PVLF 2025

Interview with Rommal Surana Author of Awakening Parenthood

Discover the inspiring journey of Rommal Surana, author of Awakening Parenthood. Dive into themes of love, connection, and growth in parenting and child development.
on Dec 20, 2024

Rommal, a dedicated and compassionate counselor and remedial educator, boasts a proven track record in fostering holistic development. With an MBA in Finance and Marketing and specialized training in Child and Adolescent Counseling, she brings a unique blend of financial acumen and psychological insight to her role. Rommal's deep commitment extends to assisting home-schoolers and children with learning disabilities on a personal level. As the Founder and CEO of the Nanhagyan Foundation, she actively contributes to the mental and emotional well-being of individuals.

Her accolades include prestigious awards such as the Bhartiya Shiksha Padma Bhushan Puraskar and the Dr. ABJ Abdul Kalam Shiksha Sarvoch Samman. Co-author of four books and a certified practitioner in various therapeutic techniques, Rommal leverages her expertise to create a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

Frontlist: Awakening Parenthood touches on themes of love, connection, and growth. Could you share how these themes took shape during the writing process and why they are central to your message?

Rommal: During the writing process of Awakening Parenthood, I delved into the complexities of the parent-child relationship. I realized that love, connection, and growth are the pillars that support this bond. These themes emerged as I explored the challenges and triumphs that parents face in their journey.

Love is the foundation of any relationship, and parenting is no exception. It's the unconditional love and acceptance that parents have for their children that helps them navigate the ups and downs of parenting. However, this love can sometimes be tested when children push boundaries, throw tantrums, or struggle with their own emotions.

Connection is the glue that holds the parent-child relationship together. It's the moments of tenderness, laughter, and shared experiences that create a deep sense of connection. When parents and children feel connected, they can better understand each other's needs, emotions, and desires.

Growth is an essential aspect of the parent-child relationship. As children grow and evolve, parents must adapt and grow alongside them. This growth can be painful at times, as parents must confront their own limitations, biases, and emotional triggers. However, it's through this growth that parents can become better versions of themselves and foster a more loving, connected, and supportive relationship with their children.

The bond between parents and children is indeed a unique and complex one. As you said, it's a relationship that can bring out feelings of helplessness, agitation, and frustration. However, it's precisely these challenges that provide opportunities for growth, connection, and deeper love.

By embracing the themes of love, connection, and growth, parents can transform their relationship with their children and create a more nurturing, supportive, and loving environment. This, in turn, can help children develop into confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals.

Frontlist: Many authors say their books teach them as much as they teach their readers. What unexpected lessons did you learn about parenting or yourself while writing this book?

Rommal: I couldn't agree more with the notion that writing a book can be a transformative experience for authors. However, for me, the process of writing this book was more about reflecting on my personal experiences and the lessons I've gained from my work as a counselor.

Rather than teaching me new lessons, writing this book allowed me to distill my experiences and observations into a cohesive narrative. It was a process of introspection and self-reflection, where I revisited my own journey as a counselor and a parent.

Through this process, I was reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in parenting. I saw how my own experiences, both as a counselor and as a parent, had shaped my perspectives on parenting and child development.

In many ways, writing this book was a therapeutic experience for me. It allowed me to process my thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and to share them with others in a meaningful way.

So, while I didn't learn any new lessons per se, the process of writing this book helped me to deepen my understanding of myself and my experiences. It was a journey of self-discovery and reflection, and one that I'm grateful for.

Frontlist: Emotional fatigue can be a part of writing about meaningful topics like parenting. How did you recharge or find inspiration during those moments?

Rommal: Writing about parenting and child development can be emotionally draining, especially when delving into sensitive topics. However, for me, the process of writing this book was more about self-realization and introspection.

As I reflected on my experiences as a counselor and my observations of parents and children, I began to see patterns and connections that I hadn't noticed before. This process of self-discovery was both therapeutic and empowering.

I didn't really need to "recharge" or find inspiration from external sources. Instead, my inspiration came from within – from my own experiences, observations, and insights.

Through this process, I became more attuned to the challenges and struggles that parents and children face. I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of parenting and child development, and this understanding became my driving force.

In a way, you could say that I became a "pro" at navigating these complex issues. Not because I had all the answers, but because I had a deeper understanding of the questions and the challenges that parents and children face.

Frontlist: Crafting a book that speaks to parents globally is no small feat. Were there any specific cultural or societal differences you had to navigate while ensuring the content felt inclusive?

Rommal: You're right, crafting a book that resonates with parents globally can be a challenging task. However, I took a different approach. Instead of focusing on cultural or societal differences, I chose to highlight the universal experiences and emotions that parents share, regardless of their background or location.

My book doesn't try to offer culturally specific advice or solutions. Instead, it explores the common challenges, struggles, and joys that parents face everywhere. By focusing on these shared experiences, I hope to create a sense of connection and community among parents from diverse backgrounds.

In many ways, parenting is a universal language that transcends cultural and societal boundaries. The emotions, struggles, and triumphs that parents experience are remarkably similar, regardless of where they come from or how they live their lives.

By acknowledging and embracing this shared humanity, I hope to create a book that feels inclusive, relatable, and empowering for parents everywhere.

Frontlist: As a debut author, what advice would you give to someone who is eager to publish their first book but doesn't know where to start?

Rommal: As a debut author, I've learned a thing or two about the writing process, and I'd be happy to share my advice with aspiring authors.

First and foremost, choose a topic that truly inspires you. Writing a book can be a daunting task, and it's essential to have a deep passion for the subject matter to keep you motivated.

Don't try to write your entire book in one go. Instead, commit to writing every day, even if it's just a few hundred words. Consistency is key when it comes to writing.

Be prepared to write and rewrite your work multiple times. Editing is an essential part of the writing process, and it's crucial to be open to feedback and revisions.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I can offer is to read your work aloud. This simple exercise can help you identify areas that need improvement, clarify your thoughts, and refine your writing style.

Lastly, don't be afraid to take your time and learn as you go. Writing a book is a journey, and it's essential to enjoy the process, rather than just focusing on the end result.

I hope these tips are helpful to aspiring authors. Remember to stay inspired, stay committed, and always keep writing!

Frontlist: Parenthood is a lifelong journey. How do you see Awakening Parenthood evolving in future volumes? Are there untold stories or themes you're eager to explore?

Rommal: Awakening Parenthood is indeed a lifelong journey, and I envision the book evolving into a series that explores various aspects of parenting and child development.

As I mentioned earlier, the stories and themes in Awakening Parenthood are inspired by everyday life. In future volumes, I'd like to delve deeper into topics that are relevant to parents and children across different age groups and backgrounds.

Some of the untold stories and themes I'm eager to explore include environmental awareness, sibling relationships, mental health, and social-emotional learning. I believe it's essential to sensitize parents and children to these critical issues, which can have a profound impact on their well-being and relationships.

As you said, different ages bring different challenges. I'd like to explore these challenges in future volumes, providing guidance and support to parents as they navigate the complexities of parenting.

Some potential topics for future volumes could include:

- Environmental awareness and sustainability for children

- Navigating sibling relationships and conflicts

- Mental health and wellness for parents and children

- Social-emotional learning and character development

- Parenting in the digital age: navigating screen time and technology

These are just a few ideas, but I'm excited to explore these topics and more in future volumes of Awakening Parenthood.