From homework and birthday parties to sports and diet: Mira Kapoor shares how she and Shahid divide parenting duties, key takeaways for raising children equally

Parenting often looks like a shared responsibility, but managing the everyday details can be a different story. From helping children finish their homework to taking them to classes, planning birthday parties and keeping track of their meals, family life involves a long list of tasks. And according to Mira Kapoor, it becomes easier when both parents understand what they are responsible for. During her appearance on Kareena Kapoor’s talk show, What Women Want, Mira opened up about how she and her husband, actor Shahid Kapoor, manage their responsibilities as parents. The conversation offered a glimpse into their family routine and how they make sure both remain involved in the lives of their children, Misha and Zain.When Kareena asked how the couple divides parenting duties, Mira gave a straightforward answer: “Because one person can’t do everything.” Rather than expecting one parent to manage every detail, the couple has found a way to share responsibilities based on what each of them handles at home. Their approach also highlights an important parenting lesson: raising children is not about keeping a perfect balance of tasks every day but about ensuring that neither parent carries the responsibility alone.

A family routine where both parents have their roles

Mira explained that Shahid takes care of sports and diet at home, while she looks after homework, birthday parties, classes and the children’s general behaviour. This arrangement gives both parents an active role in their children’s everyday lives. While one focuses on their physical activities and food habits, the other keeps track of school-related responsibilities, social plans and daily routines. However, their arrangement is not fixed. If either Mira or Shahid has to travel, the parent who is at home takes care of everything. This flexibility is an important part of their approach, as family responsibilities cannot always be divided according to a set schedule.During the conversation, Kareena also pointed out how fathers often seem to get associated with the fun side of parenting. “Why do all the fun things end up with fathers?” she asked. Mira agreed but added that she enjoys having fun with her children too. When Shahid is away, she and the children make funny reels, which she said are meant only for the family. Her response showed that parenting is not limited to schoolwork, meals and discipline. Making memories, spending relaxed time together and sharing little moments are equally important parts of building a connection with children.

The conversation that changed how she looks at gender roles

Another part of the discussion focused on how Mira and Shahid are raising their children with equal values. The couple has two children, Misha and Zain, and Mira said she has not consciously followed drastically different approaches while teaching them about respect and behaviour. She recalled an incident when the siblings were involved in a scuffle. Mira told her son, “Zain, you can’t do that. She is a girl.” His response made her pause. He replied, “But I am a boy. She can’t do that to me.”The exchange made Mira reconsider how children understand respect when it is explained differently to boys and girls. She realised that kindness and respect should not depend on gender. If a girl is expected to be treated with respect, the same expectation should apply to a boy. Mira shared with Kareena that she hopes her children grow up without carrying unnecessary gender stereotypes into adulthood. For her, raising them equally means teaching both children the same values and expectations, rather than making one child feel that a particular behaviour is acceptable because of their gender.

Parenting takeaways from Mira Kapoor’s approach

Mira’s conversation offers a few practical lessons for parents. They are not complicated rules but everyday ideas that can make family life more balanced. First, parenting does not have to be one person’s responsibility. Sharing tasks according to each parent’s availability and strengths can make the routine easier to manage. It also allows children to build a relationship with both parents through different activities. Second, flexibility matters. Work commitments, travel and unexpected plans can change a family’s routine. Being willing to take over when the other parent is away helps keep responsibilities from becoming a source of conflict.Third, children learn values through everyday conversations. Mira’s interaction with Zain shows why parents may need to think carefully about the messages they communicate, even during small disagreements. Respect, kindness and accountability should be taught equally to all children. Finally, fun deserves a place in parenting. Making videos, playing games or simply spending time together can help children feel connected to their parents. These moments need not involve elaborate plans or expensive outings.Mira also spoke warmly about the bond between Misha and Zain. She recalled that when Misha went away to summer camp, her younger brother missed her. For her, having two children who share a close relationship is something she feels fortunate about. Her conversation with Kareena was a reminder that there is no single formula for raising children. Families find their own ways of managing responsibilities, but shared involvement, equal values and room for fun can make the journey more meaningful.