Subhechcha Ganguly 
Welcome to Interview Times, where we delve into the minds of influential personalities shaping our world. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Prachi Sachdev, an acclaimed author known for her insightful writings on parenting. Prachi recently received the prestigious Guiding Light Award from Rashtriya Pratibha Samman for her outstanding contributions to the field. Her latest book, “Dear Son, You Can’t Stay Little Always,” delves into the complexities of raising boys in today’s world. Join us as we explore the psychology of young boys and the art of parenting with Prachi Sachdev.
1. Can you share some insights into the unique psychological challenges faced by young boys in their formative years, and how parents can effectively address them?
Ans:We keep saying the times have changed, but the collective mindset of society hasn’t. Young minds are like sponges, soaking every drop of knowledge and experience they encounter. In the formative years, as young boys are exploring their identity and role in the world, how their immediate environment treats them shapes their perception of themselves. It is like solving a puzzle and making sense of things, feelings, and reactions of others to their actions.
The psychological challenges that young boys face in the fast-paced world of social media are numerous. From peer pressure to academic performance pressure, from creating online visibility to putting in efforts for offline presence, our boys are dealing with a lot of mental stress.
To effectively address these challenges, parents should foster an environment of open communication, encouraging their sons to express their feelings without fear of judgement. It’s also crucial for parents to model emotional intelligence and resilience, showing boys that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Educating them about healthy masculinity and offering consistent support and understanding are key strategies to help boys navigate their formative years with confidence and emotional intelligence.
2. Your book tackles the theme of letting go as boys transition into adulthood. What advice do you have for parents struggling with this aspect of parenting?
Ans:The transition of boys into adulthood can be a challenging phase for parents. I am a parent of a teen boy. Though I have tried my best to make him independent, the realization that he is growing up faster than I could imagine, hits hard. There are mixed feelings of pride and apprehension. The best advice that I followed and would like to share with other parents is to focus on building a strong foundation of trust and independence from an early age. Encourage healthy communication, allow them to make their choices and decisions, and let them learn from their mistakes. Have conversations around challenges and teach them the responsibilities of adulthood. Be present to hold them when they need your warm hug or a piece of advice when they feel stuck. Yet, ensure you don’t smother or overly manage them in your efforts to protect them. Someday you’ll have to let them go. Create a healthy bond from an early age to help them transition into the real world smoothly. Empower them to navigate adulthood with confidence and resilience.
3. In today’s fast-paced digital age, how can parents strike a balance between nurturing their son’s individuality and safeguarding them from negative influences?
Ans: In the fast-paced digital age, smartphones are an irreplaceable luxury rather than a necessity. So, safeguarding our young boys from negative influences while nurturing their individuality requires a balanced approach. Parents should engage in conversations about the benefits and dangers of digital spaces, and cultivate responsible online behaviour. Talk about creating healthy boundaries about mobile phone usage. Set parental control, not as a surveillance but as a precaution, to monitor the child’s digital usage. Set rules at home for the use of mobiles, like no phones at meal times, and switching off the phone by 10 pm. Remember, your son is learning by observing you. So, you make sure to follow the rules too.
4. The Guiding Light Award recognizes your exceptional guidance in shaping young minds. What strategies do you believe are most effective in fostering positive mental health and resilience in boys?
Ans:Firstly, open communication and active listening are paramount. Creating a safe space where boys feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement is essential. Encouraging them to talk about their feelings and experiences, whether positive or negative, helps them develop emotional intelligence and coping skills.
Secondly, promoting self-care and stress management techniques is crucial. Teaching boys the importance of self-care practices such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness can significantly impact their mental well-being. In addition, providing them with tools to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises or journaling, equips them with valuable coping mechanisms for life’s challenges.
Furthermore, encouraging boys to build supportive friendships and engage in activities they enjoy helps strengthen their social support networks and resilience. Lastly, leading by example is key. As mentors and role models, our actions speak louder than words. Demonstrating healthy behaviours, resilience in the face of adversity, and a positive outlook on life can inspire boys to cultivate similar traits in themselves.
5. Communication plays a crucial role in parent-child relationships. How can parents create an open and supportive environment where boys feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions?
Ans:Communication is the foundation of all relationships. As a parent, creating an open and supportive environment where boys feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions begins with active listening and non-judgmental communication. I make it a point to regularly check in with my son, asking him how his day went and genuinely listening to what he has to say. I encourage him to share his feelings by validating his emotions and reassuring him that it’s okay to express himself honestly. Additionally, I try to lead by example by openly sharing my own feelings and experiences with him, which helps normalise emotional expression in our household.
Creating a safe space free from criticism or ridicule will allow boys to trust that they can confide in their parents without the fear of judgement. By nurturing a supportive environment where communication flows freely, we can aim to strengthen our parent-child bond and empower our sons to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
6. As an author and advocate for positive parenting, what key message do you hope readers take away from your book, “Dear Son, You Can’t Stay Little Always,” especially in the context of raising boys in today’s society?
Ans :In “Dear Son, You Can’t Stay Little Always,” my key message for readers, especially in the context of raising boys in today’s society, is the importance of encouraging emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-love in our sons. I emphasise the significance of nurturing their emotional well-being alongside their physical and intellectual growth. We can empower boys to navigate the complexities of modern life with compassion, integrity, and confidence. Ultimately, my hope is that my young readers will be able to equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
