Motivational quotes to keep your vision alive
Published Aug 10, 2025 Hindustan Times
Trending Photo Credits: Pexels
Unlock Now
Read Next
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Study smarter with these memory hacks
By Sakshi Sah Published Aug 10, 2025 Hindustan Times Trending Photo Credits: Pexels Unlock Now Read Next
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Motivational quotes to keep your vision alive
By Sakshi Sah Published Aug 10, 2025 Hindustan Times Trending Photo Credits: Pexels Unlock Now Read Next
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Gentle vs traditional parenting: Which one works best?
Doctors say this is the future of parenting and it's not what you think (Image: Pexels) Parenthood is one of the oldest experiences of humankind but it continues to be one of the most complicated and debated one as the methods of raising children are changing with each new generation due to community, culture and more recently, technology. In current times, the divide between gentle or modern and traditional parenting is one of the most controversial. Parenting is an experience which, though ubiquitous across generations and geographical boundaries, is unique to each parent. No two parents will have similar experiences or methods of rearing their young ones even if they are next door neighbours but if the different styles of parenting need to be categorised then two broad groups emerge - traditional/ disciplinarian and modern/ gentle parenting with strengths and limitations in both. Traditional parenting: Pros and cons The bedrock of traditional parenting has always been discipline. Imagine Amitabh Bachchan of Mohabbatein . Parents are strict, no-nonsense tolerating ram-rod straight human beings who follow the dictum of "my way or the highway"! Children are given strict schedules, rules to adhere to and swift consequences follow if they are broken. Generally it is a combined family with many relatives living together. The community plays a strong role in the upbringing with combined outings, celebrating the festivals play a key role. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. Undo In an interview with TOI, Dr Bharat Sukhija, MBBS, MD Pediatrics, DNB – Neonatology at Lokpriya Hospital in Meerut, explained, "Traditional parenting is often characterised by structure and set rules, hierarchy, dominance and rigid compliance. Children are expected to obey and submit to authority and there is no equal parent-child relationship. "Because I said so," is something many of us are accustomed to. It is a glorified saying that can be considerate to some but in reality, it can be emotionally distressing and stifling for many children who are not allowed to express themselves. " Traditional parenting made you tough but is that what your child needs? (Image: Pexels) Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Kushal Agrawal, HOD - Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics at KVR Hospital in Kashipur, shared, "From a professional perspective, it brings about a consistency in upbringing with a lot of safety nets in place which prevent common behavioural disorders to set in. However, this method of traditional parenting may fall short in today's emotionally aware and digitally connected world. In today's environment where disruption is a commonly used and often lauded activity, kids who thrive in a structured environment face significant challenges in coping up." According to the expert, the lack of communication, emotional expression and adaptability can lead to internalised issues in the kids. These kids are unable to cope up with their inability to excel and a lot of self doubt and feeling of inferiority complex sets in. Modern or gentle parenting: Pros and cons Then there is modern or gentle parenting. Imagine Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society . In this form of parenting, individualism and freedom of expression is celebrated. Kids are not ordered around but are looked upon as co-guides who help steer the ship of parenting. Parents do not look at themselves as they know it all and are open to dialogue and open discussion with their young ones. Kids are given confidence and emotional validation which helps really spark their self confidence but without structure or firm limits, young children may feel lost. Dr Kushal Agrawal pointed out, "Misunderstanding this model as leniency can result in behavioural issues like entitlement, defiance, or difficulty in handling setbacks. Google the issues of Gen Z workforce and you will see the demerits of over-relying on this form of parenting. Well, not everything is parenting fault but due to the plague of problems brought by the digital world. Many modern families also struggle to maintain consistency, due to the hazard of the professional environment today where it's a necessity to have two incomes. " Dr Bharat Sukhija elaborated, "Gentle parenting centers around communication, empathy and positive reinforcement. Discipline consists of teaching, which is not associated with punishment. Parents are expected to lead, and children are expected to be an active part of the process. The primary challenge lies in the fact that too much flexibility can create a lack of structure, boundaries and an understanding of how to cope with real-life challenges. " Experts weigh in: Why balanced parenting is the only parenting that works (Image: Pexels) The truth is, no single model is perfect. Dr Kushal Agrawal opined, "What works best is a balanced approach combining the predictability and discipline of traditional methods with the emotional awareness and communication of gentle parenting. Children need boundaries they understand and emotional space they trust. Parenting in today's world requires flexibility, clarity and above all, presence. Discipline need not mean dominance — it can mean direction with compassion . The best parenting is not about authority or permissiveness but about raising emotionally healthy, socially aware and resilient individuals ready for whatever the future holds." Dr Bharat Sukhija revealed, "I see families from both schools of thought in my work as a paediatrician, and to be honest, neither is ideal in and of itself. The answer lies somewhere in between. Young children work their magic when they feel heard and respected but they need the security and structure. Two way communication of gentle parenting teaches kids respect and how to come to terms and acknowledge their emotions. Conventional parenting instils the importance of responsibility and following the rules. Today, we require balanced parenting. We can't have kids who shy away from their feelings or do not have the confidence to enjoy their uniqueness but they need clearly defined boundaries and rules which allows them to express themselves without fear. They need empathy but not indulgence." Ultimately, winning a parenting style competition is not the aim. Raising compassionate, self-assured and mentally strong adults is the aim. In order to do that, we must combine the best aspects of both cultures, just as each previous generation has adjusted to its own era. The ultimate aim of parenting is to raise kids who are able to juggle the responsibilities and face the challenges of the future. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
