Good advice
Your recipes section (PW January) inspired me to rediscover apples, a crunchy powerhouse of nutrients.
In India, we are used to eating raw apples and rarely cook or bake them. But your apple recipes were far too tempting not to try out. I tried the apple pie and crumble and both have become an instant hit with my family. Thanks!
My daughter is a preteen and aspires to qualify as a costume and accessories designer. I never took her career choice seriously until I read your Careers story on a promising future in costume design in the film and television industry.
Minu Thomas
Chennai

Timely & relevant
Your cover story ‘Protecting children against dark net dangers’ (PW January) is timely and relevant. The internet offers a wealth of information and resources to our children but simultaneously it’s full of dangers. Innocent children can fall prey to online predators looking to sexually and/or financially exploit them. There’s also the growing incidence of cyber bullying which can emotionally scar children for life. Recently, a friend told me that her teenage daughter was being bullied by two boys she befriended on instagram.
As parents, we have a special responsibility to monitor children’s internet usage and educate them about cybercrimes and cybersafety. Thanks for the excellent list of parental control apps which can be installed on children’s phones and laptops.
Liana Kumar
Bengaluru

Online games addiction dangers
Your cover story about protecting children from dark net dangers (PW January) was informative and insightful.
A big parental concern these days is children’s addiction to violent video/online games. These games are exposing children to extreme violence and aggression resulting in their becoming aggressive in real life apart from losing interest in studies and not sleeping well. Parents have to strictly prohibit children from playing violent games and/or restrict their access using parental control apps.
I also liked Ritu Jain’s tips on positive discipline. Today’s Gen Z tends to be irresponsible and undisciplined and managing them needs super parenting skills.
Sumita Kapoor
Delhi

Natural foods
Your Health story on natural immunity boosting foods (PW January) has busted the myth that consuming ghee is a sure shot formula to gain weight. As you rightly say, ghee enhances immunity, aids digestion and fat loss, if taken in limited quantities. Also natural foods such as jaggery, garlic, ginger, turmeric, amla, sesame seeds, almonds and dates are any day healthier than processed foods which contain harmful chemicals. It’s up to parents to encourage and motivate children to switch to healthy diets.
I also enjoyed reading the Leisure & Travel section and suggestions for immersive ‘learning holidays’ especially the ‘farm to fork’ and ‘calling all young chefs’ experiences.
Shefali Chhabra
Mumbai

Think twice before sharenting
Your special essay on sharenting (PW January) is a must read for unsuspecting parents who routinely share photos and videos of their children on social media. The essay spreads awareness about the risks of identity theft and information sharing security.
Although I am not a sharent myself and remain content with my dog-eared photo albums and compact discs that recapture my children’s toddler to adulthood journey, I have always believed than an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The practice of recording and documenting life’s moments is common among all cultures and civilisations. However in today’s era of digitalisation, the advent of advanced technologies has not only made it easier but also publicly available.
Therefore, it is incumbent on every parent to think twice before posting any information about their child on social media. Taking the consent of older children may also be a good idea.
Roshni Dasgupta
Kolkata