Shark Tank Judge Namita Thapar Sparks Debate on 70-Hour Work-Week

Namita Thapar, known for her role as a judge on Shark Tank India and as the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, recently shared her thoughts on the importance of work-life balance and parenting challenges while reflecting on the Netflix series Adolescence. This British miniseries delves into the impact of social media on mental health and family dynamics, especially focusing on the struggles faced by teenagers and their parents.

In a post on LinkedIn, Thapar highlighted the significance of emotional availability for children, emphasizing the need for parents to be present not just physically, but emotionally as well. She underscored that parenting is about being there for kids in all aspects of their lives, stating, “Adolescence is a wake-up call for all of us.”

Thapar touched on the idea that kids are sensitive and often idolize their parents. If they feel like they are not meeting their parents’ expectations and that their parents are disappointed in them, it can lead to negative emotions. This, combined with peer pressure and bullying, can manifest in different ways, such as low self-esteem or acting out.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Thapar shared anecdotes about her own childhood and how her parents, despite having good intentions, inadvertently caused her emotional distress. She stressed the importance of letting children make their own decisions, supporting them, and communicating how proud parents are of them consistently.

Thapar also pointed out the dangers of long work hours and missing signs of distress in children, as seen in the show Adolescence. She advocated for work-life balance to ensure parents can be there for their children when they need them, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support.

Ultimately, Thapar’s message is clear: parenting requires time, communication, and emotional availability. She encourages parents to prioritize their children’s well-being and confidence, advocating for a balanced approach that supports children as they navigate their own paths.