Family is like the steady rhythm of a well-tuned instrument, where parental harmony sets the tone, and a healthy environment amplifies the melody. Parenthood is not just about providing for children; it is about shaping their worldview—how they understand love, respect and justice. When parents practice mindfulness, their calm and balanced energy resonates throughout the household, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, valued and understood. This fosters emotional balance and open communication, allowing family members to navigate challenges with grace and mutual respect, like a symphony playing in perfect harmony. However, when one parent mistreats the other, children internalise these interactions as normal, often carrying the scars into their own lives. While a father’s affection may win admiration, his dismissal of the mother’s dignity sends conflicting messages. Similarly, a mother tolerating unfair treatment may unintentionally teach that love and respect are optional in relationships. These silent cracks disrupt the harmony, influencing children’s emotional health and potentially leading to behaviours like aggression, withdrawal or delinquency.

In Bangladesh, societal norms often place an undue emphasis on maintaining appearances, sometimes at the cost of genuine respect and fairness within families. Patriarchal traditions can perpetuate dynamics where women tolerate disrespect to “keep the peace”, inadvertently teaching children that inequality is acceptable. For instance, a father who belittles the mother in front of his children but otherwise provides material support might appear admirable to outsiders. However, his children grow up observing the disconnect between public perception and private reality. Globally, families grapple with similar issues, though cultural variations affect how these dynamics manifest. In both Bangladesh and other parts of the world, the lack of open communication about such issues fosters cycles of misunderstanding and emotional suppression. Children growing up in these environments often struggle to form healthy relationships as adults, as their foundational understanding of respect and equality has been compromised.

Children are highly observant, and their first lessons in respect and equality come from their homes. A father’s constant criticism of their mother, even in subtle forms, can erode a child’s sense of stability. Sons may grow up emulating dominance as a form of masculinity, while daughters may struggle with self-esteem and self-worth. Philosophically, this aligns with Kant’s principle of human dignity, which asserts that every individual must be treated as inherently valuable. Violating this principle in the domestic sphere is not a private matter—it reverberates through generations. Literature reinforces this idea: in 1982’s epistolary novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, Celie’s childhood experiences with abusive male figures shape her struggles with self-worth and relationships. Such stories serve as cautionary tales about the long-term impact of family dynamics on emotional well-being.

From a human rights perspective, families are fundamental units of society, as noted in Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). When mutual respect is absent, the family fails to uphold this principle, creating an environment that undermines a child’s right to emotional security. Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) emphasises protection from all forms of physical or mental violence, including the effects of domestic conflict. Disrespect and neglect between parents do not just harm the individuals involved—they deny children the nurturing environment they are entitled to. This environment is crucial for developing empathy, fairness, and trust—qualities essential for responsible citizenship.

Breaking this cycle starts with modelling healthy behaviour. Parents do not need grand gestures; small, consistent acts of kindness and fairness are enough. A father who publicly acknowledges the efforts of his partner sets a powerful example for his children, showing that respect and gratitude are integral to relationships. A mother who demands fairness in her interactions teaches her children the importance of standing up for what is right. These actions align with John Stuart Mill’s utilitarian approach, as they maximise emotional well-being for all family members, creating a ripple effect that extends into society. Schools and communities in Bangladesh and worldwide must also play a role by fostering discussions around respect and equality in family settings. Awareness campaigns, parenting workshops, and accessible counselling services can help address these issues and create healthier family environments.