Duty to raise good ecological citizens
Your Special Essay ‘What Makes a Good Parent?’ (PW March) made absorbing reading. The statement that modern parenting practices need to go beyond merely providing love, support and reading bedtime stories to children in this day and age of manmade environmental disasters and climate change, is more than justified. I agree with Craig Stanbury that parents have a duty to raise good ecological citizens aware of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Let’s all be mindful and pledge to take ownership of Planet Earth for the sake of our children who are sure to experience at least one climate-related disaster in their lifetimes!
Rithu Dravid
Mysuru

Understand new AI technologies
At a time when the world’s tech billionaires are engaged in stormy debates on the upsides and downsides of new wonder AI technologies, your cover story ‘Parenting in the new AI Age’ (PW March) is welcome and recommended reading for all parents. Parenting has never been as demanding as it is today — in the age of ChatGPT, social media and a zillion apps. Very far removed from the days when textbooks and playgrounds were the centres of children’s lives.

Thanks for a well-researched cover story which offers practical advice to navigate the evolving digital landscape. AI has made our jobs as parents easier and more difficult.

I believe parents need to invest time in understanding new AI technologies and apps popular with children. This will help us understand how they work, their potential risks and prepare us to support and guide them.
Tariq Ismail
Bengaluru

Promote nature play
Your Early Childhood story on nature-based play (PW March) has rightly acknowledged the importance of outdoor play in natural environments on children’s sensory, cognitive and emotional development. All parents should heed lifestyle coach Poulami Sarkar’s advice that exposure to nature promotes children’s emotional exploration and expression and could form the basis of a positive attitude towards the environment and its preservation. It’s all about making the right connection at youngest age!

I also read with interest your News Bytes section highlighting some alarming post-Covid mental health trends among adolescents. It’s shocking how anti-depressants usage among teenage girls is on the rise, underscoring the need for targeted mental health support. On the other hand, a study reassuringly confirms the safety of Covid-19 vaccines for young adults, offering hope for future pandemics.
Druthi Kumar
Mumbai

More suggestions please
I have patiently tried to follow Dr. Tejaswi Seshadri’s suggestions to deal with fussy eaters (PW March) but failed miserably with my two-year-old son.

We are a nuclear family. I have tried traditional Indian to junk food innovations but nothing ever seems to appeal to my son’s taste.

Feeding him takes hours and can be completed only while watching his favourite cartoon shows on TV. At the end of the day I am exhausted trying to feed him. What’s surprising is his medical reports are normal. I tremble to think how I will cope when my son starts attending playschool.

I need some more suggestions please!
Priya Shah
Chennai

Great hits!
In your Health & Nutrition section (PW March), the moonglet pizza and tricolour idli recipes were great hits with my school-going children. Variation and presentation in the food I pack in their lunch boxes have surely made a huge difference!

I also enjoyed reading your travel feature on India’s most scenic road trips. Arunachal Pradesh is known for its natural beauty. But I learnt about its orchid farms and kiwi orchards from your informative article. Tawang via Bomdilla road trip is certainly on my bucket list!
Laxmi Vyas
Gurugram