Every parent has one secret wish: their child should never make a mistake. Sweet, right? But let’s be honest, if mistakes were illegal, none of us would’ve survived our teenage years! The real problem isn’t mistakes, it’s parents treating their child’s wrong choices as a direct attack on their parenting skills.
The Belief Inheritance Problem
In many Indian households, parents unknowingly run a lifelong “belief donation drive.” From career choices to clothing styles, their opinions are passed down as if they’re sacred family recipes. The child? Well, instead of discovering their own flavour, they end up being a reflection of their parents’ beliefs. It’s like living life on a borrowed script.
Yes, parents want the best, but sometimes “best” is just what they think is best. Result? Children grow up with suppressed personalities, often confused about what they actually want versus what their parents wanted for them.
Foreign vs Indian Parenting: A Culture Clash
Now, let’s peek into foreign cultures. Parents there often let their kids stumble, fumble, and yes, even fail because that’s how independence is brewed. A wrong job? Lesson learnt. A failed relationship? Experience gained. Their philosophy: free will leads to growth.
Meanwhile, in India, the story is a tad different. Parents often see themselves as project managers of their child’s life — from school admissions to marriage proposals. The child’s “choice” usually comes with a parent-approved stamp. Why? Because parents feel personally responsible for every life decision their kid makes. It comes from love, but sometimes it feels like over-love.
Why Parents Should Loosen the Grip
Here’s the truth: children making wrong choices doesn’t equal parenting gone wrong. It equals life happening right. Mistakes are not a dent on a parent’s reputation; they’re a badge of learning for the child.
Think about it — how else will kids learn resilience, courage, and independence if they’re never allowed to slip up? Shielding them forever might create obedient adults, but not confident ones.
Parents take a deep breath. Your child isn’t a reflection of your beliefs — they’re their own person, writing their own story. When they make choices you disagree with, don’t let your ego speak louder than your love. Let them stumble, let them grow, and most importantly — let them be themselves.