In the third episode of Growing Pains Season 3, we chat with Shireena Shroff Manchharam, creator of Getting To Happy and a mum of two. We want to know – is happiness really in our own hands, or is it just another lofty, elusive life pursuit?
About our guest – Shireena Shroff Manchharam

Would you believe Shireena used to lack self-confidence? That’s one of the reasons why she started her life coach practice over 15 years ago. During the pandemic in 2020, Shireena founded Getting To Happy to teach people how to be happier through science-based activities and tips.
Key points we covered in this episode to take a listen to…
05:18 – Can parents find happiness in parenting? It’s hard work, but Shireena firmly believes the difficult moments will end eventually. She suggests reframing your thoughts, from “I have to do it” to “I get to do it”. That’s when parents can find happiness.
12:24 – How can parents teach their children about happiness? Shireena says parents should lead by example and demonstrate to their kids. She also shares tips on what parents can do when their children are unhappy.
22:11 – What’s the difference between toxic positivity and happiness? Shireena expands on the difference between the two and touches on being realistic while also being happy.
26:36 – How does Shireena practise gratitude? She shares her go-to that she does daily, and why parents should share their gratitude with their kids. Shireena expands on mindfulness and how to do it with intention.

Want to know more? Check out these resources…
Want to know more about mindfulness? Here’s why it’s an important skill to learn, and how parents can introduce mindfulness to the family. We’ve also rounded up the best mindfulness apps for parents and children.
Unsure if you’re having a bad parenting day or parental burnout? Here’s what you need to know about parental burnout – the symptoms, its impact, and how to deal with it. (Remember to take care of your mental health, folks.)
Limiting screen time is not just for the kids – parents can benefit from that too! An expert shares tips on managing screen time, and we’ve listed the apps that can help you out.
Watch this space for Episode 4, dropping next week!