Structured learning Vs Freeplay

Should we be cleaning up our indoor air for our babies? We explore the pros and cons of an air purifier

- AARTI PATHAK

CHANDINI SEHGAL, mum to Arhaan, age 11 feels strongly about the subject. “I recall spending a lot of time reading books to Arhaan, including school books which were read like stories. Be it school or home, learning should be a fun process and not stressful for kids. Instead of putting him in formal classes, we encouraged Arhaan to play in the park. I saw him enjoy free play the most! It helped nurture his social skills and also develop an interest towards activities of his choice. He was encouraged to pick up toys without gender bias; I think it helped him develop his love for cooking and also made him a gentle loving kid.”

RAISING CHILDREN TODAY IS NO MEAN TASK!

We keep hearing of the friend’s friend who’s son is rattling fluent mandarin at age five. Or the school mom whose daughter is already playing a few symphonies on the piano. There’s always the child Chess protégé… There is this pressure to make sure your child a Superman or Einstein or a Sachin Tendulkar.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD? IF I AM NOT PUSHY PARENT WILL MY CHILD GET LEFT BEHIND IN THE RATE RACE? WILL PUSHING THEM TOO MUCH RUIN THEIR CHILDHOOD?

Counsellor Dr. Pervin Dadachanji (M. D. Psychological Medicine, with special interest in child and adolescent psychiatry) clears it up for us, “it’s actually lovely to go for some classes that a child enjoys”. She cautions against “back-to-back classes, as they tire the kids and also they do not learn how to play on their own and do imaginative play. Also, if a child hates to go for classes then most definitely don’t force the child”.