Indian Woman In New York Defends Using Leash On 3-Year-Old Son: "We Got Peace Of Mind"
Ms Jagota explained that using a leash for her 3.5-year-old son was the best decision for their trip to New York City. The leash gave their energetic toddler the freedom to explore while keeping him safe from getting lost or wandering off. She added that it allowed him to have a hands-free adventure, while she and her husband had peace of mind.
"He's 3.5 and we're not ashamed to say we put him on a leash. In a city like New York, this was hands-down the best decision for our trip. Our little runner always wants his freedom, and this gave him just that—without giving us a heart attack every 5 minutes. He got to explore without holding hands every second. We got peace of mind knowing he wasn't getting lost or—let's be real—stolen," she explained in an Instagram video.
Watch the video here:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shubhangi Jagota (@katchmyparty)
"The best part? He thought we were on the leash. He called himself the sheriff and us his captives. Honestly, everyone was winning," she added.
Ms Jagota further explained that she used two types of leashes for her son, a shorter one in crowded areas and a longer one in open spaces, to balance his freedom with safety. The video's comments were disabled, likely to avoid negative feedback.
The debate around child leashes is polarised online, with both sides presenting valid arguments. While some parents value their practicality and safety, especially in crowded areas, experts suggest that leashes may feel like punishment to children, potentially causing resentment or anxiety about independent exploration. Psychologists like Jennifer Hartstein claim leashes reflect lazy parenting, substituting discipline and rule-setting with physical restraint.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
From Pavitropana to Salano: How rakhi is celebrated differently in Gujarat, Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the rest of India
Raksha Bandhan, observed in the month of Shravana, sheds light on the bond between siblings, especially brothers and sisters. While the traditional tying of a sacred thread (rakhi) by sisters and the vow of protection from brothers remain central, the festival takes on different hues across Indian states. These variations are rooted in regional customs, mythology, and community beliefs. Western India: Rituals, coconuts, and puran poli In Gujarat, Rakhi coincides with the festival of Pavitropana, when devotees offer prayers and water to Lord Shiva. Temples see large gatherings, and the focus is on seeking forgiveness and spiritual cleansing. In Maharashtra and Goa, the day overlaps with Nariyal Purnima, which marks the beginning of the fishing season. Coastal communities offer coconuts to Varuna, the sea god, as a ritual for prosperity. Families celebrate Raksha Bandhan alongside, with sisters tying rakhi and households preparing festive dishes like puran poli. Southern India: Vedic rituals and family ties In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan is observed as Avani Avittam, particularly by Brahmins. The day is marked by ritual bathing and donning of the Janeu, a sacred thread worn across the torso. It is considered a time for atonement. In Karnataka and other Telugu-speaking regions, daughters tie rakhis to their fathers, a custom that highlights a broader familial bond. The day is also marked by special meals featuring payasam and vada. Scholars often begin their study of the Yajur Veda on this occasion. Eastern India: Devotion, festivals and rural significance In Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, the day is widely referred to as Jhulan Purnima, dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Festivities include singing devotional songs, dancing, and the traditional rakhi-tying ceremony. In Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the festival is known as Kajari or Sharavani. It holds significance for women and farming communities, tying in with agricultural cycles and local customs. In Assam and Tripura, community-wide celebrations are common. Besides brothers, rakhis are tied to friends and neighbours reinforcing unity and social bonding. Northern India: Rituals, sweets and flying kites Northern states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar celebrate Raksha Bandhan with elaborate home gatherings. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads, and tie the rakhi. Traditional sweets such as laddu, barfi, and jalebi are commonly prepared. In Haryana, the festival is locally known as Salano. Here, priests tie protective amulets to ward off negative energies. The day is also marked by kite flying, especially in Jammu, where kite strings are called GattuDor, adding a visual element to the festive atmosphere. Despite its different expressions, Raksha Bandhan maintains a consistent theme across regions: the reaffirmation of love, protection, and shared culture between siblings and beyond. From sacred dips and temple offerings to songs, sweets, and community ties, the festival brings India's cultural diversity into sharp focus.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
7 Kitchen Ingredients That Clean Tiles Better Than Store-Bought Cleaners
Indian kitchens are vibrant, aromatic, and often chaotic. From sizzling tadkas to bubbling curries, the aftermath tends to land on the tiles, leading to grease, stains, and stubborn smells that linger long after the meal. What does one do then? Reach for a commercial cleaner that promises instant sparkle? That may provide a quick fix but always read the label. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals that may not be ideal for your cooking space. A better alternative may already be in your pantry. Everyday ingredients such as lemon, baking soda, rice water, and besan are not just used for cooking, they also double up as powerful and effective tile cleaners. These natural options are budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and surprisingly efficient. Whether preparing for festive deep-cleaning or tackling the everyday mess, these pantry hacks offer a practical way to maintain a fresh, safe, and inviting kitchen environment. Here are some of the easiest natural ways to clean kitchen tiles. Also Read: This 5-Step Kitchen Cleaning Routine Is A Game-Changer 1. Lemon Juice for Kitchen Tiles: The Citrus Powerhouse Lemon juice is excellent for removing oil splashes and neutralising odours. The natural citric acid cuts through grease while acting as a disinfectant. How to use: Mix 1 cup warm water with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Dip a sponge and scrub the tiles gently. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe clean. Bonus Tip: Add a pinch of salt for extra scrubbing power. 2. Baking Soda for Greasy Tiles: The Gentle Scrubber When deeper cleaning is required, baking soda offers a gentle yet effective solution. It is mildly abrasive and removes stains without damaging tile surfaces. How to use: Make a paste with 2 teaspoons baking soda and water. Apply on stained tiles and leave for 10 minutes. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse with clean water. 3. Rice Water for Tile Cleaning: The Unsung Hero Often thrown away, rice water is surprisingly useful. It acts as a mild cleanser and natural polisher, and works well to bring back the shine of dull tiles. How to use: Save water from rinsing or boiling rice. Let it cool and spray it on the tiles. Wipe with a microfibre cloth for subtle shine. 4. Salt as a Tile Cleaner: The Everyday Scrub Moving from starchy water to another kitchen staple - salt. It is naturally abrasive and particularly useful for greasy or sticky residues. When combined with lemon or vinegar, its effectiveness increases. How to use: Sprinkle salt directly on greasy spots. Scrub using half a lemon or a damp cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 5. Garlic Peel for Antibacterial Tile Cleaning For those looking at sustainable, zero-waste solutions, garlic peels deserve attention. They carry antibacterial properties and a mild acidity that help with regular tile maintenance. If the smell feels overpowering, combine with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. How to use: Boil garlic peels in water for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool and use the infusion to wipe down tiles. Follow up with a clean damp cloth. 6. Vinegar for Tile Stains: The Classic Cleaner A staple in many cleaning routines, vinegar works especially well against stubborn grime. It breaks down grease while eliminating lingering odours. How to use: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water. Spray the mixture onto the tiles and leave for 10 minutes. Wipe clean with a sponge and rinse thoroughly. 7. Besan for Kitchen Tile Grease: Natural and Effective Besan is not just meant for pakoras. It acts as a gentle scrub and is great at absorbing oil from greasy patches, particularly near the stove. How to use: Mix besan with water to form a thick paste. Apply on oily spots and leave for 10 minutes. Scrub gently and rinse well. Also Read: 7 Daily Kitchen Cleaning Habits For A Spotless, Healthier Cooking Space Photo Credit: Pexels How Often Should You Clean Kitchen Tiles To Keep Grease Away? Kitchen tiles take a daily beating-especially in Indian households where cooking involves high heat, oil, and spices. While it might feel like a weekend job, some areas need attention more frequently than others. Here is a practical breakdown: Daily: Wipe the backsplash area behind the stove or gas hob using a microfibre cloth dampened with warm water or diluted vinegar. This prevents fresh oil splashes from hardening. Weekly: Deep-clean countertops and surrounding tiles using baking soda paste or lemon juice to remove buildup. Focus on corners and edges where grime tends to collect. Every 10-15 days: Clean the kitchen floor tiles thoroughly using vinegar or rice water, especially in high-traffic areas. Scrub grout lines with a soft brush if stains are visible. Monthly: Use a more intensive routine-baking soda for grout, garlic peel infusion for antibacterial maintenance, and besan for stubborn oil stains on walls or cupboards. Consistency is key. The longer grime sits, the harder it gets to remove. Also Read: How To De-Clutter Your Kitchen Counter - 5 Steps Towards A Tidy Kitchen Photo Credit: Pexels Can These Kitchen Tile Cleaners Be Used On Grout? Grout often gets overlooked, but it holds on to grease, food splashes, and even mould if ignored. The good news is, many of the pantry ingredients already mentioned double up as effective grout cleaners too. Safe grout cleaners from your kitchen: 1. Baking soda paste: Make a thick paste and apply directly onto stained grout lines. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then scrub using an old toothbrush and rinse. This works particularly well in floor corners and near the sink area. 2. Vinegar and lemon juice (with caution): Effective for white or neutral grout. However, avoid acidic cleaners on coloured or decorative grout-they may cause fading or erosion over time. 3. Salt and lemon combo: Works well on grime between tiles, especially for splashbacks near the hob. 4. Rice water: Mild but effective for regular grout maintenance if used frequently. Pro tip: For stubborn grout stains, alternate between baking soda and vinegar once a month, followed by drying the area thoroughly to avoid moisture build-up. Are These Cleaners Safe For All Types Of Tiles? Not all tiles are created equal, and what works brilliantly on ceramic may not be safe for marble or granite. Before using any of the DIY methods mentioned above, take a quick look at the type of surface you are cleaning. Here is a quick guide: 1. Ceramic and porcelain tiles: Most kitchen tiles in Indian homes fall in this category. All seven natural cleaners-lemon, baking soda, vinegar, salt, besan, garlic peel, and rice water-are generally safe to use. 2. Natural stone tiles (marble, granite, limestone): Be cautious. Avoid acidic cleaners like lemon juice and vinegar. These can erode the natural stone and cause dullness or discolouration over time. Instead, stick to: Baking soda (mild paste only) Besan (gentle scrub) Rice water (safe and pH-neutral) 3. Glazed or patterned tiles: Test in a small corner first. Some decorative finishes may react to abrasives or acids, especially if the glaze is old or worn out. 4. Tile grout: As mentioned above, baking soda is usually safe, but avoid vinegar or lemon if the grout is coloured or not sealed. Always patch-test a small area before full application, especially if you are unsure of your tile type. Also Read: 5 Easy Ways to Clean Your Dirty And Sticky Kitchen Towels Photo Credit: Pexels What Not To Use On Kitchen Tiles (And Why It Matters)? While natural ingredients offer effective and safe results, not everything in your bathroom or vanity kit is suitable for kitchen cleaning. Some items can leave behind residue or damage your tiles. 1. Toothpaste: Contains mild abrasives but is not formulated for large surfaces. May leave behind white residue and can dull tile finishes over time. 2. Shampoo: Includes moisturising agents and fragrance that can make tiles slippery or sticky. Ineffective on grease and may attract more dirt. 3. Undiluted bleach: Strong enough to erode tile grout and cause discolouration. Always dilute if using and never mix with natural acids like vinegar or lemon. How To Deep Clean Tile Floors Effectively? For when you need to go beyond a simple wipe-down, a deep clean is essential. Follow these steps for thorough tile maintenance: Step 1: Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dust. Step 2: Mop using a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Step 3: Scrub grout lines and corners with baking soda paste. Step 4: Rinse well and dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid water spots. Easy DIY Tile Cleaner Recipe at Home: If you are keen on a ready-to-use natural spray, try this effective homemade solution using pantry staples. Ingredients: 1 cup vinegar 2 tablespoons baking soda Juice of half a lemon 1 cup warm water Mix well and store in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Also Read: 5 Essential Kitchen Spots That Should Be Cleaned With Vinegar Photo Credit: Pexels How To Update Kitchen Tiles Without Replacing Them? Sometimes, a deep clean is not enough-the tiles may simply look outdated. If that is the case, here are a few easy upgrades that require no demolition: Apply tile stickers or decals for a fresh appearance. Use tile paint for a cost-effective makeover. Add a waterproof backsplash panel or kitchen-safe wallpaper for visual contrast. Also Read: 8 Tiny Mistakes That Are Making Your Kitchen A Big Mess (And You Didn't Even Know!) We all deserve a kitchen that feels clean, looks inviting, and smells pleasant. With these natural cleaning ideas - straight from the pantry - you can maintain hygiene without resorting to harsh chemicals. These solutions are not only effective but also gentle on your tiles, your wallet, and the planet. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Kitchen Tile Cleaner Natural Tile Cleaning Hacks Homemade Tile Cleaner Recipe Clean Greasy Kitchen Tiles How To Clean Kitchen Tiles Show full article
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
India's Forgotten Weaves: Shocking Truth About Real Handloom Story The Breakfast Club
| On National Handlooms Day, the National Crafts Museum showcases 'Reimagining a Way Back to Us,' an exhibition celebrating India's textile heritage. Curator Shreyanshi Singh highlights underrepresented communities, blending traditional crafts with contemporary design, fostering cultural pride. This Handloom Day, join The Breakfast Club as we uncover India's forgotten weaves—a rich, centuries-old craft facing extinction in the face of mass-produced fashion. From the rhythmic sound of the loom to the hands that bring stories alive through thread, this episode dives deep into the real handloom story beyond the labels and marketing by CNN-News18's dynamic anchors, we travel to the heart of India's weaving communities, where artisans struggle to survive despite their invaluable contribution to India's cultural and textile legacy. Why are these weavers disappearing? What policies failed them? And what can be done to bring Indian handloom back into the global spotlight?
