Modern Parenting vs. Old-School Desi Wisdom – Who’s Doing it Better?

Ah, parenting! Specially Gen z parenting, That one full-time job with no weekends, no bonus, and lots of Patients and free emotional drama.

In one corner, we have Desi Parents (a.k.a. Indian/Pakistani parenting style):
“Don’t argue, just do it. And by the way, you’re still a child at 30.”

In the other corner, meet the new-age Gen Z Parents:
“Let’s talk about your feelings. Would you like almond milk or oat milk with that tantrum?”

Let’s dive into the cultural chaos, compare both styles, and figure out who’s raising the calmest, coolest, or the most confused kids.

🥇 Indian/Pakistani Parenting: “Because I Said So!”

Welcome to the land where:

• Privacy is a myth
• Report cards are life or death
• Emotional blackmail is a parenting tool
• And cousins = competition

Common phrases you’ll hear:

• “We sacrificed everything for you!”
• “Beta, doctor bano.”
• “Sharma ji ka beta got 98%, what happened to you?”

✅ Pros:

• Kids learn respect, discipline, and strong family values
• Education is a top priority
• Resilience is built early (“You broke your arm? Walk it off!”)
• Grandparents, aunts, and uncles = free childcare

❌ Cons:

• Emotional needs are often ignored
• Mental health? Still a taboo
• Strict rules can lead to secret rebellion
• Comparing kids? A national hobby

🌱 Gen Z Parenting: “Let’s Talk About Your Feelings”

Gen Z parents are all about gentle parenting, positive discipline, and setting boundaries with love.
They Google everything. They read parenting blogs (like this one!).
And yes, they probably follow @mindful.mamas on Instagram.

Common phrases you’ll hear:

• “It’s okay to cry, sweetheart.”
• “Would you like to choose your outfit today?”
• “Time-ins, not time-outs.”

✅ Pros:

• Focus on mental health and emotional intelligence
• Kids feel safe, seen, and heard
• Promotes open communication
• Encourages creativity and independence

❌ Cons:

• Can sometimes lack structure or boundaries
• Kids might grow up thinking “no” is negotiable
• Parenting can feel more like friendship than leadership
• Time-consuming and emotionally exhausting

🧓 The Grandparent Judgement Corner: “Back in our day…”

Just when you thought screen time battles were your biggest challenge—enter the grandparents with their iconic side-eyes and spicy commentary.

They watch your toddler scream because the pancake is cut in the “wrong shape,” and you calmly ask,
“Would you like a new one or want to help me fix it?”

And then the roast begins:

“When you threw tantrums like that, you didn’t get pancakes—you got a reality check.”
“We gave you a solid dose of discipline, not a sticker chart.”
“That’s why you turned out strong and successful. And now? You’re raising mini CEOs with mood swings!”

They shake their heads like you’ve lost your mind (and maybe you have a little).
To them, modern parenting looks like a luxury resort—with snacks, feelings, and zero consequences.

They believe:

• We’re spoiling the kids
• We’re too soft
• We ask kids “what they want” instead of telling them “what to do”

Their verdict?

“You’re not parenting—you’re spoiling them like they’re royalty. What are you raising? Kids or baby influencers?”

And just like that, you’re left questioning your whole parenting philosophy while your mom casually knits beside you, fully judging your gentle time-out technique.

To them, modern parenting looks like Netflix with no ads, and they’re not impressed.

🧠 So… Who’s Doing It Right?

Let’s be honest—every style has its wins and facepalm moments.

👴 Desi Parenting raised doctors, engineers, and emotionally tough adults (with slight trauma, but free therapy via chai).
👶 Gen Z Parenting is raising emotionally intelligent, confident kids (who might cry if their iPad dies).

The real answer? Balance.
What if we combined the wisdom of desi discipline with the empathy of modern parenting?

👨‍👩‍👧 Hybrid Parenting: Best of Both Worlds?

What it could look like:

• Respect your elders, but also learn to set healthy boundaries
• Prioritize education, but also talk about feelings and dreams
• Teach resilience, but also practice gentle correction
• No comparison with Sharma ji’s son—just support your own child’s path

Because raising kids isn’t about tradition or trend—it’s about understanding, adapting, and staying sane through it all.

🧃 Final Sip (with chai or oat milk – your call)

In the end, Indian/Pakistani parenting and Gen Z parenting both come from a place of love. One uses a rolling pin, the other uses a feelings chart. 😂

So whether you’re saying “Beta, bas karo” or “Let’s talk about that behavior,” remember:
There’s no perfect parent. Just real ones doing their best.

💬 What’s Your Parenting Style?

Are you Team Strict Desi, Team Chill Gen Z, or somewhere in between with a chappal in one hand and a TED Talk in the other? Comment below! 👇