Parenting refers to the bringing up of a child, the way a child is brought up and raised. In the last article, we discussed various styles of parenting where the focus of this article will be some salient features of Indian parenting and a few areas where Indian parenting could do better. Parenting has a huge influence on how a child grows and the values he or she adopts.
Not everyone follows the same parenting method. Not only do they vary from culture to culture, but they also vary depending upon the socioeconomic status. The standard of living too plays a role.
The trend of joint families is still prevalent in India. A child raised in such a setting learns to value and respect people and relationships. During the child’s early years, the grandmother plays an important role in imparting moral ideals in her. The child learns to respect elders by observing what happens in the family. This enables children to interact with individuals outside the home. Indian families believe that the child’s family is extremely important and that every behavior of the child has an influence on the family. This helps to develop in the child a feeling of familial duty.
Academically, the parents prioritize scores and the child’s performance in school. They are not only concerned with their child’s academics, but they also aim to be involved in their child’s social life. The concept is that, while television might make a child happy, what counts in the long run, and what helps her succeed, are strong grades and academic achievement. As a result, extracurricular activities are not prioritized above academics. Indian parenting also helps a child develop a competitive spirit.
Parenting differs in urban and rural locations, however, the core aspect of parenting stays the same. Children in urban locations, for example, spend more time with their friends than children in rural places. However, both understand the necessity and value of family and community.
Another facet of Indian parenting to consider is the conservative nature of Indian parents. We will not witness children and parents freely discussing topics such as sex, smoking, and so on. Even when they are talking privately, the conversation becomes awkward. In most circumstances, it is a topic that is avoided. This results in children learning about these topics from incorrect sources, and often ending up on the wrong path. They may also, often assume that these unspoken topics are “wrong” and may end up shaming themselves for having perfectly normal and natural biological needs and feelings.
Parents also decide the perfect match for their children. Love marriages are discouraged in many circumstances. Such parenting styles make the children socially, emotionally, and economically dependent on their parents.
Every parenting style has advantages and disadvantages. Even if Indian parenting raises competitive children, which is necessary for a globalized society, not all aspects of such parenting are proper. To match today’s level of living, it must be made more progressive. Research suggests that Indian parents can try being less protective, contrary to the scenario today, in order to help the child grow in this modern world. Also, Indian parents easily give in and entertain all sorts of tantrums of their children. Parents must learn to decline luxuries and other items to help a child understand the difference between right and wrong. A lot of families still compare their children to other children. This habit must stop in order to raise confident children, who have high self-esteem. Along with academics, parents must also allow their children to explore extracurricular activities, and let them choose their careers on their own.
– Urveez Kakalia and Tanvi Chopra.