When we consider parenting in the modern world, it seems to be a balancing act. From juggling between academics and activities to freedom and discipline or money management, yet above the din stand a few voices, offering straightforward, ageless advice. One such strong voice is Sudha Murty, the writer, philanthropist, and educator who touched millions with her tales.
Murty’s parenting philosophy is delightfully simple. Parenting, to her, is not about churning out toppers and achievers but bringing up values that form responsible, empathetic, and down-to-earth human beings. From her life, books, and cultural lore, she presents practical tips that work across generations. Here are six of her most powerful parenting tips that work like magic.
1. Teach the Value of Money Early
Children today are raised in an era of instant gratification—swipe, tap, order. But Sudha Murty says one of the best things parents can give their children is an education about the value of money. She encourages parents not to indulge every desire but to impart to kids the dignity of saving, budgeting, and earning what they desire.
She frequently remembers situations when wealth did not necessarily bring about respect or love. It shows how having money without values is pointless. Assigning children small monetary duties, such as handling pocket money or saving for a toy, teaches them to appreciate and be disciplined. It’s not about depriving but about conditioning them for adulthood, where smart money habits are a key to independence.
2. Make Humility Non-Negotiable
No matter how far a child flies, humility is what keeps them grounded. Sudha Murty has learned this lesson in her own life. Even though she is married to one of India’s leading entrepreneurs, Narayana Murthy, she is celebrated for her simplicity—wearing only cotton saris and opting for substance over style, rather than high-end brands.
She points out that children need to be taught to win without being arrogant and fail without shame. Humility, she tells us, is not weakness, but rather strength encased in grace. A humble child gains respect with ease and forms stronger, more authentic relationships throughout life. And the way to teach this virtue to children is for the parents to practice it themselves.
3. Encourage Reading and Storytelling
For Sudha Murty, stories are not a source of entertainment but a vehicle of values, imagination, and empathy. By teaching her grandmother to read at the age of 62, her belief that learning has no age was reaffirmed. In fact, encouraging storytelling improves emotional intelligence and strengthens relationships.
4. Give Them Roots Before Wings
Parents would love to bestow on their children freedom, opportunities, and wings to fly. But Sudha Murty believes in providing roots before the wings. Roots ground them in identity, culture, and family values.
She wants parents to commemorate festivals and educate children in their native language. This is because the children who understand their cultural origins bear a sense of identity and assurance, even as they venture into different worlds. It’s a message that power does not lie in letting go of heritage but in being deeply rooted in it.
5. Discipline with Love, Not Fear
Discipline is a term that usually creates controversy among parents. Should it be firm? Or should it be loose? Sudha Murty gives a middle ground—discipline with love. She remembers how her father corrected her wrongs sternly but always gave her the “why” for the rules.
This strategy, she says, teaches kids to feel respected and understood. Instead of threatening with fear to obey, threaten with empathy to correct oneself. For instance, when a kid wastes food, don’t just reprimand them—describe how millions starve. Discipline with compassion teaches not only obedience but also empathy and accountability.
6. Lead by Example
And perhaps Sudha Murty’s strongest parenting lesson is the simplest: children learn through observation, not hearing. Parents who teach honesty but model dishonesty send mixed messages. Parents who model kindness, integrity, and service make lasting impressions, though.
Murty herself has donated all her gold jewelry at one time to support social causes via the Infosys Foundation. For her, values weren’t merely words—they were a choice lived every day. These kinds of actions instill children with the idea that service is more important than wealth and that kindness is the true test of success. For her, role modeling is not a suggestion—it is part of parenting.
Why These Lessons Matter Today?
In a generation where parenting seems to be a marathon—additional classes, competitive tests, never-ending timetables—Sudha Murty’s insight is a soft reminder to slow down and attend to what really matters. Her teachings bring out that child-rearing is less about striving for perfection and more about building character.
A child who understands money won’t become reckless with privilege. A child who grows up with humility won’t falter when fortune or fame arrives. A child who loves stories will bring empathy and imagination into the world as an adult. And most importantly, a child who sees kindness at home will take kindness to the world
Parenting, as Sudha Murty teaches us, is not about raising society’s success stories but about being parents to human beings who are humane, strong, and earthy. These principles look straightforward, yet in action, they define futures. And maybe that is the biggest gift she gives us: that parenting is not about perfection but about values lived daily.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/moments/sudha-murtys-6-parenting-lessons-that-work-like-magic/articleshow/123822742.cms
