Parental dishonesty consequence
Your special essay ‘Do you lie to your children? Think twice’ (PW December) presents a thought-provoking analysis of the consequences of parental dishonesty. It highlights how even benign ‘white lies’ can chip away at trust between parents and children, causing behavioural problems and emotional difficulties in the latter.
This essay serves as an important reminder for parents to consider interactions with their children and aim for honesty, even in tough circumstances. Such commitment lays the groundwork for a trusted and supportive family environment.
Chaya Dharmesh
Bengaluru
Good practical advice
Your cover story ‘Parents encourage children’s sports for personality development’ (PW December) is well-researched and provides good practical advice for parents to motivate their children to become physically active and develop essential life skills through sports. The goal should be to nurture lifelong appreciation for physical activity and personal growth within children.
I particularly liked your story’s emphasis on parental involvement in encouraging children to participate in sports without exerting undue pressure. It’s important for parents to step back and let children manage their day and activities.
Swati Hegde
Manguluru
Encourage open-mindedness
Your Middle Years essay ‘Teaching children to appreciate cultural diversity’ (PW December) was most welcome and relevant. Creating environments where children learn to value and respect different cultures is a principle that resonates deeply with our multicultural household.
The story rightly highlights the role of parents in encouraging open-mindedness. I am married to a South Indian. In our family, we celebrate all Indian festivals, exposing our children to diverse customs, languages, and cuisines. Sharing stories from our respective backgrounds has enriched our children’s understanding of their national heritage and generated empathy and celebration of diversity.
Priya Kaul
Gurugram
Useful advice
I liked the article ‘Teach children essential hygiene practices’ (PW December). Pediatrician Dr. Saurabh Khanna provides useful advice to develop children’s hygiene habits while acknowledging the challenges parents face.
While the article doesn’t judge parents or children for struggles with hygiene, it offers actionable tips that can be adapted to various age groups. Dr. Khanna’s suggestion to use fun activities, stories, and role models to teach hygiene makes the learning process more engaging for children.
Some advice on handling setbacks without frustration would have been a great addition! Also tips on creating consistent routines and positive reinforcement would further enhance parents’ ability to instill these habits. Perhaps it’s a good idea to involve children in setting their own hygiene goals; this is likely to make them take ownership of their personal hygiene practices.
Shilpa Rao
Hyderabad
Overlooked important issues
Your cover story ‘Parents encourage children’s sports for personality development’ (PW December) provides a general overview of the benefits of sports for personality development. But it fails to address the specific challenges and requirements of nurturing talented and competitive young athletes.
It’s overly focused on introducing children to sports as a hobby rather than exploring the demands of advanced training and the pressures of competitive sports. It also overlooked important issues such as managing rigorous training schedules, avoiding parental/child burnout, and balancing academics with athletic pursuits.
Moreover, the story could have highlighted the varying paths athletes might take, from recreational participation to elite levels of competition by acknowledging the motivations, goals, and pressures exerted at every level.
Kalyan Chatterjee
Kolkata