Excellent suggestions
Thanks for your early childhood essay ‘Guide to managing common toddler behaviour problems’ (PW February). It’s very informative for parents struggling to understand toddlers’ temper tantrums and other behavioural issues.
Pediatrician Dr. Tarun Singh has provided valuable insights into typical behavioural issues that toddlers present including tantrums, aggression, defiance, and clinginess. His suggestions are easy to implement, and I especially appreciate his emphasis on empathy and reassurance, for creating nurturing home environments.
Aloka Chatterjee
Kolkata
Alarming issue
Your cover story ‘Social media addiction: New pandemic sweeping young India’ (PW February) effectively raises awareness about a serious issue confronting young India. News that one in every three children countrywide uses social media with a significant percentage showing signs of addiction, is alarming and certainly merits the urgent attention of parents and teachers.
The story has comprehensively addressed mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, while emphasizing the responsibility of government and parents to mitigate these issues. Moreover, it not only points fingers at social media platforms but also stresses the importance of parents monitoring and educating children about responsible social media usage.
Ashish P.
Delhi
Engaging and practical guide
Your Middle Years essay ‘Stimulate children’s creativity with art and crafts’ (PW February) provides a thoughtful and practical guide for parents and educators to encourage young children’s self-expression and imagination. Art and crafts activities stimulate creative thinking, improve motor skills and develop children’s problem-solving capabilities. The suggested activities of making friendship bracelets and nature collages are engaging and easy to follow.
Priya Kudlemath
Bengaluru
Develop children’s critical thinking
Your Special Essay ‘Encourage kids to talk back’ (PW February) provides a refreshing perspective on nurturing children’s critical thinking skills. Far from blind obedience, the author encourages parents to welcome children’s questions and challenges, a practice that builds intellectual curiosity and sharpens reasoning capabilities.
The five tips offered by author Heidi Matisonn — asking open-ended questions, encouraging decision-making, and fostering a deeper understanding of rules — are practical and effective. I especially liked the way she explained how to guide children towards independent thinking rather than simply imposing authority.
Karishma Sharma
Gurugram
Over-promotional reviews
Your Resources recommendations on dance and movement apps (PW February) were disappointing. The description of the apps is superficial and overly promotional, with little insight into potential drawbacks and limitations.
Additionally, while apps like GoNoodle and Just Dance Now are mentioned, there’s no real critical analysis of the quality of content or user experience. More genuine reviews, with comparisons and user feedback are required to gauge the effectiveness of these apps.
Krishna B
Hyderabad
Inspiring life & tenets
Your Kidzone story ‘Heart to Heart’ (PW February) excerpted from the book Growing up with the Mahatma by Dr. Swati Popat Vats is an excellent resource for parents to introduce children to the life and tenets of Mahatma Gandhi.
I enjoyed sharing with my children about how the Mahatma, although he had very little money as a child, realised the value of money early in life and taught people to use money wisely. Bapu’s beliefs on simple living have inspired my children to begin saving their pocket money for noble causes.
Looking forward to more such inspiring extracts from the Mahatma’s life.
Reena Rao
Vizag
