Well-researched & informative Your cover story suggesting natural remedies for minor illnesses (PW November) was informative and well-researched. My three-year old son was born premature (32 weeks) and till date is small-made and fragile. Speaking from my own experience, simple, natural remedies work best for minor illnesses, and spare children the side effects of strong antibiotics, which are losing their effectiveness. My advice to parents is to try home remedies as the first line of treatement. Ananya Shankar Chennai Natural remedies preferable With the onset of winter ushering in a host of illnesses, your cover story ‘Home remedies for minor childhood ailments’ (PW November) was timely. In a country which gave birth to the ancient Ayurveda healing system, natural remedies are highly valued. Elders in almost every household recommend natural herbs and spices to treat minor illnesses. My grandmother used to say that if used in correct measure, natural herbs can treat a variety of medical conditions, and have fewer side effects than allopathic medication. She introduced us to the healing properties of honey, basil, turmeric, ginger and garlic and coconut oil massage to boost muscle strength of newborn infants. Scientists today second the healing benefits of coconut oil, which is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, and prescribe it for a host of skin ailments. Maya Menon Thrissur Excellent suggestions Thank you for the insightful Ask Your Counselor column (PW November) in which Shubhada Shekar gave excellent suggestions for parents to cope with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I am the mother of a six-year-old child recently diagnosed with ASD. Accepting this diagnosis has been the most painful experience of my life. Everyday we face unique challenges especially since he cannot communicate his needs and wants. This deficit compounds our stress and anxiety levels. Shekar’s guidelines were useful. Looking forward to more expert essays on managing children with special needs. I also enjoyed reading the biographies of women astronauts, war veterans, artists and scientists suggested in your Resources column. Gungun Singh Mumbai Revealing story Your Health and Nutrition story about the medical benefits of essential oils for children (PW November) was revealing. In particular, I was impressed with the revelation that sweet orange oil can uplift children’s mood and promote mental well-being. These days, children need to destress as much as adults. I also enjoyed reading your leisure and travel section. It is a good way to do some ‘armchair travelling’. Please include some travel features on child-friendly holiday destinations. Lina Delisha Delhi Be cruel to be kind Thank you for Dr. Mazher Ali’s essay on ways and means to wean adolescents off digital devices (PW November). Today, children’s mind-space has been captured by the internet and social media. Whether it’s for education, entertainment, friendship, love and dating, adolescents turn to the internet and social media platforms. The outcome of this addiction to the online world is that children are becoming increasingly irritable, anxious, and restless, and have lost interest in socialising and in-person activities. The digital world has become…
