Shriya Saran: Rethink How You Ask Kids

Actor Shriya Saran is encouraging parents to alter their approach when speaking with children about their day. She suggests moving beyond typical questions like "What did you do?" to inquire, "Did something happen to you?" This shift aims to help children feel safe to disclose uncomfortable experiences.

Saran explained that children may internalize blame if parents immediately question their actions. "Maybe it was my fault," they might think. She also recalled a personal incident from her college years where she felt helpless after witnessing a violent attack on a girl and being unable to intervene effectively.

Further elaborating on her own past experiences, Saran mentioned facing eve-teasing during bus rides at night. While acknowledging the current emphasis on teaching children about safe and unsafe touch, she stressed that children still often hesitate to speak up due to fear or self-blame.

Saran advises parents to observe changes in a child's behavior and body language for subtle indicators of distress. She believes that creating an environment where children feel protected and heard is crucial for their willingness to share difficult experiences, both present and future.