Interactive parent-infant programmes at schools help parents & toddlers bond over lessons

Once upon a time, storytelling happened at bedtime, when parents tucked toddlers in bed and introduced them to Goldilocks and her three bears or Cinderella in her pumpkin carriage. But with the changing pace of life, this ritual has now undergone a slight change. The bedroom has been replaced by a more sophisticated classroom and the time, from night to early morning. If you don’t find enough time on hand to spend with your kids, schools have absorbing and interactive parent-infant bonding programmes meant to rid you of your guilt and help you understand your toddler better.

The first few days of school are not only a telling time for infants, but parents too, who can’t relate to the fact that their little ones are all by themselves. Precisely why, at the Strawberry Fields, one parent accompanies the child for the first few days and helps the little one get familiar and cozy in a brand-new environment and also getting to know the teacher, other parents, peers and the programme that is designed specially for toddlers. The child gains from the feeling of security that comes with the presence of parents, points out Atul Khanna, Director of the school. The parents are involved in singing rhymes, putting away toys appropriately, play and story time and in the process the parents enjoy moments of watching their little ones grow, which they will miss when the child goes to the higher classes and in a big school. “Regular parent-child and teacher interaction creates a special bond and is not only beneficial for children, but also the schools who get inputs to strengthen the system and add more value to the teaching, which is both value-based,’’ Khanna says through feedback from parents they constantly work towards improving the curriculum. Farah, mother of 21-month-old Aarav feels there are things that one tends to ignore at home, while in a group the child’s three core areas: motor skills, creative skills and language skills, through colouring, building blocks, puppet shows and storytelling sessions dramatically improve. What’s best, the environment is not competitive and the child is merely exposed to different concepts. “To foster a feeling of interaction, we have coffee meets for mothers, who can bond, catch up on their children’s progress and understand and handle the child better,’’ smiles Atul.

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