Actor Priyanka Chopra’s mother Dr Madhu Chopra recently opened up about her tumultous childhood and how it led her to crave a life of peace and stability in her adulthood. During an interview, she revealed insights on what shaped her mindset.When the interviewer appreciated her positive outlook on life, and an all-encompassing attitude for everything, Dr Chopra shared, “I think my parents were both politically involved in the background of my childhood, so the environment of our house was always like that. People used to come and go like this. So, after seeing all that, I understood that I need calm in my life.”“Main jab bohot choti thi tab se hi maine soch liya tha mere ghar mein shor sharaba nahi hoga (I was very young, that’s when I thought there won’t be any noise or chaos in my house),” she further added.Taking cues from her admission, let’s understand how growing up in tumultous households can impact children and their emotional well-being.According to Muskan Marwah, Clinical Psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, many people who grew up in emotionally chaotic households find themselves, as adults, deeply drawn to peace and calm. This craving isn’t just about enjoying quiet moments — it often stems from an intense need to feel safe and in control, especially if they lacked that security during childhood.Marwah explained that chaos in a household doesn’t always involve physical violence or obvious neglect. Sometimes it’s much subtler: frequent arguments, sudden emotional outbursts, loud environments, unpredictable routines, or emotionally unavailable parents. “A child may never know what to expect on any given day whether they’ll be met with love or anger, stability or confusion. This kind of emotional inconsistency can create a constant sense of tension and unease,” she said.How does this affect children?Marwah said that children raised in such environments often learn to stay alert, constantly watching for signs of danger or mood changes in the people around them. This state of hyper-vigilance becomes their way of coping. They become skilled at reading people, keeping the peace, and adjusting themselves to avoid triggering conflict. But over time, this takes a toll on their mental and emotional health.Story continues below this ad Madhu Chopra on building a safe haven for daughter Priyanka Chopra (Source: Instagram/@drmadhuakhourichopra)“Living in constant stress can affect a child’s ability to regulate emotions, concentrate, or feel secure in relationships. It wires their nervous system to expect instability, which can carry over into adulthood. Even if life becomes more stable later on, their body and mind may still react to small stressors as if danger is just around the corner,” she said.Why do they crave calm later in life?As adults, many people who grew up in chaotic homes feel an intense desire to create a different kind of environment one that is peaceful, predictable, and emotionally safe. Marwah explained that calm, for them is not just about comfort, but a way to heal. “A quiet, well-organized space with clear boundaries and respectful relationships can feel like a sanctuary after years of living with tension,” she shared.Speaking about the ways in which this manifests in adult life, Marwah said that some kids may become very intentional about their routines and surroundings. “They may set strict boundaries or avoid emotionally intense situations. Others might become sensitive to noise, clutter, or even healthy forms of conflict, because these things remind them of the stress they experienced growing up,” she added.Is craving peace always healthy?While the desire for peace is understandable and often necessary, it can sometimes lead to emotional avoidance. People from chaotic backgrounds may fear conflict so much that they avoid difficult conversations or suppress their emotions to “keep the peace.” But avoiding conflict altogether can make it harder to build honest, strong relationships. Healing involves not just creating calm but also learning how to handle discomfort, trust others, and express feelings in a healthy way.Story continues below this adPeople who grow up in emotionally unstable homes often spend their adult lives trying to create the sense of safety they never had. For them, peace is more than a preference it’s a deeply rooted need. Building a calm life becomes an act of healing, a way to protect their well-being, and a path toward finally feeling safe in the world.