The Zarna Garg Family Podcast | Ep. 26: Can Your Parents Be Your Friends?

Can parents and kids ever be true friends? On this episode, we tackle the cultural contrasts between American and Indian parenting, the delicate balance between support and overbearing control, and the trials of sharing personal details within a family.
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[@CSims-wb2bc]

Zoya , just for the record , you are not and never will be boring! Yoga and farmers markets are a healthy lifestyle choice, not boring. ❤

[@mspatchgrove]

I completely agree! In fact it is unique and different!

[@ravalibhagvath5231]

Zoya is our fitness queen! ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

[@glowstar97]

Brij rocked this episode 🎉 he doesn't people please his parents , he is trying to be an independent adult, and veer is rightly so following in his footsteps. Great going boys !

[@ruthnoronha8206]

I just love these young people. I am always super impressed at their honesty, rational mind and sensitive and kind personality. I can go on. Awesome people.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Ahh!!

[@hilairejoseph3345]

Brij always rock.. he is amazingly intelligent

[@lochan5403]

I love listening to you guys. Just love how articulate Zoya is. The fact that the kids are so involved in this whole thing is very heart-warming.

[@ZarnaGarg]

This means the world!

[@bleaksummersea]

Zoya is such an amazing young woman and has such a great balance of traditional & modern mindset. This girl will go places in life.💯❤️

[@ZarnaGarg]

Amazing!!!

[@pavneetkaur4371]

Zoya gets the A grade from myside just by sitting on that motorcycle and enjoying life in a fun way

[@Yankee717]

Ok, I wouldn't feel safe in a NYC park after midnight myself! Tracking mechanisms, if not abused, are helpful in the long run. That being said, Brij cracks me up. I also love the dynamics of the immigrant parents & their American born children. The kids have feet in both worlds. It is fascinating to see!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Oh yes!!

[@marcomorosino6081]

I love you Zarna, putting hot spices on the family talks issues, I wish I had a mother like you. KUDO from Italy. The way you improve the growing of your beloved kid is more than amazing, 'coz you are a very strong rare intelligent caring woman and mother

[@heartspa1823]

A grade to Zarna. Wisdom & strength of the matriarch is needed even if perceived as outdated.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@hangitover3]

But seriously I do think children that age should be given more freedom. I can speak from my experience that this "freedom" is more of a sense of responsibility and makes you think before you make a decision and sometimes you make wrong ones which also are necessary to learn. At the end the individual you create is a much more capable one able to handle multiple situations and think on their own. Also as parents you have already laid the ground work by teaching them the values in early childhood because of which they can question whether something is good or bad and work on a decision. Holding them back just induces more rebellion and maybe worse outcomes. But otherwise, great show. Did not imagine such a setting would be so much fun.

[@carolinegeethaapb.arokiada1520]

Brij, your mother wants to be a significant part of your life. She extremely loves you. She wants some comfort for the sacrifice she made taking care of you guys. I can feel so much for Zarna. She actually want to feel appreciated. ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Of course! Thank you so much for tuning in!

[@iradutta3783]

I don’t think people get the humour behind Zarna’s directness and sarcasm. I am sure she is much more liberal and with it in real life. Her concern for her kids is natural and she seems a good friend to them maybe not the best friend , which is healthy . A grade to Zoya for trying something new and liberating .

[@bella5569]

I think so too. Her children are just laughing most of the time, they know her.

[@lailasiddiqui263]

zarna is acting for the podcast -

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@alkadeshpande1379]

I agree completely... I think Zarna is a lot more woke and liberal than she appears on the podcast. Having said that, it would make for very boring viewing if everyone on the show was super sorted, cool, well adjusted and totally supportive of each other😂 Zarna's podcasts are no holds barred and frank starting points for a whole lot of conversations that families need to have. Kudos, Zarna and family, you guys are doing a great job❤❤❤

[@iradutta3783]

@@alkadeshpande1379 thank you! its more authentic and real this way

[@praiseinourhearts]

Henpecked 😂😂😂😂😂 that’s one I haven’t heard in decades 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 love this show Thank you Gargs ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess!

[@sohailshaik9]

I can listen to these beautiful people all day everyday

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw honored

[@sow9619]

Oh my god .. This is hilarious. Brij rebellion mode is shock of life for Zarna 😂.. Wait till he gets married 😂

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha!

[@khinsandawin2219]

Brij ... no pressure at all. Oh Zarna, you are so Zarna. I love you and yr family so much.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Lots of pressure actually

[@tarujain1004]

@Zarna D I love you and this family. Something I want to comment here on parents being friends should be kids sharing their day/ life events because they enjoy sharing not because we are here to protect them. Coz when parents play a protector role then friendship goes out of the window

[@ZarnaGarg]

Hah yess!!

[@chukwuemekanmeregini3393]

This is a brilliant concept. I see this going very far.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Ahh!

[@Quiviring_quill]

Zarna telling she had her own friends and secrets she wouldn’t want to share with family was the climax of this podcast 😂. I went ROFL 🤣 . The cutest family ever ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Honored!!

[@thejillykilly]

Zoya, this is for you - I once was a girl just like you. Now that I’m on the other side, I urge you to know what YOU really want and who YOU really are, or you might grow resentment later in life, which is the worst feeling ever!

[@ZarnaGarg]

So glad!

[@Ninja-ix6lr]

One of the most entertaining and insightful podcasts on KZbin! Love it!!!👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@ZarnaGarg]

Woo! Honored

[@23nbaumber]

I really admire how all the kids are let to talk eventhough the disagreement is made known immediately. That's so unlike so many families and makes children feel heard

[@ZarnaGarg]

Makes me so happy!!

[@sugarpebbles]

3 generations of kids how powerful. love love love. finally my age and honest talks with entertainment

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yesss!!

[@djohn515]

I truly enjoyed this podcast the best ever love your family

[@ZarnaGarg]

I am so glad!

[@sugarpebbles]

have to make private and public school podcast pleaseee🙏 Indian immigrant me needs it tooo😭

[@smithaday9225]

Public schools are good, but you have to assess if the Principal down is supportive and not just about numbers. Private school is a hit or miss just evaluate and ask yourself why you want the other.

[@ZarnaGarg]

yes!!

[@susalazar63]

You guys are the best!!!! A grade to Shalabh Dad for saying that Zoya needs to get married and either take care or be friends with her in laws either way just hilarious 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ZarnaGarg]

Woo! haha

[@sanjana3218]

American Indians are actually so much different. My husband never says that he's best friends with him mom but he always spoke to her multiple times every single day when we lived away from my in-laws and any less than that would be catastrophic

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess! Spot on

[@sabrinasharna7926]

This is a daily struggle at my house.

[@ZarnaGarg]

In many homes!!

[@truptidave9862]

"Ja Zoya ja, ji le apni zindagi!!" LOL. Loved Shalabh's comment. I remembered my father telling me similar words when I started my Masters in US "LIVE your Life"!! Bharatiya forward minded fathers, rock!! 😎 ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha!!

[@malemnganbiayekpam6789]

❤❤ love this family

[@ZarnaGarg]

Love YOU

[@VoiceOfReason579]

your episodes should be longer😭ALL your shows are so good

[@ZarnaGarg]

Woo!!

[@deepakjoshi8895]

I love this family. I really love the way zoya articules her thoughts. I love to watch these podcasts to learn communication and they way every one puts their thoughts. Zarna Ma'am you are super and we are proud on you. It's feels so awesome to listen awesome and intelligent people..

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess!

[@SBahna29]

Zoya is the best!!! A+++++

[@ZarnaGarg]

Woo!

[@keerthimaddela5677]

Zarna’s outfit is super cute.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@priyasrikanth76]

Super great podcast and Zoya is my all time favorite 💗💗🥰🥰 Zarna you are very lucky to have such sweet kids , all three of them and ofcourse they are super friendly to parents ! Shalabh is a sweet and patient guy as well 👏👏

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you

[@ashitamalkani3845]

I live in UK and my mom is India - I talk to my mom 2-3 times a day. It’s a lovely bond.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thesis beautiful!

[@pennysattaur1951]

Zarna you are truly an amazing mother. Ur not old fashioned ur just a great parent. You tell them what's right!

[@tinaroberts5858]

Absolutely my one and only podcast! I adore this family ❤❤❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Amazing!!

[@nonymous396]

Zoya is the best. Veer has gotten taller

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess!!

[@smithaday9225]

Kids telling your parents who you are with..you never know the mind or intentions of friends no matter how they present.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yess!

[@svatisingh1]

A+ and a double high five for Zoya for the motorbike ride, you go girl!!!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Wooo!

[@elysiansoulenlightenment8566]

I cannot help it, every time I listen to Zarna become incredibly shocked with her children it cracks me up 😂 I adore this podcast, I love unwinding to it and I enjoy learning the dynamics of this beautiful Indian family ❤🙏 Thank you for your transparency, it is refreshing 🥲

[@ZarnaGarg]

ah so glad

[@nmenonm]

A grade for Zoya for moderating the discussion and being peacemaker

[@ZarnaGarg]

Woo!!

[@LSTEdD1]

Yes, Brij good point about preparation for college.

[@jjtheresa2004]

Zarna, your family podcasts are so relatable. Everything that your family talks about resonates with me. ❤❤

[@nehanaik6482]

Just listening to this podcast made me see my future in 10 years… I see myself becoming like Mrs. Zarna but I so don’t want to be.. love your very unapologetic controlling behavior.

[@zahirsplate]

Love love love ❤❤❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

[@varunwell10]

Interesting talk… I feel for Veer, who may have most observations and experiences but not allowed any time to share being youngest (in an Indian way 😂😊).

[@Countryballestonshorts]

Call friend and your friend called me.. lol you had me there 😂

[@nuwanarts20089]

What an interesting conversation with three very mature kids! All the best!!!

[@sagarikabose532]

My Favorite podcast ✨🫰🏼✨🫰🏼✨

[@ZarnaGarg]

HONORED

[@MultiHarsh111]

I bought my first crocs footwear after getting inspired from you guys.

[@manishkanojia7497]

Zarna was so shocked when the elder son was talking 😂

[@marymagdalene3004]

He is quite adversarial. Guess it's just the age - kids have to give their parents grief when they hit those certain ages. He seems to go out of his way to disagree and be maybe a little bit too egotistical. Also, what's up with the Crocks? If I know Zarna she will be asking for commission on any Crock sales that occur after this episode!

[@manishkanojia7497]

@@marymagdalene3004 I don’t think any of them 3 kids go out of the way to prove their point. Their points and arguments reflects their age tbh, and full points to Zarna and Shalabh for being that understanding. When they will grow up their views will shape and then you will see more maturity.

[@Codeslingerm]

A grade goes to Zarna because “did something suddenly become my fault” was so amusing it made me laugh and was the highlight of the episode!

[@SaraJuana5]

I love Zarna’s answer for your safety and wellbeing i check everything 😂😂😂

[@vg982]

My observation has been older kids try to please parents, sensitive, that is including my older one. Younger ones are more independent, they question house rules but eventually are more attached to parents as they get to follow their choices. Older ones are constantly carrying the burden that they are not making their parents proud and sometimes that burden can draw distances as they grow older.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Spot on!

[@Greenway1234]

I think there is a place for friendship between parents and kids but parents still need to be the authority figure up to a certain age. There comes a time when kids become mature enough to make decisions on their own and parents have to step back. However, if friendship and mutual respect is nurtured, kids will tend to still consult their parents on important decisions and as parents we have to be available to them. Great discussion guys. I’m giving my A+ to the one who picked this topic. 👏👏

[@ZarnaGarg]

Of course!

[@GeetikaJoshi510]

Zoya is ❤❤❤❤ and so is Zarna. Adorable mom and daughter duo!!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Ahhh love

[@YouTubeFan-wk8rq]

It’s so cute that they call her Didi

[@EllaeenahJadeFire]

Well done Zoya! Have more such adventurous experiences!

[@user-qe3zk9ip6p]

Zoya gets my A+ because she shared the motorcycle ride with the family. Good for her for making her own decisions and then telling the family about it.

[@user-og3to7tp1v]

Zoya… I am an Indian woman. I am an Electrical Engineer( this information is for your mom). Bachelors from India. Masters from the US. No break in employment ever. I went to Harley Davidson and got me a motor license. Go get it!

[@ZarnaGarg]

!!!!!!

[@YouTubeFan-wk8rq]

Zoya is so sharp and articulate

[@anneeddrief6055]

What a funny family !! ❤️

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@AnyaB18]

Zoya healing with every A grade this episode 💗🙏🏼😭

[@ZarnaGarg]

Haha yess

[@kamakshichoudhary131]

A Yoko Ono quote for Zoya, "you can be very wild and still be very wise". You go girl! Lots of love to this family x

[@ZarnaGarg]

Love this!!

[@kamakshichoudhary131]

❤

[@user-wt9ys2qv7z]

A parent when he she needs a parent and friend when he she needs a friend love that

[@sid8483]

U guys are super relatable ❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw this is the best

[@LSTEdD1]

Hilarious motorcycle story!! 😂

[@gauravaws20]

Friendship is a flawed concept in my experience of life in 38 odd years. School and college is fine but beyond that, in this day and age having true friends is rare. Family > friends. Making friends with your family is an excellent thing because they will be your friends forever.

[@hilairejoseph3345]

I love these kids. My A grade goes to Zoya for breaking the boundaries ..

[@ZarnaGarg]

Ahh!

[@user-qk9ov5pc5q]

Zoya has such a great fashion sense, I love her aesthetic 💖💖 loveeeee

[@leenas7011]

Zarna, Brij can make his own decisions now because he will be making them in a few months in college. Asian parent of a senior. Also boys & girls are different. Love the podcast!❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

So glad!!

[@LL-tg5bn]

A+ grade go to Zoya for saying that she trusts her mom with everything and trying something outside of her comfort zone. A+ grade also goes to Ms. Zarna for building the type of relationship that makes her daughter trust her the way in which she does and also makes her as responsible as she is. Ms. Zarna I listened to you on the Your Mama's Kitchen podcast and am now watching ALL of the KZbin episodes. You have a beautiful family. Like you, my mom did not allow my sister and I to go to sleep overs and kept close watch over us. We are both now very responsible adults who are successful contributors in society.

[@zitarangu7146]

Zoya articulated good points on how friends will react and respond to your experiences than what parents would do. She has good arguments did justice to the questions

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thank you!!

[@concoxxion2964]

"You just moved up the wait-list." Laughed out loud. 😂 Edit: "I wouldn't say your judgmental. You just pass a lot of feedback." Equally enchanting in a schmoozy kind of way. 😂

[@roshnisitm685]

Veer❤❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

[@tseyang9472]

A Grade for Zoya … she was brave to share her story. Brij is a young adult at 18 but u need to ask permission to ur parents when u want to stay out.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Ahh!

[@belagurung3222]

You all are superb. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Stay blessed, safe,healthy and happy. 💯👌👏☝👍🤞😍😍😍😍😍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎fm- England 🇬🇧 U.K.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@ShilpaRS-zk3ku]

Zoya A grade You guys are so adorable, authentic & grounded...stay blessed

[@ZarnaGarg]

Aw thank you!

[@nmenonm]

We can rub it back off, Zarna said it 😁

[@ZarnaGarg]

Right!

[@lindaibarra1823]

Finally Zoya a Motorcycle ride!!!! 👏

[@ferozalabonne799]

Zarna your children are so wonderful to you , so loving, despite your controlling egomaniacal ways . You should consider yourself blessed. Your husband is a gentle soul who puts up with being henpecked.

[@donnadiamusa7574]

Knowing Asians of a certain age and this might be an ancient opinion, but shoes on furniture is an absolute taboo. Even if they are Crocs😮

[@pajoshi70]

A++++++ to Zoya this time!!

[@ZarnaGarg]

Woo!

[@marilynking6623]

Zarna, I'm with you, you get my A.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Ahh!!

[@DooferbooderMu]

Green clip, killer! They didn't let you roast them😂

[@Chekzkrystall]

As always, lovely episode. Brij!!!!! 😂 Please listen to mum a bit more. It will only benefit you for real. Im glad you always step back to look at things holistically as well and make informed decisions. All mum wants is to be carried along at all times.... zoyaaaaaaaaa!!! Keep glowing and changing the narrative. We absolutely love your personality. Veer keeps his cool at all times no matter the topic. He is an old man in a young body and is our mysterious younger bro who watches and listens intensively. We love your family. Thank you guys and goodnight

[@ZarnaGarg]

Thank you!!!

[@sunflowerfields1]

another great episode!

[@lindaibarra1823]

My A grade goes to Brij and Veer

[@ZarnaGarg]

!!! Agreed

[@preetibapat8667]

I am totally on your side Zarna. You get more than an A ❤️My son is exactly of Veer s age 🥰 They are cuties 😀

[@maithrreyes3303]

Amazing Episode! Definitely Zoya garg is not a grandmom.

[@ZarnaGarg]

[@jjbjjbh]

Poor Zoya. Time to snip the umbilical cord Zoya. At 21, you are an intelligent girl smart enough to make your own decisions. And learn from them. There are many ways to have fun with friends, boys and girls, without crossing the really serious boundaries. Have fun Zoya. You are only going to be 21 once. Zarna’s preoccupation with and ideas of “ dangerous activities” is beyond ridiculous and unhealthy. And I am an Indian mother living in America 40 years who has raised a son and daughter in America.

[@marilynking6623]

You raised your, let her raise hers, you being Indian don't mean a thing, we know nothing about your kids, what kind of human beings they are, I think Zarna is a wonderful parent, because her kids are wonderful.

[@hakeshkumar2508]

Glory glory brij garg gang ☄️

[@user-vr7iy4ex5h]

Zoya … get a motorcycle license and be a responsible driver … Mrs Garg … I do have two kids in college … it’s good to take on a attachment-detachment therapy to manage our fears and frustrations

[@LSTEdD1]

Let Veer speak!! 😅

[@theresaroybal9599]

I never let my kids spend the night at friends houses unless I knew the parents very well. Never boy girl sleep over that just sounds crazy to me.

[@marymagdalene3004]

I guess Brij is just a part of the culture we live in today. But, it is disturbing that he thinks it's okay for boy/girl sleepovers. What that says is that free s_x is going to be taking place. Just the twisted way kids are taught that everything that is inherently bad is really totally okay. Perverted thinking. Does he really think that kids in the height of their hormonal stage of life will be overnight with girls and boys together will just hit the books and study all night and get a good night's sleep to boot.! He's either very naive or being very disingenuous. - Gaslighting.

[@saivijisk1398]

Zoya - just b the same .. she trusts her parents , she listens to them n this doesn’t mean she is dependent.. she is independent and parents too can trust her to make the right decisions .. I hope nobody tries to change her .. Zarna .. when she said .. I don’t even want to know” to Shalabh being private was 😂… Entertaining ❤

[@user-lp5lx9nb7h]

Entertainment entertainment entertainment ❤❤

[@ZarnaGarg]

Yesss

[@vlu3517]

I love the fact your kids are so expressive. please give the youngest child a chance to speak. zoya ,work on not interpreting what others are saying. Let the individual speak for themselves and ask what they mean. Overall you kids are wise for you age. I credit your parents for being so open minded. I enjoy listening to the topic you choose to talk about, as well the vocabulary you use. Thank you

[@marymagdalene3004]

Totally agree with the comment on Zoya. It can get to be grating when she seems to know everything. They can express themselves and don't need her to be their translator. Will be good for her to just concentrate on what she thinks and not what others think as well. Bad habit.

[@enadcmecommerce]

35:23 Let Zoya interpret. It’s clear her brothers adore her and look up to her. She’s just being the big sis.

[@ZarnaGarg]

Greatest gift

[@cduran110]

No sleepovers for my kiddos… for their safety. You don’t know who is in the home or what may be in the home. They can have a sleepover when they get married.