Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, in an old interview circulated by Lehren, talked about parenting his three sons: Salman, Arbaaz and Sohail. He said, “They are all 3 individuals, not influenced by each other. They come to me for advice whenever they need it. I also don’t breathe on their neck all the time, ki ye kya kar rahe ho, woh kya kar rahe ho.” He further shared, “One thing people should learn, especially fathers, is that they are as much a part of nature as these trees. Can you plan the growth of this tree? Exactly. You have to protect them in their childhood. You can’t plant the growth of anybody; you can just guide them. I also want that I don’t intend to plan their growth… woh kya karega, ya uska career kaisa chalena…life planning se chalti nahi hai…” “His analogy of children growing like trees—needing protection, nourishment, and space rather than rigid planning—sheds light on modern parenting,” says Arpita Kohli, Psychologist & Counsellor, PSRI Hospital. Why non-interference works when paired with emotional presence …