Page 9 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE04
P. 9

These insights shaped everything about Little Nest, from the way we designed the                                                                      Our Hopes for Little Nest
 curiosity and connection begin to take root? What about the parents who are   spaces to the way we planned the programming. We wanted to create an                 If there’s one thing we’ve learned as parents, it’s that growth happens in the small,
 navigating those challenging early years, often feeling overwhelmed or isolated?
              environment where children could lead the way, where their natural curiosity could                                                                    everyday moments. It’s in the conversations we have with our children at bedtime,
              guide their learning. At the same time, we wanted to build a network of parents who                                                                   the connections we make with other parents at a playdate, the quiet realizations we
 These reflections became the guiding principles for Little Nest: to create a space   could lean on each other, share experiences, and find comfort in knowing they   come to when we’re reflecting on our own journeys.
 that is as much for parents as it is for children, and to start building that sense of   weren’t alone.
 community from the very beginning.
                                                                                                                                                                    At Little Nest, we hope to create a space where those moments can flourish— where
                                                                                                                                                                    children feel free to be themselves, and where parents feel supported in their roles.
                                                                                                                                                                    We don’t see Little Nest as just a school or a club; we see it as a second home. A
 The Seed of an Idea  What We’ve Learned Along the Way                                                                                                              place where families can grow together, celebrate together, and navigate the ups

 Parenthood is humbling. No matter how much you prepare, no book or advice can   The process of building Little Nest has been as much about unlearning as it has been   and downs of life together.
 truly prepare you for the reality of it. Every day is a balancing act between doing   about creating. When we first started, we had big ideas about the kinds of programs
 what’s best for your children, meeting your own needs, and figuring out how to   and structures we wanted to offer. But as we delved deeper, we realized that what   Our vision isn’t perfect, and it’s constantly evolving. But at its heart, Little Nest is
 navigate the unexpected challenges that come your way.  families truly needed wasn’t more structure—it was more connection.                                        about connection. It’s about creating a community that feels like an extension of

                                                                                                                                                                    family, and a space where everyone—children, parents, and educators alike—feels
 It was in these moments of balancing—of trying and failing, of asking ourselves   Parents wanted a place where they could come as they are, without feeling judged or   valued and understood.

 whether we were “getting it right”—that the seed for Little Nest was planted. As   pressured to be perfect. They wanted their children to have the freedom to explore,
 much as we wanted to give our children the best possible foundation, we also found   to make mistakes, and to learn in ways that felt natural. And they wanted to be part
 ourselves longing for a sense of community, for a network of parents who   of something larger than themselves—a community that shared their values and
 understood what we were going through. While we were fortunate to have access to   supported them in their journey.
 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                                                                                                                                                                                                      A Second Home
 community?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the journey, in some small way. Little Nest
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          isn’t just ours—it belongs to every family that walks through its doors. It’s shaped by the
              What Little Nest Stands For
              1. Community:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               stories, experiences, and dreams of the people who make up this community.
 Learning from Experiences  We believe that parenting is not meant to be a solo journey. Little Nest is a space

 Our journey as parents has been shaped in large part by the communities we’ve   where families can come together, share their stories, and build relationships that                                                                                                                      As parents, we know how overwhelming the journey can feel at times. But we also know
 When we became parents, the world changed in ways we never anticipated. The   been fortunate to be part of. One of the most significant influences on Little Nest   last a lifetime. Whether it’s through casual conversations at drop-off, workshops                                     the power of finding your people—of being part of something that lifts you up when you
 simplest moments—a toddler’s first steps, a heartfelt hug at the end of a long   has been our time at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), where we   that address common parenting challenges, or events that bring families together,                                      need it most. That’s what we hope Little Nest can be for you: a safe space, a source of
 day—started to hold a weight and meaning we could have never imagined.   have had the opportunity to grow in an environment that values academic   our goal is to foster a sense of belonging.                                                                                           inspiration, and a reminder that you’re never alone.
 Parenthood taught us about vulnerability, about the beauty of small victories, and   excellence, creativity, and empathy.
 about how deeply human the need for connection is. It also made us acutely aware   2. Curiosity:                                                                                                                                                                                         Welcome to the idea of Little Nest. We’re so glad you’re here.

 of the kind of environment we wanted for our children—a place where they could   DAIS showed us how transformative it can be to belong to a space where children   Children are naturally curious, and we see it as our role to nurture that curiosity. Our
 grow and explore, but also a community where we, as parents, could feel supported   feel seen and supported for who they are, and where parents are invited to be part   programs are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and independent                                     Contact: Community@littlenestmumbai.com
 and understood.  of the process. It wasn’t just about the academics—it was about the culture of care   thinking. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel empowered to
 and thoughtfulness that permeated everything. From the way teachers encouraged   ask questions, try new things, and discover their passions.
 Little Nest wasn’t built as a grand idea or an ambitious project. It came from a very   individuality to the way families connected at events and discussions, DAIS felt like   3. Care:
 personal place, shaped by the experiences and hopes we’ve carried as parents. It is   more than a school. It was a community in the truest sense.  Above all, Little Nest is a safe space. It’s a place where children can take risks, make
 the result of countless conversations, moments of reflection, and the lessons we’ve   mistakes, and grow in their own time. It’s also a place where parents can feel
 learned along the way. Most importantly, it is a response to the deep need we   At the same time, we realized there were gaps that we wanted to address—   supported and understood, knowing that they’re part of a community that values
 felt—not just for our children, but for families around us—to have a place that felt like   particularly for younger children and their families. While schools like DAIS provide   their own well-being as much as their child’s.

 a true extension of home.  an incredible foundation for older children, what about the formative years when
   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14