The world of parenting is ever-evolving, influenced by culture, psychology, and individual family dynamics. On February 10, 2026, the conversation around parenting styles took center stage in India, with experts, parents, and even tech industry leaders weighing in on what truly works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to raising the next generation. The debate, as reported by Moneycontrol and Elsa Angel Rose, highlights both the enduring challenges and the fresh approaches that families are navigating in today’s complex world.
Three main parenting styles dominate the discussion: authoritarian, passive, and authoritative. According to Elsa Angel Rose, gentle parenting—a modern offshoot of authoritative parenting—has gained significant traction in recent years. This approach centers on raising emotionally intelligent children through empathy, respect, understanding, and, crucially, firm boundaries. Rather than relying on punishments, bribes, or yelling, gentle parenting seeks to build a secure parent-child connection as the foundation for guiding behavior.
But as any parent will tell you, striking the right balance is no walk in the park. Tallulah D’silva, a parent who practices gentle parenting, shared her experience: “I practise gentleness most times as it comes naturally to me. I have immense patience and generally have a calm state of mind, which allows me to conduct myself with a certain peaceful aura. But there are times when my patience has run dry, and I feel my parenting with kindness has been taken for granted.” According to D’silva, the key is setting clear boundaries that apply to everyone in the household. “There should be boundaries set which apply to all so that nobody crosses the lines to disrespect, be abusive, get violent or aggressive. When parents practice these, children also find it easy to imbibe.”
The importance of boundaries is echoed by Devika Mangaldas, a counselling psychologist. She emphasizes that while emotional validation is important, saying no is sometimes necessary to foster resilience. “There should be a limit; emotional validation should be as and when required, it can impact behaviour patterns. Children do need validation at all times, but during specific tantrums, it should be avoided.” Mangaldas explains that healthy discipline requires patience, good observation, non-reactiveness, and giving meaningful consequences for negative behavior, alongside regular verbal reinforcement for positive actions. “A child gets programmed to expect a yes for all their needs; they may get aggressive and not know how to deal with a no answer. This hampers their resilience,” she cautioned.
While gentle parenting has been popular for its focus on empathy and open communication, it’s not without its critics—or its limitations. Enter FAFO parenting, a new-old technique whose name stands for "Fool Around and Find Out." According to Elsa Angel Rose, FAFO parenting is making a comeback, reminiscent of approaches common in the 1990s. The idea is simple: let children experience the natural consequences of their choices, within safe boundaries, to help them develop resilience, courage, and independent thinking.
What does FAFO parenting look like in practice? If a child insists on staying outside late into the evening, a parent might allow it—within the safety of the home’s premises—and lock the door, letting the child feel the consequence of their choice. Or if a child refuses dinner, the parent lets them skip the meal and wait until breakfast. Rather than explaining right and wrong in every instance, the parent lets the consequence do the teaching. As Rose notes, “Not so surprisingly, the technique has been proven to be an effective one.”
Yet, as parenting styles shift, the central goal remains constant: raising well-adjusted, resilient, and emotionally secure children. Striking the right balance between compassion and firmness is the challenge, but it’s also the opportunity. Rose writes, “Striking the right balance between compassion and firmness allows children to learn from their choices and develop the resilience they need to navigate the real world with confidence.”
Amid these evolving approaches, the debate over traditional parenting in India has also heated up. On February 10, 2026, a CEO from Gurugram took to social media to criticize what he called one of the worst parenting models: traditional Indian parenting. As reported by Moneycontrol, the CEO argued that Indian parents often prioritize their own and society’s expectations over their children’s needs. He claimed that many parents treat their kids as personal projects, burdening them with unfulfilled ambitions and shaming them for failure. In his words, “silence is seen as ‘sanskaar’ (cultural value)”—a subtle rebuke of the notion that unquestioning obedience and emotional restraint are virtues to be prized above all else.
This critique has sparked a lively conversation among parents and professionals alike. Cecille Rodrigues, a parent and political activist, offered her own take on fear-based parenting, which is often associated with traditional models. “Punishment can sometimes escalate issues, making kids more likely to hide mistakes or develop resentment. Instead, focusing on understanding the mistake, setting clear expectations, and teaching problem-solving skills can be more effective.” Rodrigues is firmly against fear-based parenting, arguing that it can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty with decision-making in adulthood. “It’s generally more effective to focus on positive reinforcement and teaching coping skills,” she said.
But how do parents ensure discipline and obedience without instilling fear? Tallulah D’silva shared some practical strategies. “I use the tool of stepping away or silence. It gives the signal that something is not going right, and it is time to reflect.” She also encourages reflective writing: “I have in the past asked my children to reflect by writing, and this has really worked wonders because in writing we can reassess, analyze and put down our thoughts seamlessly. It comes from the heart, and in writing our thoughts, any disrespect we may feel takes a different form, empathy creeps in, and we become peaceful.”
Of course, no single approach works for every family or every child. As D’silva notes, “this might not work for all parent child dynamics. Some children might feel isolated and lonely if the silent treatment is not stopped when required.” The consensus among experts is that flexibility, consistency, and a willingness to adapt are essential for healthy parenting.
As newer styles like gentle parenting and FAFO parenting rise in popularity, children are increasingly encouraged to express opinions openly and develop coping skills rather than simply obeying out of fear. Yet, loopholes remain in every approach—gentle parenting can sometimes lead to blurred boundaries, while consequence-based methods require careful oversight to avoid neglect or emotional harm.
One thing is clear: the conversation around parenting is far from over. With voices from psychology, activism, and even the tech industry weighing in, Indian families are being challenged to rethink old habits and embrace new strategies that prioritize emotional intelligence, resilience, and a healthy balance between compassion and discipline. As this debate continues, parents across the country are searching for that elusive sweet spot—a style that prepares their children not just to survive, but to thrive in an unpredictable world.