Abhishek Bachchan on parenting. Abhishek Bachchan finds himself in the midst of parenting a teenager as his daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, approaches her 13th birthday this November. In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, the actor was invited to share some insights on navigating the challenges of dealing with rebellious teenagers. Abhishek, in his characteristic style, delivered not only practical advice but also humorously highlighted the division of parenting responsibilities in his household, giving credit to his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, for taking on the lion's share of the parenting duties.
When asked for parenting tips, Abhishek offered a refreshingly candid perspective, emphasizing that attempting to control rebellious behavior might not be the best approach. He acknowledged the rapid maturation of subsequent generations and how today's teenagers are growing up in a world vastly different from the one he experienced. He cited a simple example from his own family, pointing out that his nephew and niece received their first mobile phones at the age of ten, prompting him to question his sister, Shweta Bachchan, about the age at which he and even their father, Amitabh Bachchan, got their first mobile phones. Shweta's response, "Do you think he got upset you got a mobile phone at 22?" illustrated the generational shift in perspectives.
Abhishek eloquently noted that this new generation is incredibly well-informed, having instant access to a wealth of information and experiences through the internet. He humorously contrasted his awe when he first laid eyes on the Taj Mahal with the likely response of today's youth who may have already explored it virtually online. Abhishek affirmed that the current generation is not preposterous; rather, they are exceptionally informed, and their sense of wonder differs from that of earlier generations.
In a lighthearted manner, he acknowledged that his wife, Aishwarya, shoulders the primary responsibilities on the home front, granting him the freedom to pursue his work. He humorously summarized his advice as "don't try to deal with it" while emphasizing that the new generation doesn't adhere to the traditional sense of hierarchy. They're inquisitive and demand reasons, and as parents, the best approach is to answer their questions.
On a more serious note, Abhishek underlined the importance of respecting children's dignity. He advised against compromising their self-respect while disciplining them, recognizing the increased sensitivity of this generation. He attributed this sensitivity partly to the fact that they haven't witnessed the same upheavals that earlier generations did. He stressed that if their dignity is compromised during reprimands, they might distance themselves emotionally.
In a humorous sign-off, Abhishek quipped that, essentially, there's not much you can do as a parent, suggesting facetiously that handing them an iPad and bidding them farewell might be the most straightforward approach.