Payal Narang: Parenting Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect, It Just Has To Be Real (Mom Blogger & Child Psychologist, 304K Followers)

Payal Narang Interview 

Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, real, and willing to learn alongside your child.

Q. Could you start by telling us about your journey. What inspired you to become both a child psychologist and a mom blogger, and how did Playful Parenthood came to life?

My journey started with my background as a Child Psychologist and my own experiences as a mom. When I became a mother, I realized that so many parents were going through similar struggles and joys, yet often felt alone in their journey. Playful Parenthood was born from the idea of blending professional insights with real-life experiences to create a relatable and supportive community for modern parents.

Q. Parenting today looks very different from what it did a generation ago. From your professional and personal experience, what are the biggest shifts you’ve observed in modern parenting?

One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is how much more aware parents are today about their child’s emotional and mental well-being. Earlier, the focus was mainly on academics and discipline, but now there’s a stronger emphasis on connection, communication, and understanding. Parents are also navigating new challenges like screen time, social media, and balancing traditional values with modern lifestyles.

Q. Many parents struggle to balance nurturing their child’s emotional well-being with academic or social pressures. What advice would you give to parents trying to strike that balance?

I always encourage parents to focus on raising happy, confident children rather than just high achievers. Academics are important, of course, but not at the cost of a child’s self- esteem or mental health. Striking the balance comes from open conversations, prioritizing family time, and teaching children that effort and kindness matter as much as results.

Q. On Playful Parenthood, you often mix expert insights with lifestyle and travel tips. How do you decide what kind of content resonates most with your audience?

I listen closely to my community and also pay attention to what I’m personally experiencing as a mom. If I’m going through a phase like picky eating, tantrums, or even planning a family trip, chances are other moms are too. That’s why my content is a mix, it’s expert-backed but also very real and relatable.

Q. Being featured in publications like TOI, HT, and Times Now is a big recognition. What do you think has been the most powerful message or story you’ve been able to share through these platforms?

The most powerful message I’ve shared is that parenting doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real. I think so many parents resonated with that because we’re all trying to do our best, and sometimes just hearing that it’s okay to not have it all figured out can be very empowering.

Q. As a child psychologist, what’s one parenting myth or misconception that you believe needs to be busted once and for all?

A big myth is that discipline equals punishment. Many parents still believe that being strict is the only way to raise respectful children. But research and experience show us that positive discipline, setting boundaries with love and respect, is much more effective in the long run.

Q. Many moms, and parents in general, look up to you for both guidance and inspiration. What has been the most fulfilling part of building this supportive online community?

For me, the most fulfilling part has been seeing moms connect with each other, share their stories, and feel less alone. It’s incredibly heartwarming when someone messages me saying that something I shared helped them through a tough phase with their child. That sense of community and support is what keeps me going.

Q. And on a lighter note, what’s one funny or memorable parenting moment that your followers might not know about?

There are so many, it’s hard to choose from! My most memorable moments are usually when I’m teaching Abeer about our traditions and festivities. At one point, he created his own little mandir in his room and would do a puja for all the Gods every single day—ringing the bell, singing aarti, the whole experience. Watching his dedication at such a young age was the cutest and the most heartwarming thing!

Bio: 

Payal Narang is a mom to a curious 6-year-old, a child psychologist by training, and the creator of Playful Parenthood. What started as sharing her own parenting journey has now grown into a supportive community of moms navigating modern parenthood together. From everyday parenting wins and struggles to travel and lifestyle tips, Payal loves keeping it real and relatable, always with a touch of humor and heart.

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Interviewed by - Divya Darshni