Toys are critical for child development

The earliest memories I have of my childhood is of me draping my mother’s dupatta and running around the house like a grown-up. I had a tiny little corner I loved –isn’t it funny how a 4y old instinctively understands the concept of “personal space”. I used to sit there for hours with a newspaper, a glass of water, my two dolls and a slab. Happily, I would cut newspapers to dress-up my dolls (frocks and underwear were in fashion then), cook food for them (simply adding water into tiny pieces of mashed paper) and making dolls converse everyday on a new topic. I remember my father didn’t like it – it looked like I was wasting time. My mother supported me – I was learning she said 🌻.

Now I understand what she meant🌞. I was exploring the world in a fun way. Each movement was improving my hand-eye-motor co-ordination. Each new story was developing my thinking ability. Slowly, I was strengthening my psychosocial & emotional balance. Often, we ignore, but these small games are very important for child to be part of the society as a healthy grown-up.

Looking at my daughter today, I want to protect her just like my mother as she converses with the world through her tiny little fingers and creations. While the conditions when I grew up (joint family, large open spaces, friendly neighbourhoods) are not same as today (nuclear family, nanny at house, closed indoors, minimum neighbour interaction), I want to give her the most fulfilling childhood experiences. I promise myself to let her imagination spread its wings and take her places. 🌈

To all my millennial fellow parents ❤️- most mental and behavioral issues have their roots in one’s childhood experiences. Lets play our part in enriching child’s play – and believe me, its often easy. Just equip them with the right toys to spark creativity!💫