S01E07 The Clash between Parenting Styles

Intro:

Too many cooks spoil the broth they say. We feel the same applies to parenting choices as well. 

We need a “village” to raise a child, but all the “villagers” need to be on the same page when it comes to ground rules. 

Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it. While this may or may not be true, we know for a fact that each child is different and the same rules cannot apply to everyone. 

In this episode of Millennial Maa, Puja and Shruthi discuss the flood of well-meaning suggestions that come their way and how they consciously manage their own biases and these differences in opinions.

The conversation:

In this episode of The Millennial Maa, Pooja and Shruthi, a pair of millennial mothers, discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting in India. They talk about the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and staying true to your own parenting style.

One of the challenges they discuss is dealing with differences of opinion from other family members, such as grandparents. Shruthi shares a story about how she was trying to get her child to eat by himself, but her parents were interfering. She says that it's important to have a conversation with your family members about your parenting goals, so that everyone is on the same page.

Another challenge they discuss is dealing with the social expectations of parenting. Shruthi shares a story about how she felt embarrassed when she didn't invite all of her child's friends to his birthday party. Pooja reassures her that it's okay to make mistakes, and that the most important thing is to do what's best for your child.

Throughout the episode, Pooja and Shruthi offer practical advice and tips for other millennial parents. They emphasize the importance of being patient, flexible, and forgiving. They also stress the importance of enjoying the journey of parenting, even when it's tough.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Communication is key. Talk to your family members, also nannies, about your parenting goals and expectations, especially if you are living in a joint family.
• Set boundaries. Be clear about what you will and will not tolerate from your child.
• Stay true to your own parenting style. Don't be afraid to do what you think is best for your child, even if it goes against the advice of others. This might be the case with your in-laws sometimes but work out the situation with a calm mind.
• Be patient, flexible, and forgiving. Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs, but it's important to enjoy the journey.

If you're a millennial parent, or if you're thinking about becoming a parent, this episode of The Millennial Ma is a must-listen. Pooja and Shruthi offer valuable insights and advice that can help you navigate the challenges of parenting in India.

Here are some additional thoughts on the topic of parenting in India:

• The Indian culture places a high value on family and community. This can be a great support system for parents, but it can also create pressure to conform to certain expectations.
• Indian parents often have a more authoritarian parenting style than parents in Western countries. This can be effective in some cases, but it can also lead to conflict and resentment.
• The Indian education system can be very competitive. This can put a lot of stress on children, and it can make parenting even more challenging.

Despite the challenges, parenting in India can also be very rewarding. Indian children are often very close to their families specially children coming from Joint families, and they learn to value hard work and respect for elders. If you're willing to embrace the challenges, parenting in India can be a truly enriching experience.

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