‘Nobody knows…: Kareena Kapoor on being a working mother; how judgement follows women

Many working mothers face criticism for their career and family choices, often from strangers who presume to know what a 'good' parent should do. Kareena Kapoor Khan recounted some of the judgments she has faced over the years, such as people questioning her decision to keep working while raising her son, Taimur. She challenged these assumptions, asking, "Who does all these things, and who decides?"

Kapoor emphasized that continuing to work provides her son with a role model of a successful woman, fostering respect for both women and men. However, the pressure to conform to societal expectations can lead to exhaustion, self-doubt, and resentment for working mothers. Psychologist Gurleen Baruah explained that these judgments stem from ingrained gender roles that place women as caregivers and men as providers.

This constant need to prove themselves can harm women's mental health by creating a false dichotomy between nurturing others and pursuing personal ambitions. Research shows that children who witness both parents working, especially mothers, develop more balanced views on gender roles and respect. When children see their mothers balancing career and family, they learn that care and competence can coexist.

Baruah advises setting clear boundaries, such as device-free family time, to maintain a grounded parent-child relationship. Ultimately, it's up to each mother to decide what kind of parent she wants to be, aligning her choices with her values while expecting a certain amount of outside criticism.