Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, who tied the knot in 2023, announced this February that they are expecting their first child.
Malhotra recently appeared on Lilly Singh’s podcast, and spoke about parenting beyond gender biases. According to him, raising sons starts with their fathers. “The best way in my book is to definitely get your boys in check growing up, and that would be my intent in life – be that girl or boy. I think values and ethics and being a kinder human being and a sensitive person are crucial. Being a male is by birth, but being a man is by choice,” he told Singh.
He also opened up about his mother’s role in raising him and his brother, while their father was away at work. “She was a rockstar, playing the role of both the parents at times, and she even managed a business on the side with her friends. I think she’s been a major influence in my life and my brother’s life,” the actor said.
Muskan Marwah, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, highlighted the importance of strict but supportive parenting, which involves setting clear rules, expectations, and consequences for behaviours. “Children benefit from structure and routine, which gives them a sense of security. When parents enforce rules consistently and provide clear guidelines, children develop decision-making skills and responsibility,” she said.
Marwah stressed that the key is in having a supportive approach. “Parents should explain why rules are in place and offer positive reinforcement when their child follows them,” she said.
According to her, parents should also create a safe space for children to share their thoughts and feelings, without having a fear of judgment. “Allow children to make decisions within structured boundaries, supporting age-appropriate risks. Not to mention, offer emotional support while refraining from micromanaging your child’s actions,” she said.