Nurturing Young Minds Through The Joy Of Play
To celebrate childhood through play and promote less screen time, "Bachpan Manao," an initiative by Ekstep and NDTV, aims to revive the magic of play in early childhood and underscore its importance for children's growth.
The Importance Of Early Engagement
During the formative years, a child's brain is highly receptive and adaptable, making it a prime opportunity for nurturing their interests and talents. Research shows that positive interactions through playful activities not only enhance cognitive skills but also build emotional connections between children and their caregivers.
Rohini Nilekani, Co-Founder and Director of Ekstep Foundation, emphasises the impact of early engagement:
"When we show young children things with care and love, they learn a lot and quickly. In the first few years of life, millions of neuronal connections get created every second in the small brain. If we make that very solid, it's gonna be great and can help a lot in learning.'
This highlights the idea that when parents and caregivers engage with children through play, it helps them learn and grow in amazing ways. The initiative urges families to cherish and prioritize playtime.
Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief of Policy and Partnerships at the Ekstep Foundation, stresses the magic that happens during these early years:
"Pay attention to the first eight years; something magical is happening. By focusing more on play, we unlock opportunities for children to develop important skills.'
The Vital Role of Play Play isn't just for fun; it's essential for a child's growth. Dr. Zirak Marker, a child psychologist, emphasizes that much of a child's learning occurs during play. He shares:
"Ninety percent of all your learning and pathways happen because of neuroplasticity. Play helps children develop social skills, manage their emotions, and learn lessons in kindness and empathy that are vital for their future.'
Free play nurtures creativity and imagination, providing a safe space for children to experiment with ideas and create new narratives. Mrunal Shah, founder of Sunday Bricks, points out,
"If there's hands-on learning, children will always learn, and that's the key to keeping them engaged."
Moreover, Harpreet Singh Grover, an Independent Researcher on Parenting, advises,
'You should say 'No' to the child with love, and it's essential to surround them with life; there must be loving adults around them.'
Echoing this sentiment, Sunisha Ahuja, a UNICEF Education Specialist, reminds us,
'We must remember that play is incredibly important. We should celebrate play. Parents often think the child is getting bored, but the child is not bored at all. The child is just exploring.'
The future of our children, and the world they will create, depends on the rich experiences they develop today through the power of play.
Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, emphasizes practical approaches, stating,
'Parents should learn four essential things: communication, exercise, play, and reflection; these are vital for children's development.'
Conclusion
"Bachpan Manao" is a reminder to embrace the joy of play, just like we did in our own childhoods. It calls on parents, grandparents, and caregivers to join in on the fun and create unforgettable moments with children. By making time for play today, we help build a brighter, more connected future for our little ones. Let's come together to ensure every child experiences the joy and benefits of play, filling their lives with laughter, learning, and love.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
14 hours ago
- NDTV
Doctors Reveal How Mobile Phones, Laptops Affect Fertility In Men And Women
Several reports have claimed that mobile phones and laptops may impact fertility in both men and women, although the evidence is not yet conclusive, experts still urge people to take precautions. "The ovaries are temperature sensitive; they like it cool. Heat from laptops or radiation from mobiles may lower the air quality or disturb your hormones over time. You may not feel it today, but your future self might," Dr Kalyani Shrimali, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Indore, told NDTV. "Laptops placed directly on the lap generate heat and thermal stress in the pelvic region, which can negatively impact ovarian function." Dr Bhavana Girish, IVF Specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF Banashankari, Bangalore, told NDTV that radiation exposure from Wi-Fi and radiation signals might cause ovarian damage, which would lead to poor egg quality, lower AMH levels and lower egg counts. How Fertility Is Affected In Males Using laptops on your lap can increase scrotal temperature, and studies have shown that it can rise by 1 degree C to 5.1 degrees C when using a laptop. Meanwhile, exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile phones may reduce sperm quality, count and motility. "While the impact of the radiation among the general population is still debated, studies suggest that in some men, especially those with certain genetic traits or existing vulnerabilities, this exposure of low-level electromagnetic radiation may contribute to reduced sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation," Dr Nidhi Tripathi, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Noida told NDTV. "There are also multiple aspects of indirect impact that need to be considered," Dr Tripathi said, adding that overuse of smartphones is linked to poor sleep, which in turn alters melatonin levels. Melatonin plays a vital role in protecting sperm from oxidative stress and supporting overall sperm health. Sedentary behaviour and digital burnout also affect hormonal balance and testicular function over time. How Fertility Is Affected In Females When it comes to female fertility, exposure to EMR from mobile phones and laptops may affect ovarian function, hormone regulation and egg quality. Several studies have also linked EMR exposure to disrupted menstrual cycles. "Ovarian follicles are heat sensitive and repeated exposure to elevated temperatures may reduce the ovarian reserve or disrupt your folliculogenesis, ultimately leading to lowering of your reserve or low AMH," Dr Shrimali said. The blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility. Dr Shrimali also said that constant screen time affects sleep, weight, and leads to stress, all of which affect your ability to conceive. What Are The Preventive Measures The doctors have suggested that people use a laptop on a table and keep their mobile phones in bags. "Some of the ways which we can reduce the effect of laptops and mobiles on fertility is by limiting their usage as much as possible, avoiding the usage of laptops, either using a desktop or keeping the laptop on a desk, avoiding mobiles or laptops at least two hours before sleeping to avoid the disruption of your sleep cycle and avoiding keeping your mobiles in your pocket all the time," Dr Girish said.
NDTV
17 hours ago
- NDTV
Nutritionist Shares How To Boost Your Reproductive Health With Vitamin E
Reproductive health is often seen through the lens of medical procedures and fertility clinics. Yet, there is growing awareness that nutritional choices, particularly certain key vitamins, may hold powerful potential in supporting natural fertility and overall reproductive wellbeing. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija has shed light on the often-overlooked benefits of vitamin E, describing it as a true "fertility ally." Highlighting its potent antioxidant properties, she explains how vitamin E helps protect sperm quality, supports ovulation, and may even aid in early pregnancy. Her caption reads, "Vitamin E = Fertility Ally." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pooja Makhija (@poojamakhija) In the video, she says, "We all know that vitamin E is required for great hair and skin. But did you know that if fertility is what you're looking to improve, then vitamin E is the key?" The essential benefits of vitamin E, according to the nutritionist, are as follows - She shares, "In men, vitamin E protects the sperm from oxidative damage, therefore improving the count, motility, as well as the DNA quality," further noting in the caption, "A 1996 study (Suleiman et al.) found that men given Vitamin E + Selenium showed marked improvement in sperm motility & oxidative stress levels." Pooja Makhija says, "In women, it boosts ovulation and it helps thicken the uterine wall, therefore boosting the chances of implantation," as per a citation from Cicek et al., 2012. She also states, "In early pregnancy, it protects the embryo during the critical cell division stages." The nutritionist mentions that the natural sources of vitamin E, also the best fertility tools, are almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, spinach, wheat germ oil, and olive oil. Key takeaways according to the nutritionist: "Avoid mega-dosing (>400 IU/day) - it can interfere with clotting. Stick to food-first or consult a professional." Pooja mentions, "Now that you know, go nourish like a pro!" Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
17 hours ago
- NDTV
Low Libido? Nutritionist Explains Reason And Gives Solution
Libido translates to desire or sexual drive, which is both an essential and a natural part of human health and overall well-being. It is influenced by an intricate interplay of hormones (like testosterone and estrogen), brain chemistry, lifestyle habits, emotional health, and even sleep schedule and diet. If you have ever felt your libido fluctuating, you need not panic, as it is completely normal. But when libido is persistent, it can affect your overall well-being and indicate that something is wrong with your body. But worry not, as everything has a solution. And to help you out comes nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary. Rashi Chowdhary has dropped a video on Instagram explaining everything about libido. She explains that stress, aging or medications are some of the common factors that affect libido. But according to the nutritionist, 'if your libido has been low for a while and you are in your 20s or 30s, it is not just stress or 'normal'. It is your body trying to talk to you.' Rashi Chowdhary, in her caption, writes, 'If you have been with your partner for a long time, desire might shift and in that case, honest conversations matter. But I work with young women who have not felt desire in months or even years. And this is not just about mood. Your libido is a direct sign of how your metabolism, hormones and nervous system are functioning.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashi Chowdhary (@rashichowdhary) 'When cortisol is always high, when insulin is out of place, and when your blood circulation is poor, libido is one of the first things to go. That is where tools like L-Arginine can help. It is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide, which improves blood flow. Better circulation means better arousal, sensitivity, and lubrication. Especially useful if you're dealing with PCOS or pill-after-effects.' On an ending note, Rashi Chowdhary said, 'But let's be clear. L-Arginine is not a magic fix. It's just one piece of the puzzle. When libido is low, we always zoom out: what's your cortisol doing? Your blood sugar? Your gut?' Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
