This story is part of “Parenting: What Google Won’t Tell You” — The Better India’s people-led parenting series that goes beyond conventional advice to document how real families are actually raising their children. Through real parents, parenting coaches, influencers and experts, the series brings honest, diverse and relatable perspectives on the questions, choices, challenges and solutions that shape everyday parenting — the things Google can’t always answer.

You’ve had a long day. You’re tired, your head is full, and all you want is a few quiet minutes. But the moment you walk through the door, your child is ready with a list: “Mumma, play with me! Let’s draw! Can we go outside?”

The instinct may be to say, “I’m fine,” or simply push through the exhaustion because you don’t want your child to see you struggling.

But what if saying,“Mumma is tired today. I need a little rest," could actually teach your child something valuable?

Parents often feel they need to shield children from difficult emotions. Yet children are usually quick to notice when something feels different — a tired face, a quieter voice, a........

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