‘Your one job in life is…': Nick Jonas on protecting his and Priyanka Chopra's daughter while also letting her follow her dreams; expert on encouraging children's passions

Indian Express

2 days ago

Raising a child while navigating demanding careers can often feel like walking a tightrope, and for parents like Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, the challenge comes with added visibility.
During his recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Nick spoke candidly about a subject many parents quietly grapple with — whether or not they would support their child stepping into the same high-pressure industry they once did. 'We have talked about it a lot. It's going to be her choice. We have a three-year-old, and she loves to sing. I think a career in entertainment is a wonderful career. It's also scary as a parent to think about all the things that I went through, my wife has gone through in her career,' he shared.
Nick, who started performing at the age of seven, admitted that while he's grateful his parents allowed him to take creative risks, he also now understands their hesitation. 'Your one job in life is to protect your kids, but it's also to let them fly and live their life,' he said. The couple's daughter, Malti Marie, is already showing signs of enjoying music and performing, and while her parents continue to support her curiosity, they're also acutely aware of the emotional weight that can come with public life at a young age. Nick added, 'We once took her to practice, and she was not at all having it… Anyway, she's singing a ton.'
Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, 'Every parent knows that feeling—wanting to keep your child safe while also wanting them to chase what lights them up.'
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If a child shows early interest in performing arts, it can be magical, she says. The joy, the confidence, the creativity — it's beautiful to see. But fame, especially at a young age, comes with its pressures. Gurnani suggests, 'Encourage their passion, but keep it fun. Let it be about joy, not performance. Children should feel free to explore, without the weight of expectations or public pressure.' Parents need to keep things light and playful in the early stages and protect their child's innocence as long as possible.
Gurnani explains, 'Being supportive doesn't mean pushing them ahead or holding them back. It means staying close, staying present. Let them take the lead, but be their safety net.' That could mean cheering them on in a school play and talking openly about how they're feeling. The goal isn't to make every decision for them — it's to walk beside them as they figure things out.
Nick and Priyanka grew up in the spotlight, so they understand the flip side of fame. For a child, constant public attention can blur the line between self-worth and success. 'When a child gets used to being seen only for what they do, not who they are, it can mess with their sense of identity,' Gurnani says. The best way to protect them? Keep them grounded. Give them time to just be a kid. Create space away from the cameras — time with friends, family, play, and even therapy when needed.
Every parent wants to raise a happy, secure child. It's not about pushing them toward or away from fame — it's about making sure they feel loved, safe, and free to be themselves.