"Indian parenting is pressure cooker parenting. One of the worst models globally. Not because parents are evil. But because the system is broken and no one questions it," wrote co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating Jasveer Singh on X.

He further wrote: "Most Indian parents didn't raise children. They raised outcomes. Children are treated like owned assets."

Netizens reacting to his X post acknowledged the truth behind the statements he made. One of the users wrote: "This hit hard. Every line feels personal! You just described half of middle class India in one post."

While another wrote: "Oh my god! I love this post!! I'm sharing it -- it's brilliant. And so true. Hard feel!! I don't know who you are. But bless you".

What Is Pressure Cooker Parenting And Why Is It Being Discussed?

Singh's statement was not centered on parental intent, but on a system that leaves limited space for emotional expression for children and parents alike.

Pressure Cooker parenting comes from the utensil popularly used in Indian households called pressure cooker. It is a sealed pot that cooks food faster by using high pressure steam. It is compared to parenting because children are often under high pressure form their parents and society where they are expected to do certain thing and to become what their parents want.

While 2026 is switching away from gentle parenting, this way of parenting could do more harm to the child.

Pressuring the child could impact their confidence. Furthermore, when Singh wrote: "Children are raised like owned assets". It refers to the norm of how parents raise their kids to become something so they could be used as a social currency.

More often than not, a child's status, in terms of the work he or she does, and the salary he or she earns, the status of a family is decided. While it is an unsaid rule, it does pressurizes children into it.

What Is Wrong With Indian Parenting?

In a 2022 Facebook post shared by entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo, he noted things that are wrong with Indian way of parenting, which included:

• Comparison between children with others' children.
• Killing curiosity by not responding to their questions or saying that they are dumb and silly.
• Focusing more on society, especially on who to marry, how to dress, where to work.
• Looking at the world through their own experiences.
• Emotional blackmail.
• Dismissing mental health.
• Lack of trust in their own kids.
• Not teaching them about financial independence.

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 304 around 7:15 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Following Diwali celebrations on November 8, PM2.5 concentrations in several parts of the capital exceeded 66 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended 24-hour guideline, according to The Hindu.

Beyond immediate respiratory problems, repeated exposure to high PM2.5 levels could impair children's lung development and reduce their maximum lung capacity in adulthood, experts warn.

How Does PM2.5 Affect Children's Developing Lungs?

Also read: Delhi Pollution: Is Your Child's Cough Or Wheezing A Warning Sign? When Should Parents Worry?

Delhi's pollution is expected to persist, with cracker emissions, stubble burning and geographical factors contributing to recurring PM2.5 spikes. This raises concerns about the long-term effects of repeated exposure on children's developing lungs.

"Childhood is a critical period when airways expand, lung tissue develops and the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange mature," Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, told HealthandMe.

Dr Manav Manchanda, Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Asian Hospital, said fine particles can penetrate deep into children's lungs, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress and irritation of the respiratory lining.

Repeated inflammation may affect lung growth, resulting in lower lung function than a child might otherwise have achieved.

"This does not mean every exposed child will develop permanent damage, but repeated exposure over several winters can potentially reduce their respiratory reserve," Dr Neetu said.

Which Children Are Most Vulnerable?

Also read: Delhi's 'Severe' AQI: Is Your Sore Throat More Than Pollution Irritation? When To See A Doctor

Lung development begins before birth and continues through infancy, childhood and adolescence.

Dr Neetu explained that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can affect respiratory development. Infancy and early childhood are particularly important as the lungs undergo rapid structural growth, including the development of alveoli.

Lung development continues through adolescence, with lung function generally reaching its peak in early adulthood. Puberty is another important developmental window.

Dr Manav told HealthandMe that infants and preschoolers are especially vulnerable because their respiratory and immune defence systems are still developing. They also breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults, increasing their exposure to pollutants.

School-going children and adolescents are also at risk as their lungs continue to grow and outdoor activities add to their exposure.

Can Pollution Affect Children's Lungs Without Symptoms?

Read More: Air Pollution In Delhi: Experts Warn Of Red Eyes, Itching, Watering In Children

Pollution-related changes in lung function may not produce immediate symptoms. Red flags parents should watch for include:

• Reduced exercise tolerance.
• Getting tired more quickly while playing.
• Occasional or recurring coughing.
• Taking longer to recover after physical activity.
• Breathlessness or wheezing.

Can the Effects On Lung Development Be Reversed?

According to the experts, the recovery depends on the duration and intensity of exposure, the child's age and the nature of the lung-function changes.

Airway irritation and inflammation may improve when exposure is reduced. Children also retain some capacity for lung growth and adaptation.

However, recovery may not always be complete. Changes to lung development during critical growth periods may persist into adulthood.

People who enter adulthood with lower-than-expected peak lung function may have less respiratory reserve as lung function naturally declines with age.

How Can Parents And Schools Protect Children's Lungs?

Reducing children's exposure to polluted air is particularly important during severe pollution episodes. Children with asthma or other respiratory conditions should follow their prescribed treatment plans. Other measures include:

• Limit outdoor activities: Shift running, cycling and strenuous exercise indoors when pollution levels are severe.
• Modify school activities: Suspend outdoor assemblies, sports and physical education when air quality deteriorates.
• Improve indoor air quality: Properly sized HEPA air purifiers can help reduce indoor particulate matter when maintained correctly.
• Avoid indoor pollutants: Smoking, incense, mosquito coils and aerosol sprays can add to indoor pollution.
• Use protective masks: Appropriately fitted N95 masks can reduce inhalation of fine particles in children who can wear them safely.
• Watch for symptoms: Persistent coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness or unusual fatigue should prompt medical evaluation.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and immune protection that support healthy growth and development. Breast milk ensures the required nutrition and immune protection for the child.

Certain maternal and birth-related factors, such as prolonged or complicated labour, caesarean delivery, postpartum complications, maternal illness, and delayed initiation of breastfeeding, may contribute to delayed onset of lactogenesis II (the onset of copious milk production).

Late onset of milk production may lead to the discontinuation of breastfeeding in the early stages and result in increased weight loss in the baby and the need for formula feeding.

Galactagogues, also called lactagogues, are substances that are believed to support milk production through various mechanisms. Some may influence hormones involved in lactation, including prolactin, although their exact mechanisms and effectiveness vary. They affect milk production in a physiological way. The most effective lactagogue is suckling. There are galactagogues, which increase milk production and can be taken through diet.

What Are Galactagogues

The word “galactagogue” is derived from the Greek words galacta, meaning milk, and agogos, meaning leading or promoting. They may be medicines or natural products such as food and herbs. Galactagogues work by influencing the hormones responsible for promoting milk production, which include prolactin (PRL).

Natural galactagogues have been used for a very long time to facilitate the production of breast milk. They are proven to be both safe and effective even though there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding their efficacy.

How Do Galactogogues works?

The exact mechanism of action of many natural galactagogues is not fully understood. Lactation is regulated by several factors and hormones. Prolactin plays an important role in milk synthesis, while oxytocin is responsible for the milk-ejection or let-down reflex. Some substances may influence hormonal pathways, including prolactin secretion; however, the mechanisms and clinical effectiveness of many herbal galactagogues remain uncertain.

Foods That Support Milk Production

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is one of the most commonly used herbal galactagogues. Some studies suggest that it may support milk production; however, evidence remains limited and inconsistent. It may also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, sweating, or a maple syrup-like odour of sweat and urine in some individuals.

Garlic

Garlic has been used as a natural lactation booster since ancient times. Garlic is one of the most effective functional foods that help enhance breast milk production. The aroma of garlic gets passed into breast milk and can help prolong the sucking time of babies and even affect their food choices later in life.

Fennel seeds

The consumption of fennel seeds works as a galactagogue by inducing the secretion of prolactin through the mechanism of a dopamine antagonist. These include anethole, a natural plant substance having estrogenic effects that assist in signaling the production of milk.

Barley

Barley contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre. Some preliminary research suggests that beta-glucan may influence prolactin levels; however, more research is needed to determine whether barley consumption directly increases breast milk production. Barley contains gluten and should be avoided by individuals with coeliac disease or gluten-related disorders as advised by their healthcare professional.

Shatavari

It is rich in folic acid, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as phytoestrogens, which play a role in hormone regulation in relation to milk production, just like estrogen. Some of the factors regulating prolactin secretion are estrogens, which promote the growth of prolactin-secreting cells, enhance prolactin secretion, and reduce dopamine concentration. Tryptophan is another constituent that is known to be an essential amino acid that may increase prolactin secretion.

Drumstick leaves (Moringa)

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves are traditionally used to support lactation and are also nutritionally rich. Some small studies suggest a possible benefit in supporting milk production, but further high-quality research is required to establish its effectiveness and optimal use.

Cumin seeds (Jeera)

Cumin seeds are commonly used as a culinary spice and have traditionally been included in postpartum diets. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting cumin as an effective galactagogue is currently limited. The plant has been found to contain estrogenic properties because of the increased development of mammary glands and hence milk production.

Ginger

Ginger is widely used as a culinary spice and has been traditionally included in postpartum diets. Limited research has explored its potential role in supporting lactation; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm its effectiveness as a galactagogue.

Conclusion

Galactogogues have become a subject of increasing interest as an emerging field of study, as herbs and spices have been extensively used traditionally to increase milk production. While some plants have traditionally been used as galactogogues over many years, there is still little scientific information on their efficacy and safety, which varies depending on the specific herb.

Some research indicates possible effects, but additional high-quality research is required to prove their efficacy, safety, and mode of action. Therefore, galactagogues should be viewed as an auxiliary measure rather than a replacement for consistent and efficient breastfeeding and proper diet.

Childhood allergies rarely present as isolated issues. While one child may experience itchy skin and rashes, another may complain of a perennial runny nose and some wheeze a lot with infections, and yet others present with food-related symptoms. Although these are distinctly different manifestations, they could have a single root cause.

What Causes Allergies In Children?

Childhood allergies are basically an inappropriate immune response towards a substance that usually presents no harm, be it a food item or an allergen in the environment. However, it is not always easy to pick out what is causing the allergic response. The child's medical history as well as the nature and accompanying circumstances of the reaction, play a pertinent role in picking out what is precipitating the problem.

Two children may present with similar complaints but have different underlying allergic conditions. Understanding the pattern of the disease helps decide what investigations are needed and how best the condition can be managed.

Also read: In-Toeing In Children: When It Needs Assessment

How Allergies Can Affect Multiple Body Systems

Allergic diseases can affect multiple body systems. The most common are the skin, upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. Skin allergy manifests as atopic dermatitis or urticaria, upper respiratory tract can cause allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis and lower respiratory tract can manifest as asthma.

There are also food allergies which could present with gastrointestinal symptoms or even more serious reactions. A child may also face multisystem involvement and this can sometimes be life-threatening like in a case of anaphylaxis.

Understanding The Role Of Type 2 Inflammation

Allergic disorders may present with multisystem involvement due to the fact that type 2 inflammation is a key driver in the pathology. Cytokines such as IL-31, IL-13 and IL-5 are integral to the formation of IgE antibodies and the activation of eosinophils. Genetic predisposition, skin barrier dysfunction, environmental exposure and the gut microbiota also contribute towards the development of allergies.

There is usually an evolution of allergic diseases as a child grows older. This is commonly referred to as the atopic march. It is common for a child to present with atopic dermatitis and then develop food allergies, allergic rhinitis or asthma later on in life. However, this is not always the case, and an allergic disorder cannot be extrapolated to the presence of any other based on this association alone.

Awareness to these associations can help parents and doctors to watch out for developing conditions and ensure early and appropriate intervention. For example, in a child presenting with persistent eczema, investigation for associated allergic disorders is vital if the history supports it. Early diagnosis and management can also help the parents identify red flags and seek help sooner.

Also read: Toddler’s Swollen Knee Turned Out To Be Juvenile Arthritis Diagnosis: Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

How Are Childhood Allergies Diagnosed?

A thorough clinical history is an extremely valuable tool when it comes to diagnosing allergies. It is important for the doctor to know what the likely allergen was, how soon after exposure the symptoms cropped up, whether similar symptoms have occurred before, and what body systems are involved.

The timing of the reaction and whether it is a one-off or recurrent episode is important. A reaction occurring minutes after ingesting a certain food is very different from a food that causes symptoms after days of consumption.

Treatment And Management Of Allergies In Children

Skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests are commonly used to screen for sensitisation to common allergens, but these are just pointers. A positive test does not necessarily signify a clinically relevant allergy. The symptoms and exposure history must always be taken into consideration.

Testing for specific IgE to a panel of foods without a clear indication is not only misleading but can also be harmful. Parents may unnecessarily eliminate food groups from the child's diet based on a positive test, thereby affecting nutrition. Similarly, total IgE levels are not helpful in diagnosing a specific allergy.

The treatment varies from managing acute symptoms (with antihistamines or steroids) to controlling chronic conditions (with regular inhaled steroids for asthma). Avoiding the allergen where possible, and treating flare-ups appropriately are the cornerstones of management. Immunotherapy with allergen extracts may be indicated in selected patients with respiratory allergies. Biologics may be considered in certain conditions under specialist supervision.

Why Childhood Allergies Need A Holistic Approach

Children at risk of anaphylaxis should have a personalised action plan and an epinephrine auto-injector available at all times.

Childhood allergies should not be managed in isolation. The focus should be on the child as a whole rather than a single presenting complaint. Awareness and management of any associated conditions can help prevent potentially serious complications.

By Dr Gargi Mathur, Senior Paediatrician, Shalby International Hospitals, Gurugram