Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan has always managed to juggle her busy professional life with raising her triplets, Czar, Diva, and Anya, along with her editor-director husband, Shirish Kunder.
The triplets, born through IVF in 2008, celebrated their 18th birthday this February and are currently studying in the United States. Over the years, Farah has been quite vocal about her parenting style, which is a mix of discipline and independence and, of course, no overindulgence. In various conversations and interviews, she has reiterated that parenting in the modern age is all about raising independent children who can think and act for themselves.
Here are some important parenting tips that can be derived from her experiences.Establishing boundaries to create respect and securityFarah Khan strongly feels that children need boundaries to feel secure and grounded. In an interview, she has clearly stated that being the “cool parent” does not mean having no boundaries. She has said that children feel secure when they know that there are boundaries and that parents’ consistency is the key to winning their trust. According to her, boundaries are not constraints but pointers, which help children understand the importance of accountability and self-discipline.
She has also said that “no” is a part of “love” and not “meanness.” Farah Khan’s parenting tips are a clear indication that respect in a family does not come from being authoritative but from being predictable and fair, so that children can move about in the world with confidence.Offering limited choices to encourage decision-makingFarah’s overall parenting philosophy is based on a long-term perspective: parents are raising future adults, not managing short-term happiness.
Farah has also stated in an interview that parents who always try to please their children may actually impair their children’s ability to deal with the realities of life. Rather, she believes that parents should teach their children patience, flexibility, and an understanding of boundaries from a young age.
Her parenting philosophy is in line with modern child development theories that suggest that resilience can be developed through structured freedom, not indulgence.
Through her parenting philosophy, Farah ultimately defines success not in terms of obedience or indulgence but in terms of raising emotionally well-adjusted and self-reliant individuals who can make informed decisions in life.Keeping kids grounded despite fame and moneyFarah has always emphasized keeping her kids grounded despite her fame and financial success. She has said that her kids have been raised in such a way that they have not been spoiled or pampered too much.
They have been taught to appreciate hard work and education. Farah has said in an interview that despite her privilege, she never lets her kids forget the importance of discipline and gratitude. Her kids choosing to pursue a tough academic route in a foreign land is a testament to this.
Keeping her kids grounded despite being a celebrity is also important for Farah. She has said that in her house, celebrity entitlement is a big no.
Chores, normalcy, and respect are a must.Contemporary parenting is all about raising better adults, not pleasing kidsFarah’s overall parenting philosophy is all about having a long-term perspective, which is that parents are raising tomorrow’s adults, not just trying to please kids. She has been quoted in interviews as saying that trying to please kids all the time can actually hamper their ability to deal with the realities of life. Rather, she suggests that parents should teach kids the value of patience, flexibility, and boundaries from a young age.
Her parenting philosophy is actually in sync with the latest child development theories that suggest that kids can become resilient if they are given structured freedom, rather than being indulged. Farah’s parenting philosophy actually defines success not in terms of obedience or indulgence but in terms of raising emotionally well-adjusted and self-sufficient kids who can make informed decisions about their lives.
