#20: A Tale of Parenthood, Pandas, and Second Chances, ft. Shibani Kumar

In this episode of Parenthoot with Neha, we’re joined by the vibrant and inspiring Shibani Kumar—a powerhouse entrepreneur, a self-proclaimed “chaotic panda,” and a deeply dedicated mom. Shibani’s parenting journey is anything but ordinary. From navigating the early years as a single mother during a pandemic to building a beautiful partnership with her husband Alok, Shibani’s story is a testament to resilience, humor, and unconditional love.

Key Highlights:

1. Single Mom in a Pandemic: Shibani shares how the pandemic turned her life upside down with virtual schooling and social isolation. Her struggles, from juggling work and family to ensuring her son Shlok thrived during lockdown, are deeply relatable.
2. Candid Motherhood Tales: From being a “Pukémon” during her pregnancy to managing a toddler and aging parents single-handedly, Shibani’s anecdotes bring laughter and perspective.
3. Modern Fatherhood Redefined: Shibani’s husband, Alok, is a shining example of hands-on parenting. Whether it’s prepping Shlok’s lunchbox or navigating father-son football rivalries, Alok’s role underscores the power of partnership in parenting.
4. Resilience Personified: From recovering from a challenging C-section to combating mastitis, Shibani’s raw honesty about her physical and emotional struggles resonates deeply.
5. The ‘Why’ Kid: Shlok, her curious and empathetic eight-year-old, is full of endless questions and profound observations. His antics, like naming a cat “Blast” or debating football loyalties, add a playful touch to the family dynamic.
6. Generational Dynamics: Shibani and Alok live with her aging parents, creating a rich, intergenerational home filled with love, humor, and the occasional chaos

Why You Should Listen: This episode is a heartfelt blend of life lessons, laugh-out-loud moments, and inspiring reflections on parenting. Shibani’s journey reminds us that parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, adaptability, and finding humor in the everyday mess.

References and Resources Mentioned:

1. Game of Thrones and Avengers: Shlok’s early love for humming these themes is a nod to how children absorb the world around them.
2. Harry Potter: Shibani’s advice, “Help always comes to those who ask for it,” channels Dumbledore’s timeless wisdom.
3. Books for Kids: Shibani plans to introduce Shlok to books explaining topics like menopause, fostering curiosity and empathy.
4. Music as Therapy: Music is at the heart of Shibani’s family. Shlok introduced them to pop and EDM, while her love for John Mayer’s “Gravity” creates bedtime rituals.
5. Pop Culture Nostalgia: Scooby-Doo and Squad Cars were staples of Shibani’s childhood TV time—a tradition she mirrors with Shlok.
6. Lego Creations: Shlok’s creativity shines in his imaginative naming of buildings and objects, reflecting his curious nature.

About the Guest: Shibani Kumar is the founder and CEO of Properganda, a digital agency focused on using online platforms for meaningful impact. She’s also a doting mom to eight-year-old Shlok and a proud partner to Alok. Shibani’s journey exemplifies grit, adaptability, and the power of humor in the face of life’s challenges. When she’s not balancing her career and family, she finds solace in music, cake, and the occasional late-night TV binge.

Follow Shibani's work:

• Properganda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/properganda.in/
• Properganda on LinkedI