WARNING: Don’t Read This If You’ve Already Mastered the Art of South Indian Parenting!
Why Every ‘Ayyo’ and ‘Enna Da?’ from Amma is the Secret Sauce to Your Success!
Picture this: It’s 2020. The world is changing faster than you can say “Insta Reels.” But you know what hasn’t changed one bit? That’s right, Indian parenting—especially the kind dished out by South Indian moms and dads. I’m talking about the kind of parenting that could turn a simple “Amma, I’m hungry” into a three-act drama, complete with unsolicited life lessons and a side of rasam.
But here’s the kicker: Even though it seems old-school, there’s a genius hidden in these classic parenting styles—a genius that might just hold the secret to your next big aha moment.
So grab your filter coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into this whirlwind of hilarious, heartwarming, and occasionally hair-pulling lessons from South Indian households.
The “Five More Minutes” Wake-Up Call
If you’ve grown up in a South Indian home, you know that sleeping in is not an option. It’s 6:00 AM, the sun is barely up, but Amma’s voice is already louder than your morning alarm. “Get up! Sun is rising! How will you succeed in life if you sleep like a buffalo?”
And there you are, groggily wishing for just five more minutes. But Amma’s not having it. She yanks the bedsheet away like she’s pulling off a Band-Aid. “Enna da, you want to sleep your life away? When I was your age, I was already cooking for the whole family by 5:00 AM.”
Boom. There it is. The classic comparison that gets handed down with every idli and dosa. And you think, “God, let me just sleep.” But guess what? That’s where the first aha moment strikes.
Amma isn’t just nagging. She’s instilling discipline. She’s laying the foundation for resilience and grit—even if it feels like sleep torture at the time. And let’s be real, those early wake-up calls are probably why you’re the first one to beat traffic and snag the best deals today.
The Never-Ending Food Olympics
Let’s talk about food, because you simply can’t ignore it in a South Indian household. You’re at the dining table, plate piled high with rice, sambar, poriyal, and more. You’re halfway through, your stomach’s already waving a white flag, but Amma’s voice rings out, “What is this? Only two servings? Eat more! You’re looking like a stick. What will your in-laws think?”
There’s no escape. The food keeps coming, and the guilt trip is hotter than the chutney. “I spent all morning making this! Is this how you show your love?”
And you get it now, don’t you? For Amma, food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s her language of love. It’s the emotional glue holding generations together. She’s feeding you her care, her hopes, and maybe even her dreams of grandkids who will someday sit at the same table and complain about eating too much.
The “What Will People Say?” Phenomenon
But nothing, absolutely nothing, beats the “What will people say?” syndrome. You decided to get a nose ring? “Ayyo! What will the relatives say?” You want to skip the engineering course for a gap year? “Everyone’s son is becoming an engineer. What will they think of us?”
It’s a heavy burden, carrying the expectations of every auntie, uncle, and their goldfish. But here’s where it gets real. The emotional weight of community perception can either crush you or, if you’re smart, it can teach you how to craft your own identity—one that respects tradition but also dares to be different.
It’s not about pleasing everyone; it’s about learning to navigate the maze of expectations while staying true to yourself. And maybe, just maybe, that’s why you’ve got the guts today to stand up in that big meeting and say, “Here’s what I think, and here’s why we should do it my way.”
The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
And oh, don’t forget the academics. Remember the time you scored 98% on your math test, and you were ready to bask in the glory? Then Appa, with his ever-cool demeanor, glances at the paper and says, “Good. But what happened to the other 2 marks?”
It’s frustrating. It’s maddening. But beneath that seemingly ungrateful response is a lesson: Never settle for less than your best. It’s not about chasing an impossible ideal but about pushing the boundaries of what you thought was achievable.
And sure, it stings when Appa doesn’t give you that pat on the back you desperately crave. But think back—weren’t those moments the ones that pushed you to reach just a bit higher? To refine your skills, to not just complete a task but to excel at it?
The Grand Finale: When You Realize You’ve Turned Into Them
Now, here’s the funniest part: Fast forward a few years, and you’re the one yelling at your kid to wake up early, nagging them about their food intake, and panicking about what the neighbors will think. It’s a full-circle moment. You’ve become the very thing you swore you wouldn’t.
And that’s when the final aha moment strikes like a thunderbolt on a Chennai evening: All those quirky, maddening, and relentless parenting tactics? They worked. They molded you, shaped you, and gave you the grit to thrive in a world that’s anything but predictable.
So the next time you’re annoyed with Amma’s unsolicited advice or Appa’s “tough love” approach, remember this: It’s all part of the plan. A beautifully messy, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately loving plan to make sure you don’t just survive—but thrive.
Your Takeaway?
Don’t dismiss those moments. Embrace them. Because buried under every eye-roll-inducing comment and unsolicited lecture is a nugget of wisdom—one that’s worth more than all the gold your grandmother insisted you wear at that last family function.
So here’s to the South Indian way of parenting—unapologetically loud, fiercely loving, and endlessly entertaining. It’s not just parenting; it’s an art form.
And trust me, once you really get it, you’ll see that every “Ayyo” was worth it.
Peace,
Siddharth Rajsekar
P.S. Remember, the next time you’re dodging Amma’s unsolicited career advice or Appa’s critique on your life choices, just smile. Because deep down, you know you’re better for it—and someday, you’ll be dishing out the same advice to your own kids, South Indian style!
"Every 'Ayyo' and 'Enna Da?' is a reminder of love and resilience.
Thank you for capturing the heart of South Indian parenting so beautifully!"
Ok let me tell u today I was waiting🙃🙃 ....when u gona post it...I checked my phn couple of times🫢🫢🫢 ...no mail..then I thought today it's gona be something special...n here it was amazing reading ✉️
I guess all parents r same...across India 😅😅😅 😅😅 I must say u are amazing writer ✍️✍️✍️😍😍😍😍