Anushka Sharma, a celebrated actress and mother, recently opened up about her parenting journey, offering valuable insights that can inspire parents worldwide. Alongside her husband, cricket star Virat Kohli, Anushka has chosen to keep their children, daughter Vamika and son Akaay, away from the public eye. However, during a rare appearance at an event in Mumbai, she shared some of the parenting practices that have helped them raise their kids in a balanced and healthy environment.
The Power of Early Dinners and Beating “Brain Fog”
One of the standout revelations Anushka made was her family’s early dinner routine. The family eats together at 5:30 p.m., a practice that started out of necessity. “It started out as convenience because my daughter would want her dinner early. She would eat at around 5:30 and most of the time, it would be me and her home alone. So, I’d think what am I going to do now? Might as well sleep,” she shared.
What started as a simple adjustment soon proved to have numerous health benefits. Anushka noted how the early meal schedule helped her sleep better, wake up feeling fresher, and reduced her experience of “brain fog.” “That works for me,” she added, emphasizing that it wasn’t a practice she adopted based on expert advice but rather something that evolved naturally within the family and has now become a regular habit.
The Importance of Routine Amidst a Busy Schedule
Despite frequent travels as a family, both Anushka and Virat maintain a strict routine for their kids. Anushka explained how a well-structured routine is essential for children’s sense of stability and control. “We travel a lot as a family, and my kids experience many changes in their lives. So, by creating a routine for them, I am giving them a sense of control. Meal times are fixed—no matter where we are, we eat at the same time and sleep at the same time. It helps regulate them much better.”
Establishing a routine amidst the whirlwind of their busy schedules is something both Anushka and Virat prioritize, understanding how it brings consistency to their children’s lives, even when their surroundings are constantly changing.
Family Values Through Actions, Not Words
Anushka also touched on the significance of leading by example rather than giving direct lessons. “My daughter is very young, and I don’t think I can teach her anything directly. It’s more about how we live our lives,” she said. The actress emphasized that the values they hope to pass on, like gratitude, are not taught through lectures but through everyday actions. “Are we showing gratitude to others in our daily lives? That’s what children learn from.”
This approach aligns with Anushka’s belief in teaching children life lessons through observation rather than imposing ideals or expectations.
Embracing Imperfection as Parents
Anushka and Virat are also committed to showing their children that it’s okay to be imperfect. Rather than trying to portray themselves as flawless parents, they allow their kids to see their human side. “We complain about things in front of our kids to show that we are flawed and that it is okay to have flaws,” Anushka revealed. This practice helps reduce the pressure on their children to be perfect, encouraging them to embrace their own imperfections.
Homemade Meals
Another aspect of their parenting style that Anushka shared is their hands-on approach to meal preparation. She and Virat personally cook meals for their children to pass on traditional family recipes. By doing so, they ensure that their kids grow up appreciating home-cooked food and the cultural significance behind it.
A Balanced Approach to Parenting
Anushka Sharma’s parenting tips offer a thoughtful blend of structure, values, and self-acceptance. Her practices—ranging from early dinners and strict routines to embracing imperfection and leading by example—are grounded in creating a nurturing, healthy, and balanced environment for her children. Whether it’s about teaching gratitude through actions or simply maintaining stability in a fast-paced world, Anushka and Virat’s approach to parenting is one many families can learn from.
Take inspiration from this power couple to bring up your little ones in a way that encourages health, happiness, and discipline.