Parenting Insights by Namita Thapar: Connection Between Adolescence and Work Culture
Namita Thapar, an entrepreneur and judge on Shark Tank India, recently ignited an important discussion regarding parenting, the mental health of adolescents, and the hustle culture through a heartfelt post that links ideas from the Netflix series Adolescence to the debated 70-hour workweek.
On LinkedIn, Thapar shared her perspective under the title: “My take on parenting. Adolescence on Netflix and 70 hour work week — a correlation and evidence-based opinion.”
This discussion surfaces amid the ongoing dialogue surrounding long working hours in India, which was reignited last year by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s statement advocating for young Indians to undertake 70-hour work weeks.
Thapar contended that parenting under stress—especially paired with an intense work environment—can leave deep emotional marks on children. Drawing from her experiences as a mother of two teenage boys, aged 19 and 14, she expressed:
“As a parent of teens, this show stirred something deep in me… Kids are fragile. They idolise their parents. If they feel they are not living up to the parents’ expectations… they have massive pent-up negativity… Parents may have no bad intent and may not even be aware.”
Using the character Jamie from Adolescence as an illustration, she discussed how he felt overlooked and misjudged by his father. Thapar related this to her teenage experiences:
“I had a thick voice, facial hair, very tomboyish… My mom made me take singing and Kathak classes… My father tried to move me to a better school. I felt he was ‘ashamed’. Bottomline — two good parents, great intent but their actions led to years of low self-esteem and emotional eating. I recovered, got stronger. Not everyone does.”
In addition, Thapar referenced the book The Self-Driven Child, which advocates for empowering children to make their own choices while consistently providing pride and emotional backing.
“Detach. Stop trying to fix things you feel they lack… But over-communicate how proud you are of them,” she articulated, emphasising that this message is more vital than any correction.
Thapar also conveyed a strong caution to supporters of hustle culture: “Say NO to 70 hour weeks — or if you want that life, say no to being a parent! I rest my case. Hope the proponents of 70/90 hour a week watch this show.”
Her message concluded with an affirmation that confidence is the most significant gift parents can bestow. Recognising early indicators of low self-esteem and pursuing professional assistance, she asserted, is crucial before emotional challenges escalate.
The series Adolescence, a four-part limited series featuring Stephen Graham, has garnered significant acclaim and has clearly resonated with Thapar—and numerous parents facing similar issues.