Delightful read

Your cover story titled ‘Inspire children with the idea of India’ was a delight to read (PW August). Like most children of this generation, my sons aged nine and 11 years, have very limited knowledge of India’s freedom struggle. I wholeheartedly agree with you that it’s critically important to educate children about our unique non-violent freedom struggle and instill deep respect for the Constitution and its egalitarian values.

The suggestions you have given, such as taking children to visit war memorials and watching patriotic movies, are simple yet profound. Every child should be proud of India’s rich history and heritage, value the country’s hard-won freedom, and do all they can to preserve the tradition of unity in diversity.

Shilpa Siraj, Chennai

Revisiting freedom struggle not enough

I read your 75th Independence Day cover story on inspiring patriotism within children with a bit of scepticism. While there’s no denying that India’s freedom from British rule was hard won by thousands of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives, it is all in the past. What is India’s condition now? Corruption, poverty, unemployment, child malnutrition, and communal strife are just some of the problems this country is grappling with. All political parties are unconcerned about these problems and are busy furthering their own agendas.

What is the point of painting a rosy picture of India and asking them to ‘love’ it? Young people will respond to their own experiences of the country. Inspiring them to be patriotic by revisiting India’s freedom struggle will not change present day harsh realities.

It would have been more helpful if you had shared ideas to inspire children to become changemakers who can take the lead in solving India’s pressing problems.

Dora Samuel, Bengaluru

Valuable advice

Thank you for a very informative essay by Dr. Ravi Prakash on how parents can help teenage children cope with peer pressure (PW August). With the pandemic receding and schools reopened, my 16-year-old has begun socialising with friends. I can see that he is facing immense peer pressure. The adolescent years are very hard on children and parents with many frictions arising over peer socialisation rules and limits.

Dr. Prakash gave some valuable tips to parents to empower children with positive self-image to cope with peer pressure. The most important and valuable though was his advice to parents to always reassure children of their love, encouragement and support, and make time for family activities.

Vikas Patra, Mumbai

Travel benefits children

I enjoyed reading your interesting leisure and travel feature on Ladakh (PW August). Its enchanting snow clad mountains, highest motorable roads and lakes are definitely worth a visit.

As a family we love travelling and children learn so much from visiting new places especially historic and cultural monuments. Travel is also a great opportunity for parents to bond with children. I have shared many childhood memories with my children on long bus and train journeys and bonded over music and board games.

Marvin Thangiah, Chennai

Excellent & informative

I am a regular subscriber of ParentsWorld. Congratulations for publishing an excellent parenting magazine. The stories especially on child nutrition and health are excellent and informative. For instance the recent Middle Years story ‘Preparing for early menarche’ was very useful.

It’s not uncommon for girl children today to attain puberty between nine-11 years of age. Most parents are clueless about how to prepare girl children for early menarche. Dr. Anu Sridhar’s discussion guidelines for parents to explain menarche to girl children in age-appropriate language were excellent.

I also enjoy your recipes section. Please share recipes featuring superfoods such as butterfruit and broccoli.

Manisha Tripathi, Delhi