‘Kunal and I understand that…’: Soha Ali Khan on consciously breaking old parenting patterns with daughter Inaaya; how open communication shapes emotionally aware kids

Soha also reflected on the pressures of parenting in a digital-first era, where even children are not spared the spotlight. “Kunal and I understand that a certain amount of visibility comes with the territory, but we draw clear boundaries when it comes to Inaaya,” she said, adding that instead of shielding her daughter completely, they choose to explain it to her. 

Beyond screens and the spotlight, Soha believes in the grounding power of simple experiences — from reading and outdoor play to bonding with their pet. “Children today are growing up in such a digital-first world, which makes them incredibly aware and curious. For us, having a pet has been a beautiful influence on Inaaya. It teaches her empathy, responsibility and gives her a real-world connection that goes beyond the screen,” she shared. “It’s all about balance, not perfection. We try to prioritise playtime, reading, and time outdoors. Of course, there are days when the screen comes to the rescue, and that’s okay too.”

So, how can parents encourage their children’s emotional expression without crossing the line into overindulgence or a loss of discipline?

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director, Cadabam’s Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “When parents create space for children to express their emotions freely, it strengthens the child’s emotional intelligence and trust in the parent-child bond. However, openness should not come at the cost of boundaries. Parents can model healthy communication by validating feelings (‘I understand you’re upset’) while setting limits on behaviour (‘But it’s not okay to shout’).” 

 

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The goal is to let children feel heard without making them feel that every emotion must dictate an outcome. Consistency, empathy, and clear expectations help strike that balance between nurturing and guiding.

Having age-appropriate conversations with children about fame, privilege, and social media exposure

Cadabam notes that children “absorb their environment long before they can fully understand it.” Talking about fame or privilege early on, in age-appropriate ways, helps them develop humility and self-awareness. “It’s essential to normalise conversations about privacy, boundaries, and self-worth, especially in the age of social media. When parents model groundedness and gratitude, children learn to see visibility as responsibility rather than entitlement,” she says. 

Small, everyday practices that can help parents raise emotionally grounded children in an increasingly digital and distracted world

Children learn emotional regulation and empathy through real-life interactions, not screens. 

“Designating screen-free family hours, spending time outdoors, and encouraging creative play help children stay connected to the real world. What matters most is the emotional presence of parents; children thrive when they feel seen, understood, and guided, not when they are simply entertained or managed,” concludes Cadabam.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.