Tara Sutaria says being heard as a child gave her ‘so much confidence’

Tara Sutaria, known for her role in the film Toxic, has spoken about the confidence she gained from being treated as an equal during her childhood. In a conversation with Pernia Qureshi of Fashionably Pernia, Sutaria revealed that her parents treated her and her sister with respect and dignity, treating them like adults when they were still young.

This approach to parenting, as found laudable by life coach Sidhharrthh S Kumaar, gave Sutaria a strong sense of self and enabled her to develop the skills to express her emotions and engage in healthy debates. Research by the journal Child Development supports this notion, finding that adolescents whose parents acknowledged their perspectives reported higher self-worth and school engagement.

While Sutaria acknowledges that not every family may value open disagreements, she believes that having these conversations openly was a crucial part of her upbringing. Kumaar emphasizes that treating children with adult-like respect does not mean expecting them to function like adults, nor should they become the confidant or decision-maker of their parents.

The goal is to provide children with the security of knowing that an adult is holding the structure around them, while also respecting their voice and allowing them to develop important life skills.