Rediscover Everyday Childhood With The Bachpan Is Gr8 Toolkit

The EkStep Foundation and NDTV have come together to remind people that childhood is not something to rush through. Our campaign, Bachpan Manao, focuses on helping young children in India make the most of their early years. Instead of chasing perfection or putting pressure on kids, the initiative encourages families to notice, value and support everyday learning moments. Because for children, growth does not only happen in classrooms – it happens at home, during play, in conversations, and even in quiet pauses.

What Is 'Bachpan Is Gr8' Toolkit?

As part of this campaign, a new resource called the Bachpan is Gr8 Toolkit has been launched. The idea behind it is refreshingly simple: childhood is already full of learning, we just need to recognise it. The toolkit does not ask parents to do anything extra or complicated. Instead, it offers small, easy ideas that can fit into daily routines.

Eight Small Ideas That Make A Big Difference

At the heart of the toolkit are eight “wonders” of childhood. These include play, social bonding, all-round skills, education, creativity, stories, nature and quiet time. Each of these focuses on a different part of a child's development. For example, play helps children explore and solve problems, while social bonding teaches patience and connection. Simple activities like peek-a-boo, storytelling, helping in the kitchen, or even watering plants are all part of this learning journey.

Why Parents Are Already Doing Enough

Dr Swati Popat Vats, President of the Podar Education Network, who has spent several years mentoring parents and writing about the importance of early childhood, shared her thoughts on the initiative. She said,

“Parents are already doing all these great things in parenting. Maybe the anxious parenting bit overshadows the aspect that you already have the magic in parenting. For example, when a child comes from school, and you ask them how their day was, that's stories for you.”

Dr Vats also pointed out how everyday moments like bedtime stories, walks in nature, or even simple family time count as meaningful experiences for children. “So the magic is there. It just needs to be rediscovered again,” she added.

And that is really what Bachpan is Gr8 is about – not adding more to a parent's plate, but helping them see the value in what they already do.