Thought-provoking story

Your cover story ‘Nurturing children’s self-confidence’ (PW December) was thought-provoking. It shared some valuable tips on how parents can nurture children’s self-confidence through structured activities, encouragement, and supportive guidance. This story is a must-read for parents.

I also liked the expert insights on contemporary child development — encouraging a growth mindset, praising effort, and creating environments wherein children feel safe to make mistakes and try again.

Alisha Khan
Bengaluru

Natural response

Your special essay ‘Understanding perinatal relational distress’ (PW December) provides a nuanced exploration of the emotional, psychological and relational difficulties many new mothers experience in the weeks before and following childbirth. While this period is often idealised as one of unmitigated joy, the essay rightly acknowledges its inherent complexity.

Prof. Thomas Delawarde thoughtfully relates common emotional struggles within real-life relationship dynamics and the process of postnatal adjustment. By normalising these experiences, the essay raises awareness and reduces stigma, helping parents, especially new mothers to recognise perinatal distress not as a personal shortcoming but as a natural response to a demanding life transition.

Preeti Kataria
Ahmedabad

Reassuring parenting advice

Thank you for your insightful ‘Ask the Doctor’ column (PW December), in which paediatrician Dr. Saurabh Singh offers reassuring parenting advice on infant teething symptoms and remedies.

His guidance is particularly valuable for first-time parents like us who are unsure of handling this somewhat stressful milestone. His suggestions are all easy-to-follow. Thanks.

Nisha Jha
Ranchi

Joyful learning benefits

Your Early Childhood essay ‘Teaching numeracy through play’ (PW December) is a refreshing perspective on how young learners can develop foundational numeracy skills through engaging hands-on activities.

Gurugram-based psychologist Priyanka Sethi does a brilliant job of highlighting how playful activities transform what might otherwise be intimidating mathematical concepts into meaningful, joyful learning experiences. I especially liked her emphasis on developing a positive relationship with maths for children from youngest age.

Thanks also for the richly illustrated and information-packed Kidzone section (PW December). Puzzles, career advice, and animal facts – an interesting mix.

Kanchana S.
Bengaluru

Physical exercise non-negotiable

Your Health & Nutrition essay ‘Physical activities for children: Guidelines and benefits’ (PW December) was informative and balanced. Unfortunately, today’s children are so digitally obsessed that screens have replaced outdoor play, sports and even family interaction. This growing sedentary lifestyle is not only adversely affecting physical fitness but is also contributing to rising anxiety, poor sleep cycles and reduced attention spans among children.

I agree with the author that physical exercise isn’t just about being fit — it supports mental health, emotional resilience, cognitive development and overall well-being. It is therefore imperative that parents and schools work together to restore physical activity as a non-negotiable part of children’s daily lives.

Garima Kapoor
Gurugram

Compassionate parenting

I am the mother of a teenage girl.  Thanks to psychologist Sushma Gopalan (‘Ask Your Counsellor’, PW, December) for providing useful suggestions to guide teens through romantic emotions — a subject that parents hesitate to discuss openly.

Her emphasis on acknowledging emotional complexity as a natural and critical part of adolescent growth reflects a mature, compassionate approach to parenting.

Girija Sethi
Pune