Ileana D'Cruz is opening up about her parenting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love and support for her children. The actress, who is currently expecting her second child with husband Michael Dolan, recently shared her thoughts on raising children who feel secure and loved, regardless of their achievements.
D'Cruz took to Instagram to share her perspective after a fan responded to one of her earlier posts with a message about how children should be taught that love is earned through good behavior. The fan's message suggested that children should be taught that "being cruel, wicked, unkind or selfish are not lovable traits and you will not be loved and also should not reward love to those. Love has to be earned just like respect and happiness".
D'Cruz responded to this sentiment with a firm stance against the idea of conditional love. "I will never want my children to feel that they need to 'earn' my love," she wrote. She expressed that the feeling of "not being good enough" was the "worst feeling" she had ever experienced and that she wants to raise "happy, healthy, kind children" who know how loved they are.
D'Cruz's emphasis on unconditional love aligns with a growing understanding of the importance of secure attachment in child development. When children feel unconditionally loved, they are more likely to develop a strong sense of self-worth, emotional resilience, and healthy relationships. This approach to parenting prioritizes creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow without fear of losing their parents' love.
The actress's comments also touch upon the pressures and expectations that many parents face in today's society. D'Cruz acknowledged that her views are her "opinions" and encouraged others to "do you," suggesting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.
D'Cruz, who welcomed her first child, Koa Phoenix Dolan, in August 2023, has been open about her experiences with motherhood, including her struggles with postpartum depression. In a candid interview, she shared the emotional challenges she faced after childbirth and the importance of having a strong support system. She has also spoken about the "mom guilt" she experienced when leaving her child, even for short periods.
Despite the challenges, D'Cruz has expressed immense joy in being a mother and has praised her husband, Michael Dolan, for his unwavering support. She described him as "absolutely lovely" and a "big support," noting that he has been there for her through her "worst times".
D'Cruz's journey as a mother has also influenced her perspective on work and career. She took a break from acting to focus on her newborn and has spoken about the challenges of balancing career and motherhood. However, she has also expressed her desire to return to work when the time is right, emphasizing the importance of giving her son her time and attention.
As D'Cruz prepares to welcome her second child, her commitment to unconditional love and creating a nurturing environment for her children remains unwavering. Her openness about her parenting philosophy and personal experiences serves as an inspiration to other parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising children in today's world.