The Economic Times

Indian proverb of the day by Chanakya on 3 steps of parenting: 'Pamper a child for first five years; discipline tightly for next ten years; but once they reach sixteen...' Ancient wisdom about child development for all parents

Ancient Indian thinker and strategist Chanakya offered a parenting principle that continues to be discussed centuries later: Pamper a child for the first five years; discipline them tightly for the next ten years; but once they reach their sixteenth year, treat your child as your equal friend. The proverb outlines three stages of parenting, early affection, guided discipline, and mutual respectand reflects Chanakya's practical approach to human development.