A Parents' Guide To Less Screen, More Play For Children

New Delhi: As technology is progressing, screens have taken over childhood. Gone are the days when parents made their children return home after a long day of outdoor play. Play is essential for early childhood growth and learning, and encouraging children to actively participate is critical to their overall development.

This is the idea behind the 'Bachpan Manao', an initiative by EkStep Foundation and NDTV. This social mission aims to improve early childhood learning through playful and engaging experiences that support holistic development.

Several people recognise the significance and impact of these early transformative years, as well as the value of playing more. Deepali Soam, an educationist and content creator, shares practical and fun ways for parents to reduce screen time and make room for more play. Here are some key tips Deepali suggests for parents to inculcate less screen and more play.

• Pretend Play: It involves roleplaying, which develops their imaginative powers and other life skills for future situations.
• Sensory Bins: These activities promote brain development and also encourage the development of various social skills.
• Drawing & Sorting: While simple and basic, these activities enhance the creativity of the children and their ability to think outside the box.
• Water Play: It's a great physical exercise that develops core strength and gross motor skills in children.
• Free Play: Free play allows the freedom to explore and imagine, which helps in developing social and emotional strengths.
• Outdoor Play: Playing outdoors helps with the overall development of the children, which mostly focuses on the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Sunisha Ahuja, Education Specialist, UNICEF India, emphasises the deep importance of recognising play as a fundamental part of childhood that shapes a child's personality and builds on their creative abilities.

She said,

"Play must be celebrated and nurtured every single day."

Explaining the importance of childhood as a setting foundation for the future, Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President of the Early Childhood Association, passionately advocates for reclaiming childhood from overscheduling and digital distractions. She explains how important it is for children to play instead of attending numerous classes and using electronics.

She said, 

“Every parent should teach their children these four vital things – chit-chat, games, exercise and meditation.”

By consciously fostering pretend play, sensory exploration, and creative arts, we can ensure our children develop the crucial life skills and creativity necessary for holistic growth and a joyful childhood. To make this further successful, parents must play their roles effectively while also engaging and connecting with their children regularly!

Take the pledge to ensure less screen, more play for your children. Log on to: ndtv.com/bachpanmanao