Becoming a parent frequently alters one’s priorities in unexpected ways. For many individuals, this transition brings an intensified sense of responsibility, a stronger protective instinct, and a new perspective on health, time, and the future. Recently, actor Randeep Hooda shared his insights into these transformations after welcoming fatherhood for the first time. In 2023, Randeep tied the knot with Lin Laishram, and they celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Nyomica, in March.
Earlier, Randeep expressed his emotions regarding his daughter’s birth through a heartfelt message that highlighted themes of family and gratitude. Accompanying a photograph of his father cradling the newborn, he wrote, “Today, as I step into fatherhood, my gratitude for you has deepened, Papa. And Lin, I am immensely thankful to you for bringing our little girl into this world. A little girl and a lifetime of love await us.”
In a recent conversation with SCREEN during the promotional activities for his film Inspector Avinash, Randeep elaborated on how fatherhood has begun to impact him emotionally. When asked how becoming a father to a daughter has changed him, he humorously remarked, “While my first instinct was to buy a gun, I’ve definitely found myself feeling more tender. I want to be healthier and live longer for her, and I aspire to make her proud, perhaps even more than my mother was of me.”
Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counselor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, explained to indianexpress.com that parenthood signifies not just the arrival of a child but also the emergence of a new identity. This psychological shift often amplifies feelings of responsibility, emotional awareness, and attachment. New parents tend to become more vigilant about potential threats, which is why many experience increased protectiveness or anxiety regarding safety, health, routines, and what lies ahead.
Khangarot observes that for many, becoming a parent instigates a profound psychological shift from self-centric living to a focus on another person’s future and emotional well-being. This transformation alters perceptions of health, aging, risk, and longevity. The desire to “live longer” after having a child is closely linked to the wish to be present for significant milestones, ensure stability, and safeguard the family. Parenthood makes the future feel more tangible and personal, heightening motivation to care for one’s physical and mental health.
Children also serve as a reflection of their parents’ behaviors. Khangarot points out that parents often become increasingly aware that their habits regarding sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise, or substance use will indirectly influence their child’s environment and actions. In many Indian families, where parenting is deeply connected to duty and care, the arrival of a child often revitalizes a sense of purpose.
Achieving a healthy balance in parenting involves distinguishing between genuine dangers and unfounded fears. Rather than attempting to shield children from every discomfort, emotionally secure parenting emphasizes teaching coping mechanisms, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Khangarot concludes, “Children flourish best when they feel both safe and trusted. Parents who manage their own anxiety are less likely to become excessively fearful or controlling. It is also crucial for parents to recognize that growth involves making mistakes, facing frustrations, and gradually gaining independence. Protecting a child should not mean preventing them from experiencing life; rather, it should involve supporting them as they learn to navigate it.”
