Bengaluru Startup Founders Balance Work and Parenting, Bring Toddler to Office

Parenting and entrepreneurship are demanding roles, but Bengaluru-based couple Puneet Manuja and his wife Richa, co-founders of the mental health platform YourDOST, have found a unique way to merge the two. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Puneet shared their journey of raising their son Rudra while managing the challenges of running a startup.

Juggling Two Babies: A Company and a Child

Puneet revealed that balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and entrepreneurship was overwhelming, especially during the early days. Sleepless nights with their newborn quickly transitioned into long workdays managing their growing company.

“The guilt of not giving 100% to either role was (and is) real,” Puneet wrote, reflecting on the dual pressures of being attentive parents and effective leaders. However, the couple soon found a solution—integrating their son into their work environment.

Bringing Rudra to the Office

A suggestion from a friend led them to bring their 1.5-year-old son, Rudra, to the office. Sharing a message sent by Richa to the office WhatsApp group, Puneet explained how they informed their team about Rudra’s presence and sought their cooperation.

The message read:
“Good morning, everyone. Rudra is in office today. If he creates any trouble and disturbance, please do let me know so that we can ensure things are sorted. We are also learning.”

The couple leaned heavily on their team and family for support, emphasizing the importance of building an inclusive work environment.

Internet Reactions: A Message of Support

Puneet’s post struck a chord with many LinkedIn users who commended the couple’s transparency and resilience.

“It’s great that you’re leaning on your team and family for support. Your experiences will resonate with many parents juggling similar challenges,” one commenter noted.

Another user added: “It can be overwhelmingly overwhelming to take care of two babies simultaneously. Be kind to yourself and each other. All the very best!”

A Message of Encouragement

The Manuja family’s journey is a testament to the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities. Puneet concluded his post by encouraging other parents in similar situations, writing, “To all parents juggling careers and family—know that it’s okay to struggle.”

Their story serves as a reminder that with creativity, support, and determination, it’s possible to manage both career and family, even when the going gets tough.

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