Top News

Becoming a parent changes how a person truly sees the world. For Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, this change has been surprising, especially when it comes to safety and worry. The 'Jigra' actress started to see ordinary circumstances differently after giving birth to her daughter Raha in November 2022, both for her own sake and for the sake of her child's welfare. Here's everything parents need to know about this new kind of fear and how it actually helps the child.

A new kind of fear: Worry that never stops

Alia has openly said that motherhood opened her life to a constant undercurrent of worry, as per her interview with CNBC. She shared how she feels “fear and nerves” about wanting to do everything right for her child, even joking that her “me time” vanished. This kind of anxiety is common; parents watch over their children so keenly that stress becomes part of daily life.

A review published in finds that higher stress can mildly reduce maternal sensitivity, but it also shows why understanding and managing stress is crucial for healthy parent-child bonds.

Road safety became personal

One of the most striking changes Alia described is how her view of road safety completely changed after becoming a mother. She explained that she no longer sits in the front seat and now insists on back-seat seatbelt use, something many people overlook. Her concern isn’t just personal fear; it stems from a deeper empathy for everyone on the road.

Parents definitely have a major role in shaping a child’s knowledge about road safety, and they feel responsible for their travel decisions. This parental influence can improve children’s safety awareness but also raise anxiety levels, especially in heavy traffic or unsafe road conditions.

Empathy expanded beyond her child

Alia’s reflections go beyond her own experiences. She has spoken about feeling empathy for others who struggle with unsafe commuting options, like families crowded on a scooter. Her perspective mirrors a somewhat common fact that becoming a parent can widen emotional sensitivity, making people more receptive to others’ risks and vulnerabilities.

This growth in empathy can be a parenting strength, but experts warn that it’s important to transform concern into supportive actions rather than control. Otherwise, overprotection may increase stress without improving outcomes.

Trusting instincts over perfection

Alia rejects the notion of "ideal parenting." Rather, she says to trust ones own gut and learn as you go. This is a message that many parents who strike a balance between flexibility and intention will find relatable. According to her, a child's genuine needs, comfort, and care are more important than rigid regulations.

Children flourish when caretakers offer security, consistency, and explanation instead of pressure or perfection. Perseverance and independence are encouraged by compassionate, straightforward direction.

Balancing life, work, and parenting

Alia had to change her career choices in order to be a parent. She now works at a slower pace and selects tasks that let her spend more time with her daughter. Many working parents who reevaluate their priorities after giving birth are familiar with this type of change.

For long-term wellbeing, this balance is important. Children feel safe and parents feel more in control when parents organize duties to meet the requirements of the family.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews and research studies. Efforts were made to verify accuracy. Views attributed to individuals reflect their public statements and cited sources.