Dating app CEO questions Indian parenting; calls it one of the worst models where silence is seen as ‘sanskaar’

Jasveer Singh wrote that most parents treat their kids as a project and burden them with what they couldn’t accomplish themselves (Image: Pexels)

• Jasveer Singh criticizes traditional Indian parenting as emotionally suppressive
• Parents often project their unfulfilled dreams onto their children.
• Failure is seen as shameful, and questioning parents is considered disrespectful

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When it comes to parenting, there’s no dearth of information in the form of books or on the Internet. However, patterns seem to be repetitive when it comes to raising kids in India, whether in the old generation or the new.

Jasveer Singh, founder and CEO of Knot Dating, took to his X account and slammed traditional parenting, calling it one of the worst models globally.

Making kids a personal project

In his post, Jasveer didn’t blame the parents as much as the dated system that remains unquestioned. According to him, children are treated like “owned assets,” where parents make the most important life decisions for them. “Mental health, interest, curiosity, aptitude, all are irrelevant. The logic is simple. You are my child, you will do what I say,” he added.

Also read | 10 good parenting habits that will make your kids naturally disciplined

Indian parenting is pressure cooker parenting. One of the worst models globally. Not because parents are evil. But because the system is broken and no one questions it.

Most Indian parents didn’t raise children. They raised outcomes. Children are treated like owned assets -… — Jasveer Singh (@jasveer10) February 8, 2026

The CEO further added that most parents treat their kids as a project and burden them with what they couldn’t accomplish themselves. “Many parents transfer their unfinished dreams directly onto their child. The child becomes a project. A second chance. A retirement plan. Not because the child wants it, but because the parent couldn’t become it.”

Failure viewed as a matter of shame

Additionally, he addressed what’s most often brushed aside in India — failure. Most parents are concerned about other people’s opinions and failure is treated like a crime. Parents don’t realise this is not good for their child. “Parents genuinely believe they are securing the child's future. Psychologically, they are securing their own unresolved failure.”

Also read | What is FAFO parenting and how it can improve relationship with your child

Silence is called ‘sanskaar,’ questioning is considered disrespectful

While raising kids, a child who doesn’t argue is often considered more cultured and respectful than the one who questions. “Parents themselves were raised this way, controlled, unquestioning, emotionally suppressed. So the cycle repeats,” Jasveer pointed out. “You could be more informed than your parents, more educated, more aware, still you are not allowed to challenge them.” This makes children feel emotionally trapped and they don’t grow as independent thinkers, who are allowed to ask hard questions.

Toxic comparison culture

Those who live in India are not alien to the comparison culture. “Someone else’s kid achieved XYZ. Suddenly, your child must do the same! IQ doesn’t matter, interest doesn’t matter, and capability doesn’t matter. What matters is only the IMAGE.”

According to Jasveer, Indian parentslive under the pressure of living up to societal expectations and these fears are dumped onto their kids. He said this comes from generations of “patriarchy and obedience,” where parents themselves have not learned to stand up for themselves. While they may think they are doing good, it leads to a lot of damage.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.