Viral KBC Kid And Six Pocket Syndrome: Psychologists Explain The Impact On A Child's Overall Growth

Six Pocket Syndrome has become the latest topic of online discussion after a 10-year-old Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) contestant, found himself at the centre of social media trolling for his dismissive behaviour on the show. The fifth grader from Gujarat, drew widespread criticism for his cheeky and self-assured remarks, even interrupting the show host, the legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Smart kid, but this video reminds us, no matter how intelligent we are, humility always wins hearts. #KBC #LifeLesson pic.twitter.com/cbej4zZoHS

— Gaffar (@gaffar5593) October 13, 2025

While many labelled the kid's attitude as arrogance and overassertiveness, others saw it a product of wrong modern-day parenting popularly known as Helicopter Parenting. Amid this debate, a teacher from Chandigarh, Shekhar Dutt, stepped in asking not to troll children, claiming this might be a case of Six Pocket Syndrome. This syndrome refers to a situation when all the adults of the family, primarily the six, parents and grandparents from both sides, shower all the love, attention and care to the only child.

why we should stop trolling that KBC kid

pic.twitter.com/IHcuPcCy9d

— Shekhar Dutt (@DuttShekhar) October 13, 2025

As discussions around this syndrome gained momentum, we reached out to psychologists, Dr Sushma Gopalan, Child Psychologist - Child Life Specialist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore and Dr Divya Kannan, Clinical Psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, to explain what is Six Pocket Syndrome, and if this syndrome is reversible, and it’s impact on the child’s overall growth.

What Exactly Is Six Pocket Syndrome?

The term Six Pocket Syndrome originated in China during the country’s one-child policy era which encouraged couples to have only one child to control population growth. The phrase refers to the behavioural and psychological impact of excessive pampering given to an only child. When giving love and care is not the major concern, the problem starts when the child never hears no and does not learn how to handle frustration or limits, shows a study published in ResearchGate.

Explaining the phenomenon, Dr Divya Kannan says, “Six Pocket Syndrome is an emerging social and behavioural concept describing how children today are growing up with access to money from multiple family sources, typically their parents and four grandparents, hence the term six pockets. While born out of affection, this constant flow of gifts, gadgets, or cash can lead to a distorted understanding of value, effort, and gratitude in children.”

Dr Sushma Gopalan further explains the condition saying, “Being the centre of all affection, such a child tends to grow up overly confident, self-centred, and believes they can do anything without limits. This leaves little or no room for learning from others, and accepting mistakes.”
When all adults in a family earn and there are no siblings, children often miss out on essential life experiences like sharing, negotiation and conflict resolution. Being an only child may sound lucrative for many reasons, but it also has several side effects as the child grows older.

Also Read: How can children with Six Pocket Syndrome be corrected?

Impact Over Child’s Behaviour And Overall Growth

If unchecked, Six Pocket Syndrome can lead to long-term behavioural and emotional issues. Warning about the severe impacts of this syndrome on the child, Dr Kannan explains, “Children may grow up with poor emotional resilience, low financial responsibility, and reduced appreciation for relationships. Over time, they may struggle with delayed gratification, develop dependency on external rewards, or face challenges managing money as adults.

“A child with this kind of mindset often exhibits excessive confidence in their actions and choices, which can backfire in several situations. While confidence is positive, overconfidence can hinder personal growth, social skills, and learning,” Dr Gopalan adds.

Psychologists also warn of a rise in anxiety, entitlement, and social disconnection among over-indulged children, as emotional satisfaction becomes linked to material gain rather than personal achievement or relationships.

Also Read: Parenting Tips: Expert Shares Tips For Raising A Responsible Child

Signs Of Six Pocket Syndrome

As explained by the psychologists during the discussion, early signs can appear subtly, often mistaken for normal modern behaviour. Common indicators include:

• Shows little or no patience in getting their demands fulfilled.
• Display overconfidence and resist advice or correction.
• Exhibits arrogance or anger when things do not go their way.
• Shows self-centred behaviour with low empathy.
• Lacks resilience when faced with criticism and failure
• Expecting rewards for basic tasks or academic performance.
• Lack of value for money and effort.

Contribution Of Helicopter Parenting

Helicopter parenting, where parents closely control and micromanage a child’s life, often overlaps with Six Pocket Syndrome. “Overprotective parents, in an attempt to make life easier, may indulge every wish or shield the child from discomfort. This reinforces dependency and reduces problem-solving ability,” shares Dr Kannan.

Kids suffer constant involvement from not only their parents but also from other family members primarily grandparents which may worsen the effects of this syndrome, mentions Dr Gopalan.

Also Read: Parenting Anxious Children: How To Support A Child Dealing With Anxiety

How Parents Can Reverse The Effects

“Dealing with an overconfident child requires a lot of patience, guidance, and balance as children with this mindset often become arrogant and resist guidance, and may feel frustrated when things do not go their way,” Dr Gopalan stresses.
Here are a few measures and guidelines psychologists suggest for parents to handle the situation:

Set Boundaries:

Parents and teachers should acknowledge the child’s strengths to build self-esteem but also set clear boundaries including for money and gifts demands to instil humility and respect.

Encourage Social Skills:

Motivate the child to listen, share, and collaborate to develop empathy, adaptability and social awareness. Promote saying thank you, donating unused items, or volunteering to help others.

Teach Responsibility

Involve them in small tasks, provide opportunities for problem-solving, volunteering, or helping others, to promote responsibility and accountability.

Value Efforts Over Success:

Reward effort, not just success, to shift the focus from outcomes to the process.

Set Examples

Use real-life examples or gentle challenges to show that mistakes are part of learning and do not diminish their abilities.

Communicate With Grandparents:

Align family members on giving meaningful experiences (books, activities, learning kits) instead of excessive material gifts.

Conclusion

After the KBC incident broke the internet and brought the spotlight on Six Pocket Syndrome and helicopter parenting, psychologists suggest that mindful parenting can reverse the effects. When parents balance nurture with boundaries, encourage independence, and allow children to experience small failures or delays, they help build resilience and emotional intelligence, the best protection against the viral syndrome.

(This article is written by Sameeksha Sharma)