Shweta Bachchan wants both her children to be financially independent (Source: Instagram/S)Shweta Bachchan Nanda, the eldest child of actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, once openly admitted that she is “not financially independent” and “not particularly an ambitious person”. Despite having worked as a model, columnist, author, and businesswoman, Shweta said in an interview with ETimes that she is content with her current situation. However, when it comes to her children, she hopes they choose differently. “Unfortunately, I am not financially independent, and I’m not particularly an ambitious person, and I make no bones about it. But that is not what I would want for my child,” she said.Shweta, who tied the knot with businessman Nikhil Nanda in February 1997 and has two children, entrepreneur Navya Naveli Nanda and actor Agastya Nanda, emphasised the importance of financial independence, especially for her daughter. “My requirement for both of them is do not even think of starting a family or getting married if you don’t have enough money in the bank to pay rent or have your own place,” she stated. “I would like my daughter, especially, to have financial security, and I think it will give her tremendous confidence if it’s something she’s done on her own rather than using her father’s money,” she stated. What impact does a parent’s financial dependency or lack of ambition have on a child’s understanding of money and ambition?Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “Children pick up more from what they observe at home than what they are told. It’s not just about whether the parent works or earns, but whether children see purpose, motivation, or growth being valued in the home.”When a parent expresses or models financial dependency, children can internalise the belief that effort is optional, or that someone else will always take care of things. “I often see two outcomes in therapy. Some young adults carry a quiet sense of helplessness when it comes to making career decisions or planning their finances. Others swing the other way and chase ambition relentlessly, trying to fill a void or prove their worth,” notes Raj. View this post on Instagram A post shared by S (@shwetabachchan) In homes where money is inherited or abundant, there is often little space for conversations about struggle, effort, or meaning. That silence can create confusion. Children may know they are safe financially but still feel unsure about how to earn, manage, or value money. Gender also plays a role. When children see that ambition is not expected from their mother, it can send subtle messages about who should strive and who should stay in the background, according to the expert. How important is financial independence before marriage in today’s social and economic context?Raj informs that financial independence before marriage is not just practical today — it is emotional protection. “It ensures that each person walks into a relationship with a sense of agency, not dependence.”Story continues below this adHe mentions, “In therapy, I have sat with people — especially women — who feel trapped in unhealthy marriages because they simply cannot afford to leave. They are not lacking in courage, but in means. When someone is financially dependent, they often begin to second-guess their needs. They may stay silent, over-accommodate, or lose a sense of who they are. It is not always dramatic, but it chips away at dignity over time.”Money gives options. It lets a person walk away if the relationship turns toxic. It creates breathing room to make hard choices without being forced into them. Being able to pay rent or afford a place of your own is not just about comfort — it is about having space to think, rest, and rebuild, if needed. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd