Parenting entails taking on responsibilities. The reality is that every parent wants the best for their child. It is no less than feeding a sapling to help it develop into a large tree. Good parenting skills, patience, and responsibility are essential throughout the process. As our previous blogs have focused on various parenting methods, including the comparison of single parenting and double parenting and some notable elements of Indian parenting, the focus of this blog is on a comparison of Indian and Western parenting styles.
When we compare Indian and Western parenting techniques in terms of discipline and freedom, it is simple to understand that Indian parenting prioritizes discipline whereas Western parenting is based on more liberal notions. According to a blog by Pencil Voyages, Indian parents strive to instill discipline in all parts of life, including strong academic performance. Western parents, on the other hand, are rather gentle with their children. When things go wrong, they are a little more sensitive to their child’s feelings. To achieve a balance, parents must recognize that they do not always need to be stern with their children, nor should they constantly be overly lenient with them. It is crucial to avoid extremes and instead strike a balance between the two. A similarity we may find in both cultures is that parents leave their children to figure out the mistakes on their own and expect them to regulate their emotions and feelings. This might get difficult for children as their brains might not be as developed enough to do the same. When children make mistakes, parents must constantly assist them in understanding where they went wrong, rather than simply criticizing them and leaving them alone to figure it out.
Academics have long been a priority for Indian parents. In Indian society, good grades are more important than anything else. Fewer marks are often regarded as a shame. In Indian society, one might see shame and guilt as commonly used disciplinary tactics. Not only that but topics such as commerce and science are prioritized, whereas the arts are regarded as a weak student’s domain. Western parents, on the other hand, are more likely to encourage their children to excel in non-academic fields, since they are more aware that intelligence exists in a variety of forms- something that Indian parents may struggle to understand. Western parents are more concerned with the child’s overall development, and no differentiation is made between arts topics and those from other disciplines. To balance the two, parents may set high expectations for their children while also ensuring that they do not feel overwhelmed or pressured as a result. If necessary, parents may create limits for their children, but they must also ensure that the restrictions do not cause mental harm to the child. They should also allow the child to choose their subjects and careers.
Another distinction may be drawn between the two types of parenting depending on the parent-child connection. Indian parents instill values like respect for authoritative figures and the need of greeting elders with dignity. It is also taught to children not to “back answer” to their elders. Western parenting culture believes in being friends with their children. They are far more active in their children’s lives and are more likely to freely address matters such as sex, drugs, and other adolescent concerns, which is uncommon in Indian society. Balance may be achieved by having a good relationship with the child, creating a comfortable atmosphere in which the child can confide everything they want, but without forcing them to divulge. Parents must draw boundaries when it comes to the parent-child bond.
Another point of differentiation is that Indian parents might be verbally harsh to their children at times. It is typical to observe Indian parents reprimand their children in front of others, which may affect the child’s mental health. They may want the best for their children, but such actions can undermine the child’s self-esteem and confidence. Western parents, on the other hand, are frequently shown as quietly treating their children. Parents must create a balance here as well, avoiding criticizing their children in front of everyone. Rather, they may try to explain their error to the child in a kind manner.
Each parenting style has pros and cons. A child’s personality, social environment, and other factors all play a vital part in his or her physical, social, and emotional development. There is no ideal style. Parents should combine all techniques and design a system that provides the best of both worlds.
– Urveez Kakalia and Tanvi Chopra.