Former badminton champion Saina Nehwal has sparked fresh discussion about parenting styles with her recent comments. She credits her strict upbringing for helping her achieve Olympic success.
Saina Nehwal's Parenting Philosophy
In an interview with Hauterfly, Nehwal shared her perspective clearly. She said parents should maintain a position of authority rather than trying to be friends with their children.
"Bachon se jitna ho sake aap, friends ke tarah na rahe, unke saath strict rahe thoda bahut," Nehwal explained. She emphasized showing children that parents are in charge and can maintain some control.
The athlete posed a thought-provoking question about her own journey. "Aap sochiye ki mere parents friends jaise hote, toh kya mai Olympic ka sapna ya podium ka sapna dekh sakti?" she asked, suggesting her strict upbringing was essential for her athletic achievements.
The Modern Parenting Debate
Nehwal's comments arrive during ongoing conversations about parenting approaches. Many contemporary parents prioritize flexibility and emotional comfort in their relationships with children.
Others agree with Nehwal's perspective. They believe parents must find a careful balance between softness and firmness. This balance should provide children with the best elements from both approaches.
Expert Insights on Strict Parenting
Dr. Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant in Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, offers professional perspective. She explains that strict parenting cannot work as a universal solution for every child.
"Strict parenting is not a one-size-fits-all solution," Dr. Shankar states clearly. "Its impact depends heavily on a child's temperament, developmental stage, and emotional environment."
The psychiatrist notes that Nehwal's upbringing featured specific elements that likely contributed to her success:
- Clear structure and routine
- Well-defined expectations
- Consistent boundaries
These factors helped build her resilience and competitive edge according to Dr. Shankar.
When Strictness Helps Versus Harms
Dr. Shankar explains that different children respond differently to strict parenting approaches:
- Goal-oriented children often thrive under firm boundaries and clear expectations
- Resilient children may benefit from structured environments that challenge them
- Sensitive children can experience the same strictness as overwhelming pressure
- Anxiety-prone children might find strict approaches emotionally difficult
Psychological research supports these distinctions. Younger children typically need warmth and reassurance alongside boundaries. Adolescents require a delicate balance between structure and growing autonomy.
"When rules don't evolve with age, strictness can quickly turn into control," Dr. Shankar cautions.
Discipline Versus Fear: A Critical Distinction
Dr. Shankar emphasizes a crucial difference that parents must understand. Discipline should guide children rather than intimidate them.
"The line is crossed when a child starts complying out of fear rather than understanding," she explains. "If discipline leads to chronic anxiety, avoidance, or emotional withdrawal, it's no longer healthy."
High expectations must coexist with emotional safety according to the psychiatrist. Children should feel their worth extends beyond just performance and achievement.
Motivation Concerns and Burnout Risks
Excessive control can damage children's internal motivation systems. Dr. Shankar notes that children might achieve external success but struggle with significant challenges later.
These challenges can include:
- Burnout from constant pressure
- Anxiety about performance and approval
- Difficulty making independent decisions once parental oversight decreases
Elite athletes like Nehwal often represent exceptions to these patterns. Their strong internal motivation helps them thrive under demanding conditions.
"Discipline works when children understand the 'why' behind expectations and feel supported in their journey," Dr. Shankar explains. "Fear-based compliance may deliver short-term results, but it rarely sustains long-term well-being."
Practical Lessons for Parents
Rather than endorsing strict parenting without qualification, Dr. Shankar recommends authoritative parenting. This approach combines firm boundaries with empathy and open communication.
Key elements of effective parenting according to the expert include:
- Clear routines and consistent expectations
- Age-appropriate accountability measures
- Active listening and emotional validation
- Opportunities for age-appropriate choices
Dr. Shankar emphasizes praising effort rather than just outcomes. "When children are celebrated for persistence rather than just results, discipline becomes internalized rather than imposed," she concludes.
The conversation sparked by Nehwal's comments continues to evolve. Parents worldwide consider how to balance discipline with emotional support in their unique family situations.
