🌸 "From Snuggles to Sighs: When Your Son Thinks You’re Annoying 💔"

By: A Soft-Hearted Mom in Transition

Once upon a time, your son couldn’t sleep without your lullabies 🎵. You were the queen of his little world — his chef 👩‍🍳, protector 🛡️, story-teller 📖, and personal cheerleader 🥳.

But now, suddenly…

He’s in college.

His beard is thicker than your patience.

And guess what? You’re now — wait for it — “too much.” 🙃

You send a sweet text:

“Did you eat, baby?”

He replies:

“MOM. Stop. I’m not 10 anymore.”

Wait… excuse me? Did this grown man just eye-roll me through the phone?

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💬 "Maa, you're kinda... annoying now"

We knew there’d be growing up. We didn’t know we’d get upgraded from “Maa” to “Ma’am, please.” 😅

Here’s the thing: if your college-going son suddenly finds you "annoying," you're not a failure — you're just on the new level of the motherhood game. 🎮

Time for new tools, new tricks, and a whole lot of love (with a pinch of sass 💅).

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🧺 Your Soft-but-Sassy Mom Toolkit:

1. 🧘‍♀️ Breathe. It's Not You, It's Hormones (and Hostel Life)

College = chaos. New friends, independence, and freedom soup.

Mothers = comfort. Predictability. Questions like “Did you wear socks?” 😆

Sometimes comfort feels like control to them. But it’s a phase — not a personality change.

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2. 🤐 Text Less. Love More Quietly.

Instead of 17 texts per day (you know you do it 🤭), try:

One good morning 💛

One mid-week meme 😂

One “Love you, beta” with a heart and no question attached 😇

The less you chase, the more they miss. (Also, you'll have more time for your own chai 🫖.)

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3. 💃 Be the Mom Who Glows, Not Clings

Remember who you were before you were "just mom"?

Paint 🎨. Sing 🎤. Start yoga. Laugh till your stomach hurts with friends.

When he sees you living fully, he’ll remember why you were always his hero. 🌟

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4. 😄 Use Humor as Your Shield (and Sword)

He says: “Maa, you’re being weird.”

You reply: “Sweetheart, I was weird before you were born. You’re welcome.” 😎

Humor melts distance. Try it.

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5. 📦 Send Snacks, Not Smothering

Homemade food is still your superpower.

But instead of notes like “Missing you like oxygen 😢,” write:

“Made this with extra ghee and zero emotional blackmail 💁‍♀️.”

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6. 💬 Leave the Door Open — Emotionally

Even if he pushes away now, deep inside, he still wants to know you’re there.

Say things like:

> “I know you need space. Just remember, this mom’s heart is always open — no password required. 💖”

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7. 🌈 Wait for the Soft Return

One day — maybe after a tough exam, a heartbreak, or just a nostalgic playlist —

He’ll call.

He’ll say, “Maa, can I ask you something?”

And just like that, your “annoyingness” will turn back into magic. ✨

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🌻 Dear Loving Moms…

If he finds you annoying now, it’s not rejection — it’s reinvention.

You're evolving from hands-on to heart-close. From helicopter to lighthouse. 🕯️

So don’t retreat. Just… adjust. And glow. 🌟

Because no matter how old he gets, or how far he goes,

No one will ever take your place in his heart — not even you.

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🧡 And remember:

The most powerful sentence a mom can say during this phase is:

> “I’m still here… just a little quieter now.”

With love, snacks, and sarcasm,

A Still-Slightly-Annoying, Forever-Adored Mom 

🌟 “Raising Thankful Hearts: How to Cultivate Gratitude in Children at Home” 💛

A Blog by Santasa Counselling

In a world full of quick clicks and instant treats, it’s easy for children to forget the power of a simple “thank you.” But teaching gratitude isn't just about manners — it's about raising emotionally aware, kind-hearted, and resilient children.

At Santasa Counselling, we believe gratitude is a daily practice — a quiet strength that blossoms over time. Here's how you, as parents, can gently plant and nurture this beautiful habit at home. 🌱💖

🧠 Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude helps children:

Feel more positive emotions 😊

Improve relationships with family and friends 💕

Build resilience during challenges 🌈

Develop empathy and kindness 💗

And the best part? It's simple to start at home.

🏡 7 Gratitude Activities for Parents & Children

1. 📝 The Gratitude Jar

Place a jar in the living room or kitchen. Every night, encourage your child to drop in a small note or drawing of something they're thankful for.

🧒🏼 “Amma made my favourite dosa.”

👧🏽 “Papa fixed my broken toy.”

🫶 Weekend ritual: Open the jar and read the notes together.

2. 📚 Gratitude Story Time with Amar Chitra Katha

Use storytelling to spark emotional reflection and discussion. Amar Chitra Katha is filled with tales that promote gratitude, kindness, sacrifice, and humility.

✨ Recommended Reads:

“Shibi and Other Tales” – King Shibi gives up part of his body to protect a dove. A powerful lesson in selfless giving.

“Sudama” – The heartwarming tale of Krishna’s gratitude and love for his childhood friend.

“Birbal the Wise” – Teaches us to value intelligence, fairness, and acts of kindness.

“Rani of Jhansi” – Encourages children to appreciate bravery, loyalty, and community support.

🧠 Try this: After each story, ask, “What are you thankful for today?”

3. 🌳 Thank You Nature Walk

Go for a walk and say thank you to the sun, trees, animals, and even the breeze. 🌞🌳🐿️

“Thank you, trees, for giving us air.”

“Thank you, clouds, for the shade.”

“Thank you, ants, for cleaning up crumbs!”

🧘 This builds mindfulness and appreciation for the world around them.

4. 🎨 Gratitude Art Wall

Create a “Thankfulness Corner” at home. Children can draw, paint, or stick pictures of what they feel grateful for.

📌 Label it: “Things That Make Me Smile” 😊

5. 🧁 Bake and Share

Bake a treat together and gift it to a neighbour or school helper with a little thank-you card.

🎁 This teaches the joy of giving and expressing appreciation — not just receiving.

6. 🎲 Dinner Table Thankfulness Game

Every evening, go around the table and ask,

“What are 3 things you’re thankful for today?”

Even tough days hide small joys — help your child discover them.

7. 📬 Gratitude Letters

Guide your child to write (or draw) a thank-you letter to someone who made their day special — a friend, a teacher, or even a shopkeeper.

💌 It's a lasting memory and a kind gesture.

📖 Bonus Magic: A Gratitude Story from Santasa

🎉 Don’t miss our Santasa Magic story:

🌈 “Mira and the Invisible Gift” — a heartwarming tale of a little girl who learns how powerful a simple “thank you” can be when she meets the Thank-You Fairy. 

💬 Final Thoughts

Gratitude doesn’t need grand gestures. It grows in the small, repeated moments — a smile, a kind word, a thoughtful pause. 🌻

As parents, your daily actions are the best teachings. So, let your child catch you saying thank you — to them, to your partner, to life. 🌟

Because when children learn to notice the good, they grow into adults who create good in the world.

With warmth and wisdom,

Keerthi B Nadig

Founder, Santasa Counselling

💛 For parenting tips, or child counselling sessions, connect with us today!

Santasa Magic ✨

🌈 “Mira and the Invisible Gift” 💖

A Santasa Magic Story on Gratitude

In a small village nestled between green hills and flowing rivers, there lived a cheerful little girl named Mira. She wore two bright braids, loved chasing butterflies, and had a curious sparkle in her eyes. But there was one thing Mira often forgot to do — say thank you. 🙈

Whenever Amma packed her favourite laddus, or Appa helped find her missing shoe, or Grandma told her bedtime stories, Mira would smile and run away — but never said the magic words.

🌟 One evening, as the sun painted the sky orange, Mira heard a soft ding! near her window. When she peeked out, she saw a tiny sparkling fairy floating in the air.

“Who are you?” Mira gasped.

“I’m Tara, the Thank-You Fairy! And you, Mira, have forgotten your invisible gift.”

“My invisible what?” Mira asked, puzzled.

“Every kind word or help you receive is a gift. But unless you say thank you, it stays invisible — no one feels its magic,” Tara explained.

She waved her wand and poof! Mira saw faint sparkles floating around her house — Amma's cooking, Appa’s fixing, Grandma’s stories — all invisible gifts waiting to be seen. ✨

From that day on, Mira decided to change.

She ran to Amma and said, “Thank you for the warm rotis!” 🫓

She hugged Appa, “Thank you for helping me with my kite!” 🪁

She held Grandma’s hand, “Thank you for the dragon story!” 🐉

And guess what?

Every time Mira said thank you, she saw those invisible gifts turn into glowing stars floating around her home. The house shimmered with kindness, and so did Mira’s heart. 💫

Tara, the fairy, smiled from the window and whispered,

“Gratitude turns ordinary days into magical ones.”

🌸 The End

Moral: Saying thank you is like opening a gift — it makes both the giver and receiver feel special. 🎁

🌟 "Raising Thankful Hearts: How to Cultivate Gratitude in Children at Home" 💛

In today’s fast-paced world filled with instant gratification, teaching children to appreciate what they have is more important than ever. Gratitude not only helps children develop empathy and positivity, but it also nurtures resilience, emotional intelligence, and strong relationships.

But how do we actually teach gratitude at home? 🤔

Here’s a gentle guide for parents — with practical, everyday activities to sow the seeds of thankfulness in your child’s heart. 🌱💖

🧠 Why Gratitude Matters for Children

Gratitude is more than just saying thank you. It’s about recognising the goodness in life — and the people who bring that goodness.

Children who practice gratitude:

Feel more positive emotions 😊

Sleep better 💤

Show more kindness and empathy 💕

Handle stress and setbacks more effectively 🌈

🏡 7 Simple Activities to Build Gratitude at Home

1. 📝 Gratitude Jar

Place a jar on the kitchen counter or living room table. Every evening, ask your child to write (or draw) one thing they’re thankful for and drop it into the jar.

🧒🏼 “I loved when Amma read my favourite book tonight.”

👧🏽 “I’m thankful for my friend who shared her crayons.”

Pro tip: Read them together at the end of the week — it becomes a beautiful bonding ritual.

2. 📚 Gratitude Story Time

Pick storybooks that highlight kindness, sharing, and appreciation. After reading, discuss:

What was the character thankful for?

What would you have felt in that moment?

✨ Book suggestions:

Introduce your child to Amar Chitra Katha stories that celebrate empathy, giving, and thankfulness. After reading, have a simple conversation:

What did the character do that was kind or brave?

How can we be more like them in daily life?

✨ Amar Chitra Katha Story Suggestions:

1. "Shibi and Other Tales" – The story of King Shibi who offers his own flesh to save a dove. A powerful tale of sacrifice and gratitude.

2. "Rani of Jhansi" – Teaches appreciation for courage, loyalty, and dedication to one’s people.

3. "Birbal the Wise" – Gratitude often hides in wisdom and humor. These tales show how kindness and fairness can leave a lasting impact.

4. "Sudama" – A touching story of Krishna and his childhood friend, which teaches deep lessons in gratitude and friendship.

Reading these classics not only connects children to Indian roots but also subtly plants the seeds of thankfulness and moral values. 🇮🇳📖

3. 🌳 Thank You Nature Walk

Take a walk in your garden or neighborhood and encourage your child to observe and say thanks aloud for things around them:

“Thank you, sun, for keeping us warm.” ☀️

“Thank you, trees, for giving us shade.” 🌳

“Thank you, birds, for your songs.” 🐦

This builds mindfulness and appreciation for the little things.

4. 🎨 Gratitude Art Wall

Create a wall or corner for your child to express thankfulness through drawings, paintings, or photos. It becomes a visual reminder of all the good around them.

📌 You can label it: “Things That Make Me Smile”

5. 🧁 Bake and Share Together

Pick a simple recipe and bake something with your child. Then, together, gift it to a neighbour, teacher, or community helper with a handwritten note.

🎁 This act of giving helps children feel the joy of appreciation.

6. 🎲 Thankfulness Game

At dinner or bedtime, play a quick round:

“Name 3 things you were thankful for today!” 🌈

Even tough days have small sparks of gratitude — help your child spot them.

7. 📬 Gratitude Letters

Help your child write or draw a thank-you note to someone they care about — a friend, grandparent, or school staff. 💌

It teaches them the impact of kind words and recognition.

💬 Closing Thoughts

Gratitude is not a lesson taught in a day — it’s a lifestyle shaped by small, consistent moments. As parents, the best way to teach gratitude is to model it ourselves. 💕

Say “thank you” often, appreciate the everyday, and celebrate acts of kindness.

Remember: 🌱 A thankful child today grows into a compassionate adult tomorrow.

📝 Share this with a fellow parent and let’s grow a generation of grateful hearts together. 💖

If you'd like personal guidance or family-based counselling sessions to nurture emotional intelligence in your child, reach out to us at Santasa Counselling. We're here to help. 🌿✨

🚨 Why Do Teens Lie? The Real Reasons Behind Their Silence 🧠💬

Have you ever found out your teen lied and wondered why they didn’t just tell the truth? Whether it’s about school, friends, relationships, or what they were doing online — lies can leave parents feeling confused, hurt, or angry.

But here’s the truth: teenagers lie more often not to hurt you — but to protect themselves. Understanding the psychology behind teenage lying can help you build trust, improve communication, and support your child through a difficult phase of growing up.

Let’s break it down. 👇

🌪️ The Teenage Phase: Emotional Chaos & Brain Changes

Teenage years are filled with:

Emotional highs and lows

Rapid brain development

A strong desire for freedom and independence

This phase is marked by an inner conflict: they want to be independent but still need guidance and structure. Lying often becomes a way to avoid confrontation, gain control, or protect their fragile identity.

😔 The Fear of Disappointment

Many teens lie because they’re afraid of letting their parents down.

They might think:

> “If I tell the truth, they’ll be disappointed or angry.”

For them, lying is a form of damage control — a way to avoid guilt, punishment, or emotional backlash. The closer your bond, the more intense this fear can be.

🚫 Strict Rules Can Backfire

Authoritarian parenting — where rules are harsh and non-negotiable — often leads to secrecy.

If your teen feels they can’t make mistakes or that their voice isn’t heard, they might start:

Hiding friendships or relationships 💑

Sneaking out or lying about whereabouts 🏃‍♀️

Using technology behind your back 📱

The stricter the rules, the more creative the lies become.

🧠 The Teen Brain is Still Developing

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and self-control, is still under construction in teens. This means they:

May act impulsively

Can’t always predict consequences

Often panic when caught

So sometimes, lying is not intentional manipulation — it’s a reaction to fear or confusion.

🤐 Social Pressures and Image Management

Teens live in a world of social survival. Peer acceptance often matters more than parental approval.

They may lie to:

Avoid judgment from peers

Fit into a certain social group 🤝

Hide things they feel ashamed or insecure about

Being truthful might make them feel vulnerable, and that’s a risk they’re often not ready to take.

💬 How Can Parents Reduce Lying?

Here’s how you can create an environment where your teen feels safe telling the truth:

✅ Build Trust Through Communication

Make space for open conversations. Avoid yelling or shaming — these responses teach kids to hide better next time.

✅ Don’t Overreact to Mistakes

When teens mess up, help them reflect, not retreat. Every mistake is a learning opportunity — for both of you.

✅ Set Flexible, Age-Appropriate Boundaries

Involve your teen in discussing the rules. When they feel respected, they are more likely to respect your rules in return.

✅ Stay Curious, Not Controlling

Ask:

> “What made you feel like you couldn’t tell me?”

Instead of:

“How could you lie to me again?”

Curiosity builds connection. Control builds distance.

🔍 Quick Summary: Why Do Teens Lie?

Reason Explanation

Fear of Disappointment They don’t want to let you down or face emotional consequences

Strict Parenting Makes them feel unheard or trapped, so they lie to escape

Impulsive Thinking Brain still developing, poor judgment under pressure

Peer Pressure Need to fit in or avoid embarrassment

Lack of Safe Communication Fear of judgment or overreaction from parents.

💡 Final Thought

Lying isn’t always about rebellion — it’s often a sign of fear, insecurity, or unmet emotional needs.

As a parent, your job isn’t to catch the lie — it’s to understand the reason behind it. When you replace punishment with presence, you give your teen the courage to show up as their true self — no lies, no mask.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Connection before correction always wins.

🌱 At Santasa Counselling, we support parents in understanding their child’s behavior with empathy and clarity. Need guidance with your teen? Let’s talk. 💬✨

Santasa Magic ✨

Tinka and the Rainbow Bridge 🌈⭐

One night, a tiny star named Tinka fell from the sky and landed in a magical forest full of dancing squirrels and singing flowers! 🌸🐿️🎶

Tinka wanted to go home, but didn’t know how.

A friendly frog named Freddy said, "Let’s ask Queen Bumble!" 🐸👑

Queen Bumble buzzed, “To go home, you must do something kind.”

Just then, Tinka saw a cold caterpillar. She gently wrapped him in a warm leaf. 🐛🍃💚

Suddenly—POOF!—a glowing Rainbow Bridge appeared! 🌈✨

Tinka smiled, waved goodbye, and zoomed back to the sky.

From that day on, whenever someone is kind, the rainbow glows a little brighter. 💖🌈

Santasa Magic ✨

🌟🦉 The Owl Who Forgot to Sleep 🦉🌟

Once upon a time in a big 🌳 green forest, there lived an owl named 🦉 Ollie. Ollie was supposed to sleep 💤 during the da🌞 and be awake at night 🌙—because he was a night owl!

But Ollie loved ❤️ watching butterflies 🦋 & playing hide-and-seek with squirrels 🐿️ during the day.

“But there’s so much fun!” he hooted 🎉

That night, Ollie was sooo sleepy 😴… he forgot to hoot! 🦉💤

Suddenly, a gang of mischievous mice 🐭🐭🐭 came out and threw a midnight berry party 🎉🍓🍇 under the moon!

In the morning 🌄, the forest was a sticky, juicy mess! Red berry juice everywhere! 😲🍓

And guess what? Ollie was still snoring under the berry tree with purple stains on his wings! 🫐😂

All the animals looked at Ollie. He blushed 🥺 and said:

“Maybe night owls do need to sleep in the day after all!” 🛌🌞

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💡 Moral:

"There’s a time for fun 🎈 and a time for rest 🛏️. If we mix them up, we might make a mess! 🍓😄"