Why ‘bas’ was the first word Neha Dhupia taught her daughter: ‘Yeh nahi ki…’

“Teach them to notice ‘uncomfortable feelings’ early on, and what it could mean, how to say it in short, easy terms for their age. Also, teach them to respect others’ limits too if someone says ‘stop, ‘ which makes them give space to the other person,” said Bhandekar.

For parents, it also helps preserve children’s sensitivity, protect them in the future from undue pressure, and help them avoid unhealthy relationships, she added.

Neha with her kids. (Source: Instagram/@nehadhupia)

“As parents, it is quite natural to feel like your child needs protection and shelter all the time, but teaching them to be independent and letting them learn through push back can help raise emotionally intelligent and capable children,” she said. According to her, this kind of healthy parenting is the way to go, echoing Dhupia’s point in her video. “It is all about asking your child what they want to be, without adding ‘you should’ right after,” Bhandekar said.

Supportive parenting is one of the strongest predictors of a child confidently choosing their own career, even if it diverges from parental legacy or societal expectations. Such parents create space for their children to explore what truly feels right by offering resources, encouragement, and emotional stability, while withholding judgment tied to tradition, social status, prestige, or money.

This doesn’t mean parents shy away from discussing real-world concerns. Instead, they guide their children through a process of critical evaluation, communicating trust, respect, and confidence in their ability to make informed decisions.

Bhandekar noted that such an approach helps children understand that their self-worth isn’t dependent on fulfilling someone else’s wishes, but on pursuing their own desires. As a result, they are better equipped to face setbacks and persist through challenges.

“They are more likely to stand firm in their choices, thanks to the nurturing space created by parents who value who they are—not just what they achieve. They pursue careers with purpose, not just to secure any available job. They grow into adults who work with zeal, not out of obligation to others,” she explained.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.