Words of appreciation Thanks for the information packed Kidzone section (PW October). My children love solving the puzzles and DIY creative activity. They even found your suggestions on making the world a better place inspirational. My son is excited about spending his birthday with the inmates of an old age home in the neighbourhood and bring smiles to their faces. Moreover, I enjoy reading the Ask the Doctor column every month. The October column by Dr. Nithin M. about protecting children against air pollution was very useful. Shalini Kumar Chennai Must-read essay Your Special essay ‘Praise children the right way’ (PW October) is a must-read for all parents who — like most of us — still believe praise is central to a child’s well-being. But according to author Amanda Niland, early childhood education has shifted to providing children a positive sense of identity rather than a strong opinion of themselves. Niland’s healthy approach to praising children is useful and easy to follow. Vidya Shenoy Mangaluru Best tourism destinations I always look forward to your well-written and informative Leisure & Travel articles. As usual the column on the ‘Coastal temple towns of Odisha’ in the October issue was inspirational. It’s time that Indians discovered that the best tourist destinations are within India’s borders. Kanchal Pal Kolkata Enlightening advice Your October cover story ‘New-age parenting styles & options’ was timely and relevant for working parents experiencing near burnouts in frenzied endeavour to ensure children excel academically, on the sportsfield and in co-curricular activities. I recently participated in a debate on how best parents can nurture precocious children to develop their self-confidence to take on life’s challenges. I am convinced it’s time for a shift from an adapted parenting style drawn from our parents and own experiences towards a more balanced and scientific approach. Psychologist Aarti Takawane’s advice on why millennial parents should practice lighthouse parenting style was enlightening. Veena Shankar Bengaluru Useful apps The Resources feature recommending online apps for special needs children (PW October) was very informative. As the mother of an autistic child, I found the recommendation — Otsimo and Speech Blubs apps — very useful. Their features will definitely enable parents struggling to improve speech and language skills of special needs children. Charulata Banerjee Noida Reading food labels Thank you for highlighting the importance of reading and understanding food labels in your Health & Nutrition story (PW October). Neonatal nutritionist Deepalakshmi Sriram has given useful advice about the importance of reading ‘nutrition facts” labels that provide details per serving of food so parents can make healthier food choices. Piya Shah Vadodara More recipes please! I tried with success your ‘Festive treats (PW October) recipes. In particular, your dryfruits date laddoo and suji malai halwa were big hits with my children and friends and family who dropped by during Diwali! Please share more recipes of nutrient-rich snack foods. Sylvie Rodrigues Bhubaneswar Excellent advice The Adolescence focus story ‘End stigma and support teens’ mental and emotional well-being’ (PW October) made for…
