PW invited parents of The Emerald Heights International School, Indore to share their insights on how they encourage their children to bond with extended family members

Our daughter Radhika (class XII) is the first grandchild of the family and is particularly fond of her grandparents and paternal aunt. 2021 was a crucial year for her as she was selected to pursue an internship with professors from Singapore. That very year, her grandfather was diagnosed with last stage cancer. Although she shared her grandfather’s room, she not only completed her internship successfully but also spent quality time with him tending to his every need. Likewise, she bonds very well with her aunt despite the age difference and physical distance. Radhika is most excited when her aunt comes to visit. As parents, we have had little to do with bilateral relationships within our extended family members. Except to remind her of our ancient culture of bonding with the larger family from youngest age.

— Shyamli Agrawal, homemaker

However uncommon it may be these days, our joint family is a boon for our son Saksham (UKG). Most people believe that joint families are difficult to manage. But they don’t realise that children’s bonding with extended family members happens best in joint families. Saksham is never alone and is blossoming with the unconditional love of our extended family members. He loves and respects his grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts. He has learnt to share and become mentally strong. They have taught him how to empathize with those around him.

— Yati Pandya, homemaker

Observing our cultural customs and traditions is a good way to develop strong bonds within extended families. Therefore, our son Kabeer (class II) celebrates all festivals and birthdays with our larger family. Being a working parent, my son has been raised under the care and guidance of his maternal and paternal grandparents. In this set-up, he is constantly learning new things. He often learns about physiology from his father and grandfather, both doctors, as also about fireless cooking from his grannies. Since fondest memories are made around the dining table, we ensure that Kabeer has at least one meal daily with the extended family. Kabeer is an extraordinary child and most of the credit for his development goes to his extended family.

—Ranu Gupta, Internet marketer, The Geeky Folks, Indore

Ours is a joint family with every member intimately connected with each other. Sometimes it becomes difficult for my daughter Aarna (class VI) to spend quality time with all family members as she is busy with classes, dance and karate. Nevertheless we maintain cooperation and a bond of love, respect and joy with all of them by celebrating all festivals together. Often we dine with family members. At times, there is love and at times there are differences. Our extended family is like a finishing school for our children where they learn to maintain composure and manage multiple problems.

—Dr. Priyanka Pasari, educationist and writer, Indore