KATHMANDU:

The Ideal English Higher Secondary School organised a seminar on ‘Better Parenting’ at the Nepal Academy recently. The role of parents in the development of a child’s progress — both mentally and physically — were presented by different key note speakers.

Sapna Thapa, director of Mother’s Care International gave a presentation on ‘Importance of early childhood education’. She offered valuable information on early childhood education and children’s development process from the time they start school. The mental , physical and emotional development of children are of vital significance and the ways in which parents could assist in helping them cope with developments were dealt in Thapa’s discourse.

Reshmi Shrestha, dietician from the National Kidney Centre, shared her views on the importance of nutritious and a balanced diet for growing children, and how parents can play a major role in providing a diet suitable to their needs.

Reiny DeWit, director of Early Childhood Education Centre, spoke about the role of being better and effective parents. She said parents’ role should not be confined to academics alone but encompass the all-round development of a child. DeWit emphasised the need of parents to offer quality time to their children by talking to them during meal times.

The other topics discussed were importance of extra curricular activities in a child’s life and effective use and maintenance of a school diary on a regular basis. It also highlighted that pre-primary children do not require time-based routine on a day-to-day basis. The use of English language in the global context was highlighted and ways parents can help their children have a better understanding and fluency of the language. The importance of English language offering opportunities in any professional career was also stressed.