13 hrs ago
Gujarat Mother Learns Independence Can Strengthen Family Connection
Komal Baxi noticed that her son sometimes wanted to stay home instead of joining family outings.
At first, this made her feel as if he did not want to be with the family.
She later understood that he was becoming more independent, not rejecting them.
She let him stay home, but asked him to make his own food.
She helped him learn simple recipes and kitchen safety.
Over time, she gave him more responsibility and stopped checking every small detail.
She also let him make some mistakes without saying, “I told you so.”
When he feels sad after losing a cricket match, the family gives him comfort and time to process his feelings.
Baxi says parents can become a child’s safe place instead of trying to control everything.
Komal Baxi initially felt hurt when her 12-year-old son began skipping family outings.
She allowed him to stay home if he prepared his own food, gradually teaching him to cook safely.
Baxi shifted from micromanaging to trusting her son with decisions, mistakes and their consequences.
Her homeschooled son later travelled alone to cricket events, managing accommodation, food and transportation.
The family maintains connection through shared rituals while treating personal space as a healthy part of family life.
- Who
- Komal Baxi, an RCI-certified psychologist from Gujarat, and her homeschooled son.
- What
- Baxi describes learning to give her son more independence while maintaining a close family relationship.
- Where
- At the family home and during her son’s cricket travel to different cities.
- When
- The change began when her son was 12; the article also says he travelled independently from age 14.
- Why
- Baxi realised her son’s desire for space reflected growing independence rather than rejection of the family.
Key facts
- Parent
- Komal Baxi
- Profession
- RCI-certified psychologist with more than 15 years of experience
- Location
- Gujarat
- Child’s education
- Her son is homeschooled
- Responsibility taught
- Cooking, decision-making and managing travel needs
- Family ritual
- Saturday Monopoly games can last three or four hours
- Parenting principle
- Independence can coexist with connection
Quotes
Komal Baxi
Gujarat-based RCI-certified psychologist and parent
“He wasn’t leaving us behind. He was leaving something behind to add something new to his personality.”
thebetterindia.com
“Sometimes giving children space creates more room for connection.”
thebetterindia.com










