(Narrated by Venkat)
Let me ask you something. When was the last time your child did something so amazing, so unexpected, that it filled you with pride and joy, making you think, “Wowwww, he is doing something beyond his regular curriculum?”
For me, that moment came a year ago when Lakshveer, my 6-year-old, said, “Papa, I want to build robots.”
At first, I laughed. I mean, what kind of 7-year-old says something like that? But then I saw the seriousness in his eyes. This wasn’t just “kid talk.” He meant it. He was curious—hungry to learn and I knew I couldn’t let this moment slip away.
Fast forward to today, Lakshveer is not just building robots. He’s writing blogs, creating websites, developing games, and learning the kind of electronics that most adults find intimidating.
The surprising part? He still goes to regular school. But if you ask me, the real learning—the stuff that makes his soul happy happens right here at home.
How Homeschooling Supports Big Dreams
Let me be very clear here, I’m not here to deny the importance of traditional schooling. It has its own pace. Lakshveer goes to school like any other kid, learns his subjects, and comes home. But here’s the thing—school doesn’t teach passion.
No one at school was talking about robotics, game development, or how circuits work. And honestly, why would they? It’s not part of the curriculum.
But here’s where I had to make a choice: I could either rely on the system and hope it somehow addressed his interests, or I could step up and fill the gap myself.
The answer was obvious.🤷🏻♂️
Even Parents Have to Learn
I still remember the day it all started. I brought home a simple robotics kit for Lakshveer. My plan? Keep him busy for a few hours so I can finish my work.
But instead of getting bored, he got really excited. He asked me questions I couldn’t answer:
- “How does the motor work?”
- “What if I connect this wire here?”
- “Can I make a robot that moves on its own?”
I didn’t know the answers. But I knew one thing – I wanted to find those answers for my son.
Learning Together: A Parent’s Journey
Before Lakshveer, I was not a tech-savvy person. Honestly, I didn’t know much about electronics or robotics. But when your child shows that kind of passion, you don’t just sit back and watch.
We started small: watching YouTube tutorials, reading beginner guides, and experimenting with basic circuits. Our living room soon turned into a robotics lab, and I found myself learning right alongside him.
And you know what? It wasn’t just the kid who was growing. I was growing too–both as a parent and as a person.
There’s No Such Thing as Balance–You Have to Choose
Let me tell you something I’ve learned along the way–there’s nothing called “balance.” Balance is a myth. You have to make choices, and those choices come down to priorities.
For us, it was simple: Lakshveer’s passion came first.
Yes, school was important for foundational learning, but when it came to his love for robotics, we had to go all in. My wife focused on his academics, while I dedicated my time to exploring his interests with him.
And let me be clear, it wasn’t always easy. There were times I felt really overwhelmed, wondering if we were doing enough or if we were going too far. But we learned something crucial: when you focus on what truly matters, everything else falls into place.
It’s messy, it’s imperfect but it’s real!
Sharing Our Story with the World
One day, I decided to share our journey on Twitter. I thought, Why not document what we’re doing? I shared things like his first robot, his early attempts at coding, his workshops.
And to my surprise, the response was overwhelming.
Parents started reaching out:
- “This is so inspiring!”
- “How are you doing this with such a young child?”
- “I wish I could connect with my kid like this.”
These responses gave me an idea: why not create a community for parents like us? A place where homeschooling parents could connect, share ideas, and learn from each other.
Building a Community of Dreamers
That’s how our small homeschooling journey turned into something much bigger. With support from like-minded people (special shoutout to Aniruddha Malpani!), we’ve built a close-knit community of parents who share ideas, resources, and inspiration.
Even parents who follow traditional schooling methods appreciate what we’re doing. They’ve told me, “You’re doing something different, something we couldn’t even imagine.”
We shared ideas, supported each other, and learned together. And over time, I realized something profound that this wasn’t just about Lakshveer anymore. It was about other kids and parents discovering their own unique paths as well.
Turning Passion into Something Sustainable
While Lakshveer’s learning journey has been exciting, I often wondered: How can we make this sustainable?
That’s when we started co-creating products. Like this business model that helps my kid learn while also teaching others. For example, Lakshveer developed a game that got amazing feedback online. We’re now scaling it up, turning it into something bigger.
The goal is simple: to create opportunities where learning and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Lessons Every Parent Should Know
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every child has a superpower. Our job as parents is to help them find it.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Curiosity is Key
Answer your child’s questions—even the tough ones. Their curiosity is the gateway to learning. - Lead by Example
Kids don’t just listen to what we say, they watch what we do. If you want them to be disciplined, show them discipline. - Forget “Balance”
You can’t do everything. Focus on what matters most and give it your all. - Be Their Biggest Cheerleader
Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Confidence fuels passion.
What’s Next?
Lakshveer’s journey is just beginning. Every day, we’re learning something new—about robotics, about parenting, and about each other.
If you’re a parent reading this, wondering if you’re doing enough for your child, let me tell you this: you are.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show up, listen, and be willing to learn. Because at the end of the day, parenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.
So take that first step. Ask your child what excites them. Watch where their curiosity leads. And who knows? You might just uncover something extraordinary.
At ApniPathshala, we’re all about empowering parents and children to explore, learn, and grow together. If you’re looking to be part of a community that’s focused on real learning and real connection, contact us and start your journey today.
