Critical issue reflection

Your cover story ‘Parents! End Control-Command Culture Now’ (PW September) raises a vitally important issue that families urgently need to reflect upon. In the digital AI age that places a high premium on critical thinking, communication and self-expression, parenting cannot remain centred on unquestioning obedience and compliance from grown-up children.

I particularly liked the story’s emphasis on moving from a control-and-command approach towards collaborative parenting. Giving children voice does not mean giving up parental guidance and discipline; rather, it means listening to children, understanding their perspectives and involving them in decisions that affect their lives. This approach builds trust, confidence and a stronger parent-child relationship.

Vandana Malhotra

Gurugram

Much-needed reminder

Your Special Essay ‘Think Twice Before Sharing Children’s Photos Online’ (PW September) is an eye-opener. It highlights an important digital privacy issue often overlooked by unsuspecting parents amid the excitement of sharing children’s special moments on social media.

Author Lauri Parr does not discourage parents from celebrating their children, but encourages them to pause and consider consent, privacy and long-term consequences before posting. In an era when children are growing up with a visible digital identity, this essay is a must-read for every parent. A thoughtful reminder to place children’s digital safety and dignity before the indulgent desire to share.

Purva Baheti

Indore

Natural strength

Your early childhood essay ‘Multilingualism boosts children’s development’ (PW September) makes a strong case for exposing children to different languages to aid their cognitive development and broaden their understanding of the world.

In a diverse country like India, where children grow up hearing multiple languages, multilingualism should become a natural strength rather than an additional academic burden. Learning and using different languages help children connect more meaningfully with their families, communities and cultural heritage.

Akansha Jain

Ahmedabad

Travel is learning

Your leisure and travel feature on Tamil Nadu titled ‘Where Heritage Meets Nature’ was refreshing and informative. It inspires readers to discover, understand and appreciate India’s incredible historical, cultural and geographical diversity. I also liked that it encourages travel as a form of learning – for children to appreciate India’s architectural heritage, diverse traditions, numerous communities and rich history

Aditi Gonsalves

Panjim

Patient guidance need

I enjoyed reading Ask the Counselor column ‘Helping Children Manage Anger’ (PW September), which addresses children’s often misunderstood emotion. Rather than expecting children to suppress their anger, child psychologist Usha Rani encourages adults to understand the reasons behind it and teach children healthier ways of expressing and coping with their negative emotions.

Anger is a normal human emotion, but children often lack the vocabulary and emotional maturity to communicate frustration, disappointment and hurt effectively. Patient guidance can help them recognise their emotions, understand the triggers and develop better coping mechanisms.

Pallavi Sen

Kolkata

Encourage healthy habits

Your Health & Nutrition essay ‘The Right Way to Keep Children Hydrated’ (PW September) was very informative. Children may not always recognise or communicate when they are feeling dehydrated, so parents and caregivers have an important role in encouraging healthy hydration habits. Developing these habits early helps children understand the importance of listening to their bodies and making sensible choices.

The essay also serves as a valuable reminder that hydration should be part of a child’s daily routine rather than something parents think about during hot weather or physical activity.

Vimi Anand

Noida