Saina Nehwal’s current ideas on “strict” parenting have reignited a standard debate. In an interview with Hauterfly, the previous Badminton champion shared, “Bachon se jitna ho sake aap, pals ke tarah na rahe, unke saath strict rahe thoda bahut. Apna dikhaye ki aap dad and mom hai, aur kitna unko aap thoda bahut management mei rakh sakte. Aap sochiye ki mere dad and mom pals jaise hote, toh kya mai Olympic ka sapna ya podium ka sapna dekh sakti?”
For some, Nehwal’s stance on parenting could seem impractical in at present’s situation, the place a versatile, comforting strategy is prioritised. For others, who second her, a mum or dad should strike a stability between gentle and difficult parenting to present a toddler the perfect of each worlds.
This certainly reignites an essential query: how essential is it for fogeys to self-discipline their youngsters, guaranteeing their strategy aligns effectively with their ward’s feelings?
In response to Dr Pavitra Shankar, Affiliate Guide, Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, the reply just isn’t a easy sure or no. “Strict parenting just isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer,” she explains. “Its affect relies upon closely on a toddler’s temperament, developmental stage, and emotional surroundings.”
Why strictness works for some—and never others
Saina’s upbringing was rooted in structure, routine and clearly outlined expectations—components usually credited for her resilience and aggressive edge, explains Dr Shankar. However she cautions towards universalising that have. “Youngsters who’re naturally goal-oriented or resilient could thrive below agency boundaries,” she says. “Nonetheless, delicate or anxiety-prone youngsters can expertise the identical strictness as overwhelming strain.”
Psychological analysis helps this nuance. Youthful youngsters, Dr Shankar notes, want heat and reassurance alongside boundaries. Adolescents, alternatively, require a fragile stability between construction and autonomy. “When guidelines don’t evolve with age, strictness can rapidly flip into management,” she provides.
Self-discipline vs Concern
One of the essential distinctions dad and mom should make is between self-discipline that guides and self-discipline that intimidates, says Dr Shankar. “The road is crossed when a toddler begins complying out of worry relatively than understanding,” says Dr Shankar. “If self-discipline results in power anxiousness, avoidance, or emotional withdrawal, it’s not wholesome.”
She provides, “Excessive expectations should coexist with emotional security. Youngsters ought to really feel that their price isn’t tied solely to efficiency.”
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Motivation or Burnout?
“Over-control can erode intrinsic motivation,” Dr Shankar explains. “Youngsters could obtain exterior success however wrestle with burnout, anxiousness, or an incapacity to self-direct as soon as parental oversight disappears.”
What makes elite athletes like Saina an exception, she says, is their inner motivation. “Self-discipline works when youngsters perceive the ‘why’ behind expectations and really feel supported of their journey. Concern-based compliance could ship short-term outcomes, nevertheless it not often sustains long-term well-being.”
So what can dad and mom be taught from Saina Nehwal’s story?
Slightly than endorsing strict parenting outright, Dr Shankar advocates for authoritative parenting—a method that mixes agency boundaries with empathy and dialogue. “Clear routines, consistency, and accountability are essential,” she says, “however so is listening, validating feelings, and permitting age-appropriate decisions.”
Praising effort over outcomes is vital, she provides. “When youngsters are celebrated for persistence relatively than simply outcomes, self-discipline turns into internalised relatively than imposed.”
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DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to.
