagram: @theparenting_pause YouTube: youtube.com/@theparentingpause #RashidKhan #TheParentingPause #ParentingPodcast #CricketPodcast #GujaratTitans #AfghanCricket #IndianParenting #MentalStrength #RaisingKids #Podcast --- ## Chapters 0:00 Introduction who is Rashid Khan? 1:30 Growing up in Afghanistan family, safety, and what home felt like 9:58 "Who I am is because of her" his mother's role and her blessings 18:31 Making a bat from wood and a ball from melted plastic 24:09 Naina's takeaway: let kids follow their passion and problem-solve 28:46 He waited 2 hours, faced 3 balls, got rejected and went home 40:10 The net session that changed everything 52:50 4 values every parent should pass on 58:40 Personal milestones only come when you think about the team 1:03:30 500 good games, 20 bad ones and everyone forgot the 500 1:08:19 "My parents saw bullets. I see a ball." 1:19:01 The values Rashid wants to pass on to his son Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:30:00 -0000 full 1 2 Naina Sharma From a war-torn village in Afghanistan to the world's biggest cricket stadiums what does Rashid Khan think really matters in life? In this episode of The Parenting Pause's Inspiration Series, Naina sits down with Rashid Khan Afghanistan and Gujarat Titans legend, ICC #1 ranked bowler, and now a new father to baby Azlan for a conversation about the difficult journey, defining values, and quiet inspiration behind one of cricket's greatest ever careers. From making his bat out of wood and his ball out of melted plastic in a village in Afghanistan, to facing three balls in a trial and walking home rejected Rashid's story is less about cricket and more about character. πŸŽ™οΈ What you'll hear in this episode: – Why Rashid says "who I am is because of her" and what his mother actually taught him – How he processed rejection at 15 without crumbling and what parents can take from it – The mindset behind his mental strength: "My parents saw bullets. I see a ball." – 4 values he lives by good heart, kindness, solution-orientation, and honesty – Why personal milestones only come when you stop chasing them – What he wants to pass on to his son Azlan Whether you're a cricket fan, a parent, or both this one will stay with yo πŸ”” Subscribe to The Parenting Pause for conversations with athletes, doctors, and experts who are redefining what it means to raise children well. About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure. πŸ“Œ Follow The Parenting Pause: Instagram: @theparenting_pause YouTube: youtube.com/@theparentingpause #RashidKhan #TheParentingPause #ParentingPodcast #CricketPodcast #GujaratTitans #AfghanCricket #IndianParenting #MentalStrength #RaisingKids #Podcast --- ## Chapters 0:00 Introduction who is Rashid Khan? 1:30 Growing up in Afghanistan family, safety, and what home felt like 9:58 "Who I am is because of her" his mother's role and her blessings 18:31 Making a bat from wood and a ball from melted plastic 24:09 Naina's takeaway: let kids follow their passion and problem-solve 28:46 He waited 2 hours, faced 3 balls, got rejected and went home 40:10 The net session that changed everything 52:50 4 values every parent should pass on 58:40 Personal milestones only come when you think about the team 1:03:30 500 good games, 20 bad ones and everyone forgot the 500 1:08:19 "My parents saw bullets. I see a ball." 1:19:01 The values Rashid wants to pass on to his son From a war-torn village in Afghanistan to the world's biggest cricket stadiums what does Rashid Khan think really matters in life?

In this episode of The Parenting Pause's Inspiration Series, Naina sits down with Rashid Khan Afghanistan and Gujarat Titans legend, ICC #1 ranked bowler, and now a new father to baby Azlan for a conversation about the difficult journey, defining values, and quiet inspiration behind one of cricket's greatest ever careers.

From making his bat out of wood and his ball out of melted plastic in a village in Afghanistan, to facing three balls in a trial and walking home rejected Rashid's story is less about cricket and more about character.

πŸŽ™οΈ What you'll hear in this episode:

– Why Rashid says "who I am is because of her" and what his mother actually taught him

– How he processed rejection at 15 without crumbling and what parents can take from it

– The mindset behind his mental strength: "My parents saw bullets. I see a ball."

– 4 values he lives by good heart, kindness, solution-orientation, and honesty

– Why personal milestones only come when you stop chasing them

– What he wants to pass on to his son Azlan

Whether you're a cricket fan, a parent, or both this one will stay with yo

πŸ”” Subscribe to The Parenting Pause for conversations with athletes, doctors, and experts who are redefining what it means to raise children well.

About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure.

πŸ“Œ Follow The Parenting Pause:

Instagram: @theparenting_pause

YouTube: youtube.com/@theparentingpause

#RashidKhan #TheParentingPause #ParentingPodcast #CricketPodcast #GujaratTitans #AfghanCricket #IndianParenting #MentalStrength #RaisingKids #Podcast
---
## Chapters
0:00 Introduction who is Rashid Khan?
1:30 Growing up in Afghanistan family, safety, and what home felt like
9:58 "Who I am is because of her" his mother's role and her blessings
18:31 Making a bat from wood and a ball from melted plastic
24:09 Naina's takeaway: let kids follow their passion and problem-solve
28:46 He waited 2 hours, faced 3 balls, got rejected and went home
40:10 The net session that changed everything
52:50 4 values every parent should pass on
58:40 Personal milestones only come when you think about the team
1:03:30 500 good games, 20 bad ones and everyone forgot the 500
1:08:19 "My parents saw bullets. I see a ball."
1:19:01 The values Rashid wants to pass on to his son

]]> 5465 The Truth About Kids & Sport: One Sport vs Multiple Sports 70% of children quit sport by the age of 13, not because they lack talent, but because they stop having fun. In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Christopher Pedra, Team India’s Head Physio for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chief of Sports Medicine at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, joins us to unpack one of the most important and most misunderstood areas of raising children today: sport, movement, and free play. Chris works with elite athletes including Olympians and professional footballers, and brings that expertise into an honest, practical conversation for parents. -------------- Welcome to The Parenting Pause, this podcast brings together experts across mental health, nutrition, education, sports, and Ayurveda, for real conversations that help urban Indian parents pause, breathe, and navigate it together. ---------------- πŸŽ™οΈ In this episode: β€’ Why free play matters more than structured coaching for young children β€’ The science of early specialisation vs. sampling β€” and what the research actually shows β€’ Long-term athletic development: what your child needs at every age (0-6, 7-12, 13+) β€’ The Erling Haaland story β€” how a village of 20,000 in Norway produced β€’ Red flags in coaching environments every parent should know β€’ Why children are NOT small adults β€” and why treating them like one causes harm β€’ Nutrition and sleep for active kids: what actually matters β€’ Helicopter parenting, resilience, and when to step back β€’ When should kids start tournaments, weight training, and specialise in one sport? πŸ… Whether your child is a budding athlete or simply loves running around in the garden, this episode will change how you think about sport, movement, and your role as a parent. πŸŽ™οΈ The Parenting Pause is a podcast about the most important role any public figure, athlete, or expert will ever play - being a parent. πŸ“Œ Chapters: 0:00 Meet Chris Pedra 1:39 Free Play in South Africa 5:23 Why Multi-Sport Childhoods Matter 7:10 Raising Active Kids in Mumbai 9:03 Free Play vs Screen Time 11:33 When Kids Miss Out on Movement 13:20 How Much Activity Kids Actually Need 20:10 Introducing Your Child to Sport 22:27 Sampling vs Early Specialisation 26:00 What Early Specialisation Really Means 30:15 Long-Term Athletic Development Explained 33:05 What Kids Should Focus on at Every Age 37:05 Why 70% of Kids Quit Sport by 13 39:20 The Right Age to Specialise 42:30 Risks of Specialising Too Early 44:20 Adult Injuries in Children 47:55 The Truth About Warm-Ups for Kids 53:15 Nutrition for Active Kids 56:00 Sleep & Recovery 57:30 What Makes a Good Coach 1:05:45 Why Early Competition Backfires 1:09:00 How Kids Build Resilience 1:10:15 Wrong Coaching Environment – Red Flags 1:16:15 What Makes a Professional Athlete 1:19:30 The Haaland Story 1:23:10 What India Can Learn 1:27:50 Parent Q&A 1:32:30 Rapid Fire 1:35:20 Chris's Final Message πŸ”” Subscribe for new episodes πŸ“© Get in touch: naina@theparenting-pause.com 🌐 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparenting_pause/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:30:00 -0000 full 1 1 Naina Sharma 70% of children quit sport by the age of 13, not because they lack talent, but because they stop having fun. In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Christopher Pedra, Team India’s Head Physio for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chief of Sports Medicine at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, joins us to unpack one of the most important and most misunderstood areas of raising children today: sport, movement, and free play. Chris works with elite athletes including Olympians and professional footballers, and brings that expertise into an honest, practical conversation for parents. -------------- Welcome to The Parenting Pause, this podcast brings together experts across mental health, nutrition, education, sports, and Ayurveda, for real conversations that help urban Indian parents pause, breathe, and navigate it together. ---------------- πŸŽ™οΈ In this episode: β€’ Why free play matters more than structured coaching for young children β€’ The science of early specialisation vs. sampling β€” and what the research actually shows β€’ Long-term athletic development: what your child needs at every age (0-6, 7-12, 13+) β€’ The Erling Haaland story β€” how a village of 20,000 in Norway produced β€’ Red flags in coaching environments every parent should know β€’ Why children are NOT small adults β€” and why treating them like one causes harm β€’ Nutrition and sleep for active kids: what actually matters β€’ Helicopter parenting, resilience, and when to step back β€’ When should kids start tournaments, weight training, and specialise in one sport? πŸ… Whether your child is a budding athlete or simply loves running around in the garden, this episode will change how you think about sport, movement, and your role as a parent. πŸŽ™οΈ The Parenting Pause is a podcast about the most important role any public figure, athlete, or expert will ever play - being a parent. πŸ“Œ Chapters: 0:00 Meet Chris Pedra 1:39 Free Play in South Africa 5:23 Why Multi-Sport Childhoods Matter 7:10 Raising Active Kids in Mumbai 9:03 Free Play vs Screen Time 11:33 When Kids Miss Out on Movement 13:20 How Much Activity Kids Actually Need 20:10 Introducing Your Child to Sport 22:27 Sampling vs Early Specialisation 26:00 What Early Specialisation Really Means 30:15 Long-Term Athletic Development Explained 33:05 What Kids Should Focus on at Every Age 37:05 Why 70% of Kids Quit Sport by 13 39:20 The Right Age to Specialise 42:30 Risks of Specialising Too Early 44:20 Adult Injuries in Children 47:55 The Truth About Warm-Ups for Kids 53:15 Nutrition for Active Kids 56:00 Sleep & Recovery 57:30 What Makes a Good Coach 1:05:45 Why Early Competition Backfires 1:09:00 How Kids Build Resilience 1:10:15 Wrong Coaching Environment – Red Flags 1:16:15 What Makes a Professional Athlete 1:19:30 The Haaland Story 1:23:10 What India Can Learn 1:27:50 Parent Q&A 1:32:30 Rapid Fire 1:35:20 Chris's Final Message πŸ”” Subscribe for new episodes πŸ“© Get in touch: naina@theparenting-pause.com 🌐 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparenting_pause/ 70% of children quit sport by the age of 13, not because they lack talent, but because they stop having fun. In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Christopher Pedra, Team India’s Head Physio for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chief of Sports Medicine at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, joins us to unpack one of the most important and most misunderstood areas of raising children today: sport, movement, and free play. Chris works with elite athletes including Olympians and professional footballers, and brings that expertise into an honest, practical conversation for parents.

--------------

Welcome to The Parenting Pause, this podcast brings together experts across mental health, nutrition, education, sports, and Ayurveda, for real conversations that help urban Indian parents pause, breathe, and navigate it together.

----------------

πŸŽ™οΈ In this episode:

β€’ Why free play matters more than structured coaching for young children

β€’ The science of early specialisation vs. sampling β€” and what the research actually shows

β€’ Long-term athletic development: what your child needs at every age (0-6, 7-12, 13+)

β€’ The Erling Haaland story β€” how a village of 20,000 in Norway produced

β€’ Red flags in coaching environments every parent should know

β€’ Why children are NOT small adults β€” and why treating them like one causes harm

β€’ Nutrition and sleep for active kids: what actually matters

β€’ Helicopter parenting, resilience, and when to step back

β€’ When should kids start tournaments, weight training, and specialise in one sport?

πŸ… Whether your child is a budding athlete or simply loves running around in the garden, this episode will change how you think about sport, movement, and your role as a parent.

πŸŽ™οΈ The Parenting Pause is a podcast about the most important role any public figure, athlete, or expert will ever play - being a parent.

πŸ“Œ Chapters:

0:00 Meet Chris Pedra

1:39 Free Play in South Africa

5:23 Why Multi-Sport Childhoods Matter

7:10 Raising Active Kids in Mumbai

9:03 Free Play vs Screen Time

11:33 When Kids Miss Out on Movement

13:20 How Much Activity Kids Actually Need

20:10 Introducing Your Child to Sport

22:27 Sampling vs Early Specialisation

26:00 What Early Specialisation Really Means

30:15 Long-Term Athletic Development Explained

33:05 What Kids Should Focus on at Every Age

37:05 Why 70% of Kids Quit Sport by 13

39:20 The Right Age to Specialise

42:30 Risks of Specialising Too Early

44:20 Adult Injuries in Children

47:55 The Truth About Warm-Ups for Kids

53:15 Nutrition for Active Kids

56:00 Sleep & Recovery

57:30 What Makes a Good Coach

1:05:45 Why Early Competition Backfires

1:09:00 How Kids Build Resilience

1:10:15 Wrong Coaching Environment – Red Flags

1:16:15 What Makes a Professional Athlete

1:19:30 The Haaland Story

1:23:10 What India Can Learn

1:27:50 Parent Q&A

1:32:30 Rapid Fire

1:35:20 Chris's Final Message

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πŸ“© Get in touch: naina@theparenting-pause.com

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]]> 5838 Meet Naina. A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause. Meet Naina. πŸ‘‹ A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause. By day, Naina helps companies navigate financial decisions. At home, she’s navigating something far more unpredictable: raising children in an age of screens, social media, AI, and information overload. Like many parents today, she’s constantly learning, questioning, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every stage brings a new set of questions. The Parenting Pause was born from those conversations. The ones parents have with themselves, with experts, and with each other as they try to make sense of modern parenting. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, making the right choices, or simply trying your best while figuring it out as you go, you're in good company. Welcome to The Parenting Pause.β™₯️ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:59:00 -0000 trailer Naina Sharma Meet Naina. πŸ‘‹ A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause. By day, Naina helps companies navigate financial decisions. At home, she’s navigating something far more unpredictable: raising children in an age of screens, social media, AI, and information overload. Like many parents today, she’s constantly learning, questioning, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every stage brings a new set of questions. The Parenting Pause was born from those conversations. The ones parents have with themselves, with experts, and with each other as they try to make sense of modern parenting. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, making the right choices, or simply trying your best while figuring it out as you go, you're in good company. Welcome to The Parenting Pause.β™₯️ Meet Naina. πŸ‘‹

A finance consultant at the World Bank. Mother of two Gen Alpha kids. And now, the host of The Parenting Pause.

By day, Naina helps companies navigate financial decisions. At home, she’s navigating something far more unpredictable: raising children in an age of screens, social media, AI, and information overload.

Like many parents today, she’s constantly learning, questioning, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every stage brings a new set of questions.

The Parenting Pause was born from those conversations. The ones parents have with themselves, with experts, and with each other as they try to make sense of modern parenting.

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, making the right choices, or simply trying your best while figuring it out as you go, you're in good company.

Welcome to The Parenting Pause.β™₯️

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