Embracing new-age parenting with empathy

As his bestselling book completes ten years, Dr Anupam Sibal brought together a panel of mothers in Delhi to reflect on the evolving landscape of new-age parenting. The conversation offered insights on empathy, communication, and navigating the challenges of raising teens as parents grapple with an ever-changing dynamic with their children.

First published in December 2015, 'Is Your Child Ready To Face The World?', focuses on communication between parents and children and serves as a guide to modern parenting. Reflecting on his inspiration behind writing this book, Dr Sibal, Senior Paediatrician and Group Medical Director at Apollo Hospitals Group, shared, "The older daughter of a family I had been looking after got into an argument with her father one day, and he started crying. That’s when I realised that parents today need help in understanding how to communicate with children and be a part of their lives."

'I have learnt some of life’s best lessons from my children'

Sharing her perspective on new age-parenting, Vanita Uppal, Director, The British School, said, "It is a different world today than the one I was raised in, so there is no question of fully understanding it. There are no right answers; it is your context and how you want to raise your children. What do you want your child to be? If the answer is 'happy,' then it is the right answer." She added that parents can learn from their children too: "I have learnt some of life’s best lessons from my children and students. That is possible because I am willing to learn."

'Whatever kids do, they must enjoy the process. That's important'

Neema Bangash, wife of Ayaan Ali Bangash, shared how her twins, grandchildren of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, often face expectations but rely on their mother for grounding and support. "For me as a parent, whatever they choose to do, they must enjoy the process. That's important. It’s not worth it if the joy is taken out of what you’re doing. I always tell them: go out there, give your best, enjoy the process, and when you get off that stage – however the concert goes, whatever you feel – I'm there to give you a hug," she said.

'New generation has new needs'

Charu Singh, trustee of the Kisan Trust and co-founder and curator of Royal Fables, spoke about rising expectations from young children. "We are part of a different generation. My children have grown up amid this entire IT revolution. I’ve been conscious that I have to bring them up in this new world of theirs. My focus is to let them choose their own path; I’m just here to help facilitate their choices," she emphasised.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here