Television actress Rubina Dilaik has publicly acknowledged the immense support she received from her husband, Abhinav Shukla, and her in-laws during her postpartum period. In a candid conversation, the 37-year-old star emphasized the enduring value of traditional Indian family structures, especially in an era where joint families are becoming less common.
The Pillars of Support: Family as a Foundation
Speaking to Nayandeep Rakshit on YouTube, Dilaik shared a personal anecdote about her mother-in-law to illustrate her point. "My mother-in-law was a working woman. She used to leave Abhinav with their nani (grandmother)," Dilaik revealed. This experience, she explained, gave her mother-in-law a deep understanding of a mother's challenges and needs.
Dilaik strongly countered a common societal belief, stating, "Those people who say that divorce rates go up after a kid, I am telling you all of this will come to so much of understanding." She argued that when a woman has a supportive and understanding family, including her husband and in-laws, it leads to healthier relationships rather than discord.
"It will come to a healthy family relationship. I can vouch for the fact that the parents' relationship affects the kids the most. This is the beauty of Indian family systems," she added, crediting this support system for providing stability during the significant life change that parenthood brings.
Expert Weighs In: Alignment is Key for Family Harmony
Echoing Dilaik's sentiments, Dr. Shorouq Motwani, a psychiatrist at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, explained the psychological importance of family alignment. She stressed that being on the same page about embracing parenthood is crucial not just for the couple's emotional health, but also for the child's development and overall family peace.
"Parenthood brings significant lifestyle changes, responsibilities, and emotional shifts for the couple and the family," Dr. Motwani noted. "If both partners are on the same page, they can support each other better, manage stress properly, and create a thriving environment for the child." She further pointed out that when a couple functions as a united team, it becomes easier for extended family, like in-laws, to offer positive and nurturing support.
Navigating Differences: Communication as the Bridge
However, the expert also addressed the potential pitfalls when families are not aligned. Disagreements on caregiving approaches or even decisions about where to raise children can create communication gaps and emotional distance. This discord can negatively impact both the adult relationships and the child's upbringing.
Dr. Motwani's advice for such scenarios centers on open dialogue. "Open and honest communication becomes the key if a couple and their family are not aligned," she advised. She recommends that families take the time to understand and consider each other's fears, expectations, and reasoning before making major decisions related to child-rearing.
Rubina Dilaik's experience shines a light on a vital aspect of modern parenting in India. It underscores that while family structures may evolve, the need for a strong, understanding, and communicative support system — whether from a joint family or a closely-knit nuclear one — remains fundamental to navigating the beautiful yet challenging journey of parenthood.
