‘There's too much pressure…': Yuvraj Singh on why he doesn't want his son to follow in his footsteps; expert on allowing children to follow own path

Indian Express

11-05-2025

Yuvraj Singh is a proud father to two kids — a son and daughter, who he shares with wife Hazel Keech. In a recent conversation with Kamiya Jani, the host of Curly Tales, the Indian cricketer shared the reason why he does not want his son Orion to follow in his footsteps and join his profession.
'I don't want him to play cricket. If he wants to play, I will support him. I just feel there's too much pressure as a kid plying cricket in today's society. Every kid is compared to his father's legacy. I feel that's very unfair. Because everyone might not have that talent. Some will have it, others might not. Some might have the talent for something else,' he told the host.
A post shared by Curly Tales | A Fork Media Group Co. (@curly.tales)
The cricketer's candid confession makes us wonder about the harsh reality of societal expectations and pressure put on youngsters to be a certain way and do a certain thing. Singh's style of supportive parenting goes a long way to ease off that burden.
Mehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai told indianexpress.com that when parents allow their children the freedom to choose their own path, rather than steering them toward predefined expectations, it creates a foundation of emotional security and self-confidence.
'Supportive parenting — where a child's individuality is respected — not only nurtures mental well-being but also teaches children that their worth isn't tied to performance or external validation. Over the course of time, this leads to greater resilience, healthier relationships, and a stronger, more authentic sense of self,' she added.
According to Meghna Banerjee, counselling psychologist and habit coach at Alyve Health, choosing the right career can be challenging journey filled with hopes, fears, and taking big steps. Society's norms and family legacy often add a pressure on the child making it harder to follow their own path. But supportive parenting can change the game.
'Children are often pushed to perceive their family reputation as a safety net. It's familiar, secure, and feels like the right path. But this comfort zone can create a trap. Kids may shy away from trying new careers or hobbies,' she said.
Shedding light on the numerous stereotypes associated with certain jobs like teachers or artists being less valuable, Banerjee said that from a young age, children learn that wealth equals achievement. 'Society's message is loud and clear, money is a sign of a person's worth. As a result, many kids grow up dreaming of luxury cars, big houses, and fame all linked to how much money they can make. The youth often see images of success that clash with their own dreams, leading to confusion,' she explained.
According to Banerjee, supportive parenting is about being there for your children without controlling every decision. It involves encouraging independence, and respecting their right to choose. She shared 3 valuable tips to help children flourish:
Let kids try different activities—like sports, arts, coding, or volunteering. These varied experiences help them understand what sparks their interest. Children learn best when they're allowed to explore without feeling forced into a choice.
Share your own career stories and lessons without telling them what to do. Your advice as a conversation starter can help them to get a direction. For example, say, 'I did this when I faced a tough decision,' instead of 'You must do this.' It keeps the door open for them to choose their path.
Create a safe space where your kids can share fears and ambitions. Check in regularly and listen actively. When children feel heard, they're more likely to share doubts and seek advice. Trust and understanding strengthen their ability to make confident choices.