Experts In The Fields Of Creative Writing, Food, Athletics And Parenting Share Valuable Parenting Tips

Nurturing a love for books

Bijal Vachharajani, Childrens Book Author

Reading is vital for children because a book is perhaps like a wonderful time machine. It takes children to different worlds, unlocking their imagination, offering spaces to navigate complex real-life emotions, and allowing a safe space for escape and introspection.

Children naturally care about the natural world, as they have an innate sense of curiosity and wonder. Books are a wonderful way to get children to learn about Earth and its many mysteries. I find that children gravitate to these stories, asking questions, feeling concerned, and showing tremendous respect for nature. We are at a time in the history of the planet when children are demanding a better future for themselves, and it is crucial they understand climate emergency, as it impacts their future.

For children who aspire to become writers, I would say read, read, read a lot. Read good books, bad ones, funny ones, and sad ones. And try to make writing a habit. The more you write, the better you will get.

Bijal Vachharajani is a children's book author and editor. She believes that children are instinctively the staunchest champions for the environment, and her books often weave into the narrative of the environmental crises we face.  One of her most popular books is 'A Cloud Called Bhura'. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.parentcircle.com/interview-with-childrens-author-bijal-vachharajani-about-reading-is-important-for-children/article

Stay physically active

Ashwini Nachappa, Athlete and Actor

When I was a child, my mother used to take me to the stadium to play. She would give me a nutritious sweet for every lap I ran, so basically it was all about collecting more sweets for me! That's how my journey started. I am a product of school sports. So, when I see academics being given too much priority, I find it hard to digest. To see children busy only with studies and not enjoying sports is disheartening. Sports must become a way of life. Education and sports should be integrated. Also, sport is not just about playing on the field. It's about learning coordination, playing with fingers, playing in mud, etc. Every parent must encourage their child's talents. It's not about the 95% marks your child gets. Every child is blessed with some unique quality, and we need to identify that.

Physical fitness is for everybody, young and old. Dedicate at least 45 to 50 minutes every day to fitness, and keep some time for yourself. Maintaining good health is important for you and your family. A fit mind and a fit body go together.

Ashwini Nachappa is a renowned athlete, actor and social worker. She is also the president of the Bangalore Urban District Athletic Association. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.parentcircle.com/interview-with-ashwini-nachappa-asian-games-medalists-in-athletics/article

The Joy of Cooking

Sarah Ali Choudhury, Award-Winning TV Chef

When I was 9, my grandmother from Guyana, South America, stayed with us for a year. That was the time I developed a liking for cooking, just by watching her cook delicious meals.

Cooking together in the kitchen with your children could be a great bonding activity. Get your children to join you while you cook. Talk to them about food—where it comes from, and give them age-appropriate tasks.

When it comes to eating healthy, parents should lead by example. If you stick to home-cooked food, your children will follow suit. As children are exposed to advertisements for restaurant food, it's natural for them to crave it. So, instead of banning such foods, set a limit on takeouts. And remember, any simple home-cooked meal can taste divine, if your ingredients are fresh and you use the right spices. I am a big fan of Indian spices. I use the five-spice mix, paanch phoron, in most of my vegetarian curries.

Sarah Ali Choudhury is an Indian multi-award-winning TV chef, food expert, entrepreneur, and columnist. She actively promotes cuisines from the subcontinent in various cookery shows and talks. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.parentcircle.com/get-children-to-join-in-cooking-curry-queen-sarah-ali-choudhury/article

Managing screen time during the pandemic

Anya Kamenetz, Parenting Expert

Screen time is not about the hours per day or per week. It's about your child's attitude. Screen time is problematic if any of the following is true for your child:

• Screens are the only things that interest your child
• Screens are the only means of making your child feel better when they're upset
• Your child is sneaking around breaking rules or controls
• Your child is sleeping late and waking up early for screen time
• Your child is losing interest in studies or other activities

It's not a good idea to ban screens outright. But as parents, it's important to be watchful of problematic screen use or unhealthy dependency on gadgets. Engaging children without screens requires discipline and creativity. It's all about what choices you give to your children. Here are some things to consider:

• Are gadgets kept all over my house?
• Are there zones in my house that are screen-free?
• Am I getting my child involved in household chores?
• Is my child getting enough outdoor play or physical activity?
• Am I giving my child my undivided attention while playing with her?

Anya Kamenetz is a writer, speaker, and mother of two. Her latest book is The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.parentcircle.com/how-to-reduce-limit-manage-screen-time-at-home/article