Every mother, at some point, hopes to not only love but inspire her kids to be kind, fearless and to choose what matters to them. One of them is Shloka Ambani, who turns this hope into action. A doting mother to her kids, Prithvi and Veda, Shloka is often seen looking after them at grand Ambani celebrations, but also carries within herself the  purpose of creating a difference while raising her children.  Sitting down with her organisation ConnectFor’s co-founder, Maniti Sharma, for a podcast with Masoom Minawala, Shloka spoke about what it means to live with intention while raising children. “I was telling Maniti that being involved in something like ConnectFor is a way for me to sort of leave behind almost a legacy for my children. Not that I need you to work in the social space or be like this is what you need to do, but more than that, it doesn’t matter how niche something feels. Like, if you feel strongly about it, you will make opportunities happen.”  She added, “I take a lot of pride in telling my kids that like mama has to go to the office like you go to school, we all are doing things to make ourselves better, and this is what we are sort of doing it for. Like you need to be aware of the world around you, you need to think about what piece, what position, what can I do for it.” For her, legacy is about intention, effort, and leading by example.

So, how can working mothers lead by example and instill a sense of purpose and discipline in their children without feeling guilty about time spent away from them?

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani shares that working mothers can lead by example by modeling consistency, commitment, and self-worth. When a child sees their mother engage in meaningful work, it reinforces the value of perseverance and purpose. Instead of feeling guilt, mothers can reframe their absence as a contribution toward building a better life for their children. 

“Attachment theory supports the idea that a secure bond doesn’t require constant presence but consistent emotional availability — what matters more is the quality of time, not the quantity. Children thrive when they understand that their caregivers are reliable and emotionally attuned, even amidst busy schedules,” she notes. 

Simple ways parents can help children understand the value of self-improvement and social responsibility from a young age

To instill values of self-improvement and social responsibility, Gurnani says, parents can begin by introducing concepts like gratitude, empathy, and goal-setting in everyday situations. Using age-appropriate language, they can involve children in small decisions, chores, or community activities—this fosters a sense of agency and interconnectedness. “According to developmental psychology, early exposure to autonomy-supportive parenting can lead to stronger intrinsic motivation and healthier self-esteem in children,” informs the expert. 

How can parents balance personal ambition with the needs and emotional development of their children?

When it comes to leaving behind a legacy, Gurnani emphasises the need for intentional parenting. It’s not about perfection or constant presence, but about mindful engagement. Emotional intelligence — both in the parent and the child — plays a key role. A parent who communicates openly about their ambitions, failures, and purpose creates a psychologically safe space for children to explore their own identities.  “Balancing personal ambition with a child’s development requires emotional regulation, empathy, and setting healthy boundaries, so children grow up witnessing fulfillment, not sacrifice, as the blueprint for success,” states Gurnani.