An eye-catching social media post has gone viral, igniting a debate on ‘pressure cooker parenting’ in India, where children are molded into success stories instead of embraced as individuals. This mindset elevates accomplishments over inquisitive minds and emotional wellness, with parents often transferring their own unmet dreams onto their offspring.

A post by Jasveer Singh on X (formerly known as Twitter) struck a nerve across India and beyond. It did not shout. It did not insult parents. It simply held up a mirror. The post called Indian parenting “pressure cooker parenting” and explained why it feels broken for so many children. What followed was telling. Hundreds of replies echoed the same pain, relief, and recognition. When many strangers feel personally described by one post, it is worth slowing down and listening.

“We raised outcomes, not children”

At the heart of the post is one sharp line: “Most Indian parents didn’t raise children. They raised outcomes.”This idea explains a lot. Marks, degrees, jobs, and salaries become the goal. The child slowly turns into a checklist. Parents decide what the child studies, becomes, and even whom they marry. Curiosity, mental health, and interest fall to the side.One reply captured this honesty well. Rahul wrote, “One of the most honest takes I’ve read on this topic.” The honesty hurts because it feels familiar. Many parents believe control equals care. They rarely pause to ask who the child is becoming inside.

When children become projects and plans

The post points out something uncomfortable but real. Many parents pass their unfinished dreams to their children. The child becomes a second chance. Sometimes even a retirement plan. This is not done with cruelty. It is done with hope mixed with fear.A user replied, “Every line feels personal. You just described half of middle class India.” That line explains why the post spread so fast. It named what many families never say aloud. The child’s life quietly becomes proof that the parent’s life struggles were worth it.

Failure as shame, not support

One of the strongest parts of the post talks about failure. In many Indian homes, failure is treated like a crime. A bad exam result brings scolding and shame, not concern. Parents worry more about answering relatives than about the child’s emotional state.Another user’s reply said it simply: “Koi ye post meri mom tak pohocha do pls.” It was half a joke, half a cry. Fear of “log kya kahenge” often becomes heavier than fear for the child’s well-being. Over time, children learn that love feels conditional.

Silence as sanskaar, questioning as disrespect

The post explains how questioning is seen as bad behaviour. Silence is praised as sanskaar. A child who asks “why” is labelled rude. Many parents were raised the same way. Controlled. Emotionally quiet. So the pattern continues.This creates emotionally trapped adults. Disagreement feels like guilt. Silence feels safe. A user, a parent himself, reflected on this and wrote, “This hit hard and makes me want to look in the mirror.” That pause matters. Change often begins with discomfort, not denial.

What this does to society, not just families

The post zooms out and makes a larger point. Homes that punish questioning cannot raise questioning thinkers. Children trained to comply grow into adults afraid to ask hard questions. This affects schools, offices, and even democracy.This balance matters. Not all Indian parents are the same. Here is the post:

Pointers worth sitting with

Disclaimer: This article discusses general patterns and experiences shared online. It does not claim that all Indian parents think or behave the same way. Parenting styles vary widely across families, regions, and generations. The intent is reflection, not blame.