Isha Ambani says part of her mind is always with her children: ‘That internal tug-of-war…’

Isha Ambani, a successful businesswoman, emphasizes that a portion of her mind remains devoted to her children at all times. She candidly explained this to Fortune India, stating that this constant "internal tug-of-war" between her career and motherhood never ceases. After giving birth to her twins, Isha Ambani returned to her job, working alongside her team as they prepared for the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex.

For Isha, the challenge lies in balancing both roles effectively, and she appreciates that her team viewed these responsibilities as mutually supportive rather than conflicting. Counselling psychologist Athul Raj highlights that in urban India, where career advancement is highly valued, the pressure of maternity often feels like a setback.

However, Raj points out that emotional connection with children doesn't necessitate constant physical presence; rather, it requires being emotionally present when one is there. He notes that during the early years, children do not form conscious memories but rather patterns of safety, emotional response, and attunement. This underscores the immense pressure on mothers, who must provide emotional stability without the need for constant direct presence.

Neha Cadabam, a senior psychologist, underscores the importance of a strong support system in alleviating the psychological burden on new parents. She emphasizes that sleep deprivation, role adjustment, and constant decision-making can contribute to stress and emotional fatigue. By sharing caregiving responsibilities with a dependable network, such as a partner, family members, or professional caregivers, parents can manage their stress more effectively, leading to improved mental well-being.

Cadabam recommends establishing clear roles between partners and having backup support to maintain continuity of care. She also suggests implementing flexible work arrangements to reduce stress and enable parents to remain engaged in both their professional and personal lives. Predictable routines for children, such as a nightly story or a consistent afternoon video call, can provide emotional security.

Additionally, open communication among family members about changing needs can help prevent caregiving from becoming a source of conflict.