Chandigarh, May 27— As Indian parents juggle work, school demands, digital distractions, and mental health concerns, parenting in the 21st century is undergoing a fundamental shift — one that experts say calls for a renewed focus on empathy, communication, and balance.
“Parenting today is far more complex than it was even a decade ago,” said Dr. Meera Khanna, a Delhi-based child psychologist with over two decades of experience. “Parents are under pressure to be perfect — to raise high-achieving, well-behaved, emotionally intelligent children, all while managing full-time jobs and social expectations.”
The rapid pace of technological change has transformed family dynamics. Smartphones, tablets, and social media have become part of daily life for children as young as five, altering how families communicate and connect. While some digital tools help bridge distances and support learning, they also contribute to screen addiction, isolation, and emotional detachment.
“We’ve noticed a steep rise in screen time-related issues, especially after the pandemic,” said Ritu Singh, a school counselor at a private school in Gurugram. “Many children struggle with focus, empathy, and even sleep because of excessive digital exposure.”
Singh said parents often seek guidance after noticing behavioral changes. “They come to us saying, ‘My child doesn’t talk anymore’ or ‘All they want is YouTube and games.’ What they don’t realize is that parenting in the digital age requires a proactive approach — monitoring, conversation, and boundaries.”
One of the most significant challenges parents face today is striking a balance between being supportive and setting limits. While older generations leaned on discipline, today’s approach emphasizes open dialogue, emotional validation, and participative decision-making.
“I’m not trying to be my son’s friend, but I also don’t want to be a dictator,” said 39-year-old Amrita Nair, a corporate manager and mother of two in Bengaluru. “We talk through rules instead of just enforcing them. I’ve seen better behavior when I explain why something matters rather than just saying ‘no.’”
Parenting styles in India have evolved significantly, particularly in urban areas where nuclear families are the norm. Without the support of extended families, parents often shoulder the entire burden of care and guidance alone.
“Today’s parents are more involved in their children’s lives than ever before, but they are also more anxious and stretched thin,” said Dr. Rajat Malhotra, a sociologist at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “There’s this sense of guilt — especially among working parents — that leads to overcompensation. That might mean overindulgence, or just not saying ‘no’ when it’s needed.”
Financial strain, long work hours, and the pressure to maintain a certain standard of living often leave parents exhausted. Many are also grappling with their own emotional health.
“Mental health support for parents is still a taboo in many households,” said Dr. Khanna. “When parents are stressed, emotionally drained, or dealing with unresolved trauma, it inevitably affects how they respond to their children’s needs.”
The pandemic further complicated matters. Extended school closures blurred the lines between home and classroom, pushing parents into roles as teachers, tech support, and emotional anchors — all at once.
“There were days during lockdown when I just broke down,” said Rohit Sharma, a father of three and an IT professional in Noida. “My kids needed help with online classes, my wife and I were both working from home, and there was no time to breathe. I realized how little we’re taught about actual parenting.”
Experts emphasize that the foundation of effective parenting lies in building trust and maintaining consistent communication.
“Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools a parent has,” Dr. Khanna said. “Children open up when they feel safe, not when they feel interrogated.”
To support parents, many schools and communities are introducing workshops, helplines, and support groups. Digital platforms too have emerged, offering guidance on everything from positive discipline to dealing with teenage rebellion.
Yet, experts caution that there is no one-size-fits-all formula. “Each child is different, and so is each parent,” said Singh. “The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.”
For parents like Amrita Nair, it’s about being present, even in small moments. “We have a rule now — no phones during dinner. It’s a small thing, but those 30 minutes feel like a reset for all of us.”
In an age of fast-paced living and shifting values, the core of parenting remains timeless: love, patience, and presence. As Dr. Malhotra summed it up, “Parenting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to grow, just like your child is.”
