Who runs the world? Mothers! From corporate jobs to running their own startups and juggling motherhood alongside, there’s nothing a mother can’t do once she puts her mind to it. So with Mother’s Day coming up, we’ve taken the opportunity to introduce you to these superwomen from different walks of life.
Solo Travelling in itself is a big task, but have you ever thought about doing it with a 4-year-old? Meet Deenaz Raisinghani, an army wife and a mother to a 4-year-old with a successful career as a blogger and online consultant for online agencies in India. She also backpacks solo with her 4-year-old daughter, Ariana. We caught up with Deenaz who tells all about how she juggles between a successful career and motherhood!
First of all, Deenaz, tell us about your family, your daughter and about your work life?
I am married to an army officer, and we have a 4-year-old baby girl named Ariana. We are currently posted in Jaipur, Rajasthan. I have worked with a couple of multinationals in advertising and marketing research. Now I work as a consultant in advertising for online agencies in India along with writing content for various industries. Travel has been a huge part of our lives. We have been travelling for the last 11 years, since the time we got married! I have done travelled solo, as a couple and as a family. Now I backpack with my daughter. Together we have seen 17 countries and travelled across 23 states in India. Travel is one of our biggest passions in life and the answer to all of our problems!
Wow, that’s great! So tell us, what does motherhood mean to you?
Motherhood is a mixed bag of emotions. It the biggest experience a woman can have in her life. It changes her completely, both physically and emotionally. For me, becoming a mother has been a very blissful experience. I had a lot of fun when I was pregnant. But the real drama actually started after Ariana was born. No parents realise until they have their child, how much work it’s going to be. It’s been 4 years since her birth, and I still take every day as it comes, because each day is different. Motherhood has a lot of challenges but its also the most amazing experience because you get to learn a lot. I have obviously learnt and unlearnt a lot of things about motherhood and what’s best to do. Which is why I feel motherhood us a mixed bag for me.
That’s beautiful! But tell us, how did you get interested in writing about travel?
I am an avid traveller, and as I mentioned, we have been travelling for the last 11 years. But when I started solo backpacking with my daughter, I realised there were a lot of Indian parents who had questions about solo travelling or just travelling with their children as a family or backpacking. They asked me to share my experiences which led to the birth of my blog – Backpacking Indian Mama, where I started penning down my real-life experiences.
So, what is it like to solo travel with your baby? Are there any difficulties that you’ve faced?
Solo travelling with your baby is an entirely different gamut. It involves a lot of pre-planning and also having a lot of patience to figure out what works best for both of you. It also means that you are responsible for your child’s safety, health and well being. However, this does not take away from the experience of travelling, and I’ve realised that I really enjoy backpacking with Ariana. The first time, of course, I was a little hesitant and scared because she was only a year old, and I was on my own in Germany. But I knew it’s now or never and I had to make the most of it. Of course, there were difficulties because we didn’t have the familiar support and no one to help. Also, I had to keep in mind my child’s mood swings and accommodate her behaviour pattern. But I have been to about 3 countries with her now, and I feel like I have found my best travel companion in my daughter!
Aww, that’s so sweet. What tips would you give to other moms who want to travel with their children?
To the other moms, I would say just go for it! Because you will not understand the experience until you’ve gone for your first trip. And once you come back, you can reflect on the experience. Make some plans for the future, keeping in mind their school schedules and keep some activities aside only for when you are travelling. Once your child is a little grown-up, you can ask them to take a little responsibility, and you will see that they take a lot of interest in the travel if you involve them in the process. The world is your oyster, once you figure it out!
That’s great insight! Deenaz, tell us, how do you think society can be more supportive of working moms?
The society has a large role to play when it comes to women. There are a lot of companies now that recognise that women also need to look after their families along with their careers. But I believe a lot more still needs to be done. I have seen companies having policies and facilities in place for their women employees but I think it is still limited. But I think it needs to be rolled out across the country. Also, I think society, in general, should be more accepting of the fact that a woman can work if she wants to and be a stay at home mom if that’s what she wants.
And any tips on time management for women out there who are balancing both career and motherhood?
It is a struggle to balance both motherhood and a career. I sometimes have to push deadlines or overwork. So my tip for all those women who also have their offices at home would be to set daily goals, make a calendar or use post it to make sure you get the work for that particular day done! Also, I would say try to maximise the time when the child is not there, for instance, when the child goes to school or activity classes or naps.
So, all you lovely ladies and gents, we hope you took plenty of notes from this conversation!
Instagram: Deenaz Raisinghani
Feature Image Source: Instagram/backpacking_indian_mama
