Children’s Day Special: I’ve become the best version of myself because of my kids, says Genelia Deshmukh

In a world where parenting has taken on a new meaning and is throwing new challenges at us, the key is finding the right balance between gentle guidance and setting healthy boundaries. Most importantly, the focus today is on cultivating a child’s skills, beyond textbooks and classrooms. On Children’s Day, the actress and mom to two boys, Genelia Deshmukh, shares her views on parenting and how her husband Riteish Deshmukh and she embrace old-school values with new-age concepts to raise their sons, Riaan (10) and Rahyl (8).

‘Parenthood is the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me’
Genelia says that motherhood has been a transformative experience that has pushed her to become the best version of herself. “Parenthood is the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me. The responsibility of raising children is like no other job. I have become the best version of myself because of my kids, Riaan and Rahyl. They have made me more compassionate and opened my eyes to things I was once blinded to,” she says.

‘Children’s Day is extremely significant for us’
Children’s Day has always been a special celebration in Genelia’s family, even when she was growing up. “My parents celebrated it beautifully. They would wake us up, make us feel special, and give us whatever we wanted that day,” she recalls, adding, “We try to emphasise to our kids that they’re the best thing that’s happened to us. While we have 365 days to tell them that, this particular day is extremely special and significant for us.”

‘My advice to my sons is that they don’t need to look at someone else or be someone else’
To equip and prepare her children to thrive in a world of intense competition from an early age, Genelia’s approach is to focus on their internal growth and hone various skills (beyond academics) rather than external comparisons. She shares, “My advice to them is that they don’t need to look at someone else, because their priority should be their own well-being, their strength to grow, and the ability to do better. I remember not liking comparisons when I was younger, and I genuinely believe every child has a unique personality that’s special. We don’t need to be anyone else. That’s how I approach competition. Every morning, we begin with a prayer of gratitude and a simple message to them - Be the best version of yourself.”




‘Playing sports instils life lessons in children’
The actress does not endorse a screen-focused lifestyle for children. She believes different activities, especially physical activity, is a very important part of a child’s mental and physical growth. She says, “For my boys, physical activity is a way of life, and they never miss practice. Our holidays are also planned around their schedules, and even major events are willingly missed if there’s a tournament or game. They are extremely diligent about it. Playing sports instils a lot of life lessons, and it’s one of the most valuable things they’ve embraced. It teaches discipline, how to handle stress, and that losing is a part of life, with opportunities to grow better each time.”

She adds, “Riteish and I have learnt to enjoy what our sons love. You won’t remember the toys your parents gave you, but you will remember the moments spent together. One memorable tradition is Riteish’s unique whistle before our sons play soccer and during the game. They wait for it every time before stepping onto the field; it’s our way of cheering them on.”

‘We try to merge old-school values with new-age parenting for our sons’
Recognising the significance of both traditional and contemporary approaches to parenting, Genelia prefers a route that incorporates the best of both. “Yes, our parents were stricter, but they were amazing at what they did, and we turned out fine,” she reflects, acknowledging that today’s children require a more balanced, hybrid approach. She adds, “Kids today like reasoning, they have opinions and are encouraged to express them. You can’t compare parenting styles from different eras; we are in a different time now. We try to merge old-school values with new-age parenting, which I feel makes a significant difference in raising our children.”