7 best parenting advice shared by Sudha Murty

Sudha Murty has long been known for her wisdom, grace, and grounded thinking. As an author, educator, and philanthropist, her thoughts on parenting are not textbook lessons, but gentle nudges drawn from life’s own chapters. She raised her children in a home that was built not with material luxury, but with warmth, honesty, and clarity.


Her parenting values do not revolve around reward charts or rigid success paths—they revolve around simplicity, dignity, and understanding. Every piece of advice she offers stems from her personal journey and the values she has upheld as a mother and a human being.


Here are 7 parenting lessons that Sudha Murty has shared through her interviews, speeches, and writings—lessons that hold timeless value.


Let children choose their own dreams—don’t gift them borrowed ones
Sudha Murty has openly shared that she never imposed her dreams on her children. She believes that each child arrives with a unique potential, and it’s not fair to burden them with someone else’s unfulfilled ambitions. Nurturing space to explore, fail, and rise again creates self-aware individuals, not puppets shaped by pressure.



Comparisons weaken spirit—stop measuring childhood with someone else's scale
In several public talks, she has expressed concern about the growing habit of parents comparing their children—marks, talents, even personality traits. She believes this creates insecurity and unnecessary rivalry. The better way is to support a child's progress quietly, without the shadow of comparison.


Kindness must be taught—not in words, but in action


In her books and talks, she speaks of how she always encouraged her children to treat everyone with equal dignity—whether it was the household help, a driver, or a street vendor. It wasn’t about hierarchy—it was about humanity.



Books shape thought—gadgets only fill time


Being a prolific writer and a lifelong reader, she always advocated for the presence of books in a child’s environment. Her home was filled with stories, folktales, and meaningful conversations. Unlike gadgets, books spark questions and keep the mind alive.


Delay gratification—don’t give in to every demand


She recalls stories of gifting her children simple items, teaching them the value of patience. The lesson wasn't to deny joy—but to teach that happiness doesn't always come wrapped in shiny packages.


Time is the real gift—spend it mindfully


She often carved out time from her busy life to share meals, read with her children, or simply talk about the day. She says this time is where parenting truly happens—not in lectures, but in presence.



Money is a tool, not a target—teach children to think beyond wealth


Despite having access to immense wealth, Sudha Murty led an extremely modest life. Her children grew up learning that status isn’t built on material riches, but on character and service to others.