‘Makes any girl feel vulnerable’: Why new mom Katrina Kaif wants her children to grow up with both parents — how childhood gaps shape parenting

‘Makes any girl feel vulnerable’: Why new mom Katrina Kaif wants her children to grow up with both parents — how childhood gaps shape parenting

Family conversations often return to the influence of childhood experiences. The emotional gaps, strengths, or voids we felt growing up quietly shape the kind of parents we eventually become.

In a resurfaced 2019 Filmfare interview — now gaining renewed relevance after Katrina Kaif welcomed a baby boy with Vicky Kaushal on November 7 — the actor reflected on her childhood and the impact of being raised without a father.

She said, “Not having a father figure does create a certain vacuum and makes any girl feel vulnerable. When I have kids, I want them to have the experience of being with both parents.” Katrina also admitted that during emotionally difficult phases of her life, she wished she had a paternal support system.

Raised by her mother Suzanne Turquotte with seven siblings, Katrina once asked her how she managed such a load alone. Today, with hindsight, Katrina sees how difficult that must have been.

So how does growing up without one parent — especially a father figure — shape emotional development?

Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, tells indianexpress.com that fathers often act as protectors and role models. Their absence may affect a child’s sense of security, emotional grounding, belonging, and worth.

Some children may develop anxiety, self doubt, hyper independence, or over dependence on relationships later in life.

However, she emphasises that children remain resilient — if their emotional needs are acknowledged and nurtured consistently by the present parent or extended support system.

When this generation becomes parents — are we filling our own childhood gaps?

Khangarot explains that many new parents consciously or unconsciously parent in a way that heals their own childhood wounds — offering their children the love, presence, and safety they lacked. It can create empathic, intentional parenting.

But the risk lies in overcompensation — projecting unmet childhood needs onto the child, rather than responding to the child’s own emotional reality.

Single parents — what helps?

Stable routines. Consistent affection. Involving extended family or trusted mentors. Prioritising one’s own emotional regulation. Highlighting what is strong within the family unit instead of what is missing.

Because children do not only learn from what a family has — they also learn from how that family holds itself together.