Why Upasana Konidela’s honest take on motherhood resonates in 2026: ‘The whole thing about raising a child…’

Motherhood was not about having all the answers for her, but about growing into the role and learning things one day at a time. “That honesty really matters, especially today, where mothers are always expected to know better, do better, and be perfect,” reflected Dr Tugnait. Many women start this role with invisible pressure to already know what to do. “When that confidence does not come naturally, self-doubt follows, and saying ‘I am learning every day’ removes the shame from not knowing,” said Dr Tugnait. Being a mother often challenges the control you think you have over your life. “Schedules start to change, your priorities shift, and plans rarely go as expected. For women who are used to structure and achievement, this can feel very destabilising. Learning every day also means learning flexibility, patience, and acceptance, as it is not only about understanding the child better, but about being more realistic than perfect,” elucidated Dr Tugnait.  Motherhood teaches you something new every day (Photo: AI-generated)Motherhood not only shapes the child. It reshapes the parent. “Many women discover parts of themselves they were not aware of, deeper patience, sharper fear, unexpected tenderness, and unresolved emotional patterns. Learning every day also means becoming more aware of oneself. This inner work is rarely discussed, yet it is one of the most profound aspects of parenting,” expressed Dr Tugnait.