Page 6 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE04

A Journey Rooted in
Little Nest
When we became parents, the world changed in ways we never anticipated. The
simplest moments—a toddler’s first steps, a heartfelt hug at the end of a long
day—started to hold a weight and meaning we could have never imagined.
Parenthood taught us about vulnerability, about the beauty of small victories, and
about how deeply human the need for connection is. It also made us acutely aware
of the kind of environment we wanted for our children—a place where they could
grow and explore, but also a community where we, as parents, could feel supported
and understood.
Little Nest wasn’t built as a grand idea or an ambitious project. It came from a very
personal place, shaped by the experiences and hopes we’ve carried as parents. It is
the result of countless conversations, moments of reflection, and the lessons we’ve
learned along the way. Most importantly, it is a response to the deep need we
felt—not just for our children, but for families around us—to have a place that felt like
a true extension of home.
Parenthood and Community
The Seed of an Idea
Parenthood is humbling. No matter how much you prepare, no book or advice can
truly prepare you for the reality of it. Every day is a balancing act between doing
what’s best for your children, meeting your own needs, and figuring out how to
navigate the unexpected challenges that come your way.
It was in these moments of balancing—of trying and failing, of asking ourselves
whether we were “getting it right”—that the seed for Little Nest was planted. As
much as we wanted to give our children the best possible foundation, we also found
ourselves longing for a sense of community, for a network of parents who
understood what we were going through. While we were fortunate to have access to
great resources and opportunities, we often wondered: What if there was a space
where children and parents alike could thrive together? A place that went beyond
just programs and schedules, and truly embodied the idea of a supportive, nurturing
community?
Learning from Experiences
Our journey as parents has been shaped in large part by the communities we’ve
been fortunate to be part of. One of the most significant influences on Little Nest
has been our time at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), where we
have had the opportunity to grow in an environment that values academic
excellence, creativity, and empathy.
DAIS showed us how transformative it can be to belong to a space where children
feel seen and supported for who they are, and where parents are invited to be part
of the process. It wasn’t just about the academics—it was about the culture of care
and thoughtfulness that permeated everything. From the way teachers encouraged
individuality to the way families connected at events and discussions, DAIS felt like
more than a school. It was a community in the truest sense.
At the same time, we realized there were gaps that we wanted to address—
particularly for younger children and their families. While schools like DAIS provide
an incredible foundation for older children, what about the formative years when
curiosity and connection begin to take root? What about the parents who are
navigating those challenging early years, often feeling overwhelmed or isolated?
These reflections became the guiding principles for Little Nest: to create a space
that is as much for parents as it is for children, and to start building that sense of
community from the very beginning.
What We’ve Learned Along the Way
The process of building Little Nest has been as much about unlearning as it has been
about creating. When we first started, we had big ideas about the kinds of programs
and structures we wanted to offer. But as we delved deeper, we realized that what
families truly needed wasn’t more structure—it was more connection.
Parents wanted a place where they could come as they are, without feeling judged or
pressured to be perfect. They wanted their children to have the freedom to explore,
to make mistakes, and to learn in ways that felt natural. And they wanted to be part
of something larger than themselves—a community that shared their values and
supported them in their journey.
These insights shaped everything about Little Nest, from the way we designed the
spaces to the way we planned the programming. We wanted to create an
environment where children could lead the way, where their natural curiosity could
guide their learning. At the same time, we wanted to build a network of parents who
could lean on each other, share experiences, and find comfort in knowing they
weren’t alone.
What Little Nest Stands For
1. Community:
We believe that parenting is not meant to be a solo journey. Little Nest is a space
where families can come together, share their stories, and build relationships that
last a lifetime. Whether it’s through casual conversations at drop-off, workshops
that address common parenting challenges, or events that bring families together,
our goal is to foster a sense of belonging.
2. Curiosity:
Children are naturally curious, and we see it as our role to nurture that curiosity. Our
programs are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and independent
thinking. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel empowered to
ask questions, try new things, and discover their passions.
3. Care:
Above all, Little Nest is a safe space. It’s a place where children can take risks, make
mistakes, and grow in their own time. It’s also a place where parents can feel
supported and understood, knowing that they’re part of a community that values
their own well-being as much as their child’s.