In today’s fast-paced world, the question of who is genuinely shaping your child’s development has never been more complex. External influences—from digital trends and media narratives to community pressures—play a significant role in the upbringing of the next generation. In conversation with Rajiv Malhotra, author of Who Is Raising Your Children?, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri delves into the challenges of conventional parenting, offering insights that go beyond traditional methods.

This discussion highlights the need for awareness, which is the first step toward adopting a more conscious approach to parenting. By understanding and acknowledging the forces that shape our children’s lives, we can begin to foster a more well-rounded upbringing that encourages critical thinking and self-awareness.

Agnihotri and Malhotra’s reflections serve as strong reminders that conscious parenting is not just about the choices we make as parents, but also about how we navigate and respond to the many external factors impacting our children today.

1. Rethinking Parenting Roles

Parenting is no longer just a family affair. Today, multiple people shape a child’s character and values. Beyond the traditional parental role, teachers, digital platforms, peers and community leaders are all part of a child’s development. This interconnected approach means parenting is a broader support network, each having a part to instill values and life skills.

2. Digital on Young Minds

In our digital world, children are constantly surrounded by digital content—from educational apps to viral social media trends. Digital media can enhance learning, but can also distract, so parents need to guide their children in using online spaces responsibly. It’s about balancing screen time with real-world interactions to ensure healthy cognitive and social growth.

3. Media’s Influence

Media today is not just entertainment; it shapes our views and sets trends. TV shows, movies and online videos provide role models and stories that shape how our kids see themselves and the world. By critically consuming media, our kids can differentiate between on-screen drama and real-life values.

4. The School Experience Reimagined

Education today goes beyond textbooks, combining academic learning with social and emotional development. School is a mini society setting where kids learn about collaboration, conflict resolution and critical thinking. This means a holistic education that prepares kids for the complexities of modern life.

5. Peer Influence: The Silent Shaper

As kids grow, their peer groups become a big deal in shaping behaviour and attitudes. Friends can reinforce good habits or introduce bad ones. Knowing these dynamics helps parents create an environment where kids can build healthy relationships and learn the value of constructive social interaction.

6. The Allure of Celebrity Culture

Kids look up to celebrities and influencers as role models, absorb their behaviours, styles, and sometimes even their value systems. The glamour of fame can skew a child’s perception of success and worth, so parents need to provide context and encourage critical thinking about these influences. This helps young minds see through the superficiality.

7. Uncovering the Undercurrents of Child Rearing

Traditional parenting evolves as new philosophies and practices emerge, shaped by psychology, sociology, and global cultural shifts. These undercurrents include alternative education models, mindfulness practices, and non-traditional family structures that redefine what it means to raise a child. Knowing these trends can help parents adapt to the world we live in today.

8. Community

Raising children is a community responsibility, where extended family, neighbors and local organisations contribute to raising a child. Community involvement brings different perspectives and support, a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. This collective approach can enrich a child’s experience and create a stronger, more resilient network.

9. Question everything

The question “Who is raising your children?” makes us question our long-held beliefs on education and upbringing. It challenges the idea that traditional parenting is enough and opens the conversation to include modern influences like digital mentors and global perspectives. By questioning everything, parents can create a more adaptive and well-rounded framework for child development.

10. Conscious Parenting

Ultimately, it’s all about conscious parenting – being aware of all the external forces at play and guiding your child through them. That means not just setting boundaries and expectations but also creating an open dialogue and critical thinking environment. Conscious parenting makes children independent, thoughtful, and informed.

Way Forward

This thought-provoking conversation between author Rajiv Malhotra and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri isn’t just about parenting. It’s an invitation to assess the external forces shaping the next generation. The video challenges us to look deeper into how digital culture, media, and community dynamics influence our children’s lives.

How do you see these influences at play in your own life? What steps can you take toward more conscious parenting?

You can watch the entire episode here.