“When Grandparents Indulge Every Whim: Child Skips School for a Month, Parents Struggle to Discipline”

Overindulgence by grandparents can sometimes backfire, leading children to become stubborn and ignore their parents’ instructions. A recent case highlighted this issue when a 10-year-old boy refused to attend school for an entire month, with his grandparents siding with him at every turn.

According to pediatrician Dr. Pawan Mandavia, the boy’s grandparents consistently supported his refusals, allowing his tantrums to go unchecked—even rewarding him with expensive toys and a ₹10,000 toy car. This overindulgence encouraged the child’s defiance, and even influenced his younger four-year-old sister to resist school.

The expert emphasized that disciplining a child is not solely a mother’s responsibility. When grandparents immediately side with the child, the parent appears overly strict, creating family tension. Dr. Mandavia advises a balanced approach, where both parents and extended family collaborate. Fathers, in particular, should step in to enforce discipline, ensuring that love is paired with consistent boundaries.

This case underscores a bitter reality in many joint Indian families, especially when the child is a boy or considered the “heir,” highlighting the need for a united approach in parenting and discipline.

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