In a society that demarcates specific gender roles, the Pataudi family has swam against the tide. In an earlier episode of Kareena Kapoor Khan's podcast What Women Want - currently trending on social media - Soha Ali Khan opened up about growing up with a stay-at-home dad (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, former cricketer). "When we were born, my father was a professional athlete. He stopped working at a certain age. And my mother (Sharmila Tagore) would be away. My father would be home. He was looking after us; he was around. For us, it was never odd to have a stay-at-home father and a working mother," recollected Soha. Talking about her parenting style, admittedly different from husband Kunal Kemmu's, Soha revealed they belong to different family setups. "I was brought up where my mom worked. We had a nanny, but that was not the same with Kunal. So, he comes from a different perspective, and we have compromised and learnt.along the way.which is quite helpful," the Rang De Basanti actor said. As traditional gender roles blur, we understand the impact of such arrangements on children and how they contribute to their development and family dynamics. Archana Singhal, a counsellor, family therapist, and founder of Mindwell Counsel, Delhi, said children raised in households where fathers take on caregiving roles and mothers are the primary earners can develop an understanding that work is not associated with gender. "Children will learn that responsibilities are not inherently tied to gender; this will generate a healthy attitude towards equality and partnership. Boys may grow up understanding that staying at home is not a woman's responsibility, and girls get empowered to pursue their career," said Singhal. A stay-at-home father's presence can also enhance children's emotional intelligence, as they get time to engage in activities together. "This will enhance the healthy bond between a father and mother. Children will feel equally comfortable with their parents. Girls will seek inspiration from their mothers to focus on their careers. Children get equal time to understand their parents, which will enhance a healthy family," said Singhal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood ORRYginals (@thebollywoodorryginals) Such shifting roles help parents communicate effectively and discuss household responsibilities and children's practices. "Through her partner's contribution to household work, the mother feels supported professionally," said Singhal. "These arrangements foster a more egalitarian viewpoint, enhancing children’s social and emotional skills. While challenges exist, such as societal stigma and economic adjustments, the overall impact can lead to more balanced and fulfilling family lives. As these family structures become increasingly common, they will continue to influence societal norms and the future of parenting," said Singhal. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.
