Reflecting on the balance he aims to maintain during an episode of The Ranveer Show Podcast, he shared, “Mera beta toh nahi darta mere se (My son is not scared of me). We are more like friends.”
When asked about his son’s age, Devgn mentioned he’s “nearly 14” and acknowledged that this likely means he’ll soon start dating. “Wo discussion karta hai mujhse (he discusses it with me)… we are very free with each other on that.”
When asked if he’s currently dating someone, Devgn replied, “Usko uski limitations samjhani padti hain, kiss umar tak kya limitations hai ( have to help him understand what limitations are appropriate for his age)… and he understands it.”
This honest and friend-like approach highlights the importance of creating a safe space for teens to explore questions about dating and relationships without feeling judged or overly restricted.
Creating a safe and welcoming environment for teenagers to discuss relationships and dating openly
Kamna Chhibber, a Clinical Psychologist and head of Mental Health for the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, tells indianexpress.com, “Having open conversations from an early age matters most. The sooner you start, the more they become accustomed to discussions and build their understanding and perspective.”
Additionally, she mentions that dismissing concerns or simply giving feedback as a “yes” or “no” without providing rationale or perspective is unhelpful. Instead, share how and why you think the way you do so your child can also develop that capacity.
Creating a safe environment also depends on giving your child confidence that there won’t be significant negative reactions when they make mistakes, adds Chhibber. “From the very beginning, correct them with patience and kindness so they don’t develop a fear of feedback.”
Effective ways for parents to introduce age-appropriate boundaries and limitations
Chhibber advises, “Boundaries and limits should be introduced early on. Being permissive initially and then trying to pull back on these aspects can lead to conflict.”
Use situations that occur around you — whether from your child’s peer group or the media — to discuss topics related to boundaries and choices in relationships. Linking these to value systems and aligning them with goals the child needs to focus on can be helpful.
Maintaining a relaxed approach to conversations is essential. (Source: Freepik)
Balancing the roles of friend and authority figure
Parents need to understand that even if they adopt a friendly approach — meaning they can listen without interrupting, being forceful, or insisting on their way — they are still authority figures, recommends Chhibber.
“Maintaining a relaxed approach to conversations is important. Avoid becoming too harsh but be willing to set boundaries when necessary. Allow children to explore and build their approach, even if it means making mistakes. However, there’s a fine balance in drawing the line regarding safety or other essential values they need to develop for themselves,” she says.
Strategies for building trust so that teens feel comfortable coming to their parents for advice
Chhibber highlights that parents must recognise that they may sometimes be the ‘bad guy’ in their children’s eyes. “However, if they stay open to listening and are flexible rather than rigid, children will feel more comfortable coming to them.”
Large reactions, such as expressions of shock or disgust, can discourage children from sharing openly. Keeping responses calm and composed helps prevent children from holding back their experiences out of fear of judgement.
