Parenting – Ishita Dutta Opens Up About Toddler Tantrums and Patience
Parenting – Actor Ishita Dutta has candidly spoken about the challenges of raising a toddler, sharing how she copes with emotional outbursts from her two-and-a-half-year-old son, Vayu. In a recent video posted on social media, she offered a glimpse into her daily life as a mother, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of this stage and the lessons she has learned along the way.
A Phase of Growing Independence
Dutta explained that she has noticed a significant shift in her son’s personality over the past few months. According to her, Vayu has become increasingly eager to handle tasks independently. Whether it is eating on his own, putting on clothes, wearing shoes, or attempting to tie shoelaces, he insists on doing things without assistance.
However, she acknowledged that while the desire for independence is natural, his age often limits what he can accomplish. When he struggles to complete these tasks, frustration sets in quickly, sometimes leading to intense meltdowns. She described these moments as emotionally overwhelming not just for the child but also for the parent.
Learning to Stay Calm During Outbursts
Reflecting on her own reactions, the actor admitted that she has experimented with various approaches. From raising her voice to being firm, and from trying to stay exceptionally gentle to even breaking down in tears alongside him, she tried different methods in hopes of easing the situation.
Over time, she came to realize that once a tantrum escalates, there is little that can immediately stop it. Instead of reacting strongly, she now chooses to sit beside her son and offer reassurance. She tells him that she is there and allows the episode to pass naturally. According to Dutta, remaining present and composed has proven more effective than attempting to control the moment.
Offering Choices Instead of Commands
Another technique she has adopted involves giving her son simple choices. Rather than directly stepping in to complete a task for him, she asks whether he would prefer to feed himself or have his food cut into smaller pieces. Instead of opening a cupboard and selecting clothes, she presents two options and lets him decide.
She believes this method helps children feel heard and respected, while still keeping parents in control of the situation. Although it often requires repeating instructions several times, she feels consistency eventually makes a difference. She also noted that giving in occasionally does not necessarily mean losing authority. In her view, certain issues can be explained later when emotions have settled.
Accepting Imperfect Parenting Days
Dutta emphasized that parenting is not a flawless journey. There are days when she handles her son’s temper patiently and days when she struggles. She described this as a normal part of raising young children and said that parents should not be overly critical of themselves.
By sharing her experiences, she hopes other parents dealing with similar challenges feel less isolated. She described the toddler phase as demanding for both children and adults, highlighting the emotional adjustments required on both sides.
Personal and Professional Life
On the personal front, Ishita Dutta married actor Vatsal Sheth in 2017. The couple welcomed their son Vayu in 2023 and later celebrated the arrival of their daughter in 2025. Balancing work and motherhood, Dutta has continued to remain active in the film industry.
She was recently seen in the sequel to the popular romantic drama Delhi De Pyaar De 2, sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R Madhavan, and Gautami Kapoor. Fans are also looking forward to her appearance in the upcoming third installment of the successful thriller franchise Drishyam.
Through her honest account of parenting challenges, Dutta has highlighted a reality many families quietly navigate — that raising a toddler requires patience, adaptability, and compassion, both for children and for oneself.