Raising children in an evolving bustling city like Gurugram can feel like a constant tightrope walk. We want to shield our little ones from harm, yet also nurture their abilities and strengthen them to build their resilience.
So it’s always a delicate dance between protection, strengthening and catalysing development, and finding the right balance is crucial. Trickier in nuclear family or for younger parents – hence this guide to reflect on.
Fortunately, here in Gurugram, given the proximity to urban Delhi as well as rural areas, we do have a rather vibrant mix of opportunity and challenges, and so this tightrope act takes on a unique form.
We worry about traffic, pollution, and the ever-present screens vying for our children’s attention and what all to invest in – to prepare them for the future. But amidst these concerns lies rather unique opportunity to make some interesting choices in a treasure trove of trees, hills, parks & experiences – from sprawling parks and historical sites(in/near Delhi NCR) to diverse cultural hubs and educationally enriching areas – as long as we recognise that both “protecting” & “strengthening” them are as important.
So, how do we, as Gurugram parents, navigate this exciting yet demanding landscape? How do we ensure our children feel safe and loved, while also strengthening them & equipping them with the skills and confidence to face the Future in a fast changing world, with courage and curiosity?
the answer lies in striking a harmonious balance between protection and strengthening.
Here are some options to reflect on:
1. Foster Open Communication:
Create a safe space where your children feel comfortable expressing their fears, anxieties, and dreams. Talk to them openly about the realities of city life, age-appropriately of course. Listen actively, validate their feelings, and offer guidance without judgment.
2. Avoid just “stopping them” frequently (avoid too much, don’t do this,don’t do that etc) – rather try to build a Strong communication format with them, just like – as we talk with other adults so as to build foundation of Trust:
Set clear boundaries and expectations, but do so with love and understanding. Let your children know you trust them to make responsible choices within those boundaries. This fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages them to take ownership of their actions.
3. Embrace the Power of Play:
Play is not just frivolous fun & sports; it’s how children learn and grow. Encourage outdoor play in Gurugram’s many parks, over easy walking treks or frisbee picnics – say in the Aravali hills nearby, organize game nights, and let their imaginations run wild. Play especially outdoors , builds confidence, social skills, and problem-solving abilities – all essential for navigating the complexities of life. Some limited exposure to the vagaries of nature including in winters & summers can be healthy for our younger ones too, as it builds their natural immunity and physical/mental resilience – so important today and in the future.
4. Nurture Their Inner Strength:
Enroll your children in activities that build physical and mental resilience. Martial arts, yoga, dance, or nature walks or occasional morning/evening runs in the parks that abound in/near gurugram with your child can strengthen them teach them discipline, perseverance, and self-awareness. These skills will equip them to face challenges with confidence and bounce back from setbacks. As a parent, try to complement your school’s activities in the evenings/mornings or over the weekend for such outdoor fun activities with your child/children. Avoid rushing to pick up your child, if he/she has fallen (unless its serious) and try encouraging child to get up on own – and applaud on success.
5. Let Them Explore – Safely:
While it’s natural to want to keep your children under your wing, don’t be afraid to let them explore their surroundings safely. Encourage them to walk or cycle to nearby parks, run errands with and later for you within the neighbourhoods/societies you live in , or participate in age-appropriate activities outside the home, including say helping you shop, so take a package to a neighbour or pay the bill at a retail store. Such real life experiences foster independence and a sense of belonging within the community.
Remember, finding the balance is an ongoing process. There will be days when you feel like you’re leaning too far in one direction, and that’s okay. Its also ok, if it’s a hot or somewhat cold or rainy day – to go out with your child – and in the process help yourself and your child build some natural immunity. The key is to be mindful, adjust your approach as needed, and most importantly, communicate openly with your children.
Here are some resources for Gurugram parents to explore:
- The Sohna thermal springs/and hills – ideal in the winters
- Sultanpur bird sanctuary – again best in winters
- Museo camera – photography museum at Gurugram is a cool arty to explore; as is the transport museum just beyond manesar
- Take a metro train ride in off peak hours with your child, during non peak hours – its fun learning
- Visit a nearby Fire station or a closeby police station with your child – the officials on duty may welcome a child and may love to engage/show you guys around – more fun learning
- Take a walk in the Badshahpur corridor or many such green parks @ Gurugram – lots of trees and play areas for smaller kids to explore; one end of the corridor has a recycling center – managed by IAM GURGAON – certainly worth a walk through /conversation
- When you are in green natural spaces, consider bringing a magnifying glass and explore the tiny wonders of the natural world together
- Gurgaon Parent : A website and magazine providing news, resources, and events for parents in Gurugram.
- Manzil: An organization offering counseling and support services for families in Gurugram.
- OUTDOOR ADVENTURES for the Little Explorers: Spring’s mild weather is perfect for engaging in outdoor activities that your kids will love. Consider organizing a nature scavenger hunt in a nearby park or or in the Aravali Or Sultanpur nature reserve.. Additionally, cycling is a fantastic way to stay active & explore. Gurugram has several bike-friendly areas, so arrange or get a couple of bicycles and explore the city’s surroundings/neighbourhoods.
- CONSIDER FLYING A KITE WITH YOUR CHILD
- Walk in the rain with your child – a short one, can be good fun & learning and can be interesting- we promise you & you can always get back home soon & dry up.
Engage with your school teacher or other parents for more inputs/suggestions.
Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s support each other as we navigate the joys and challenges of raising strong, independent children in the wonderful city of Gurugram.
UNICEF has been emphasising the need to avoid/stop – all screen based engagement for kids upto age 12 ! …so all this will help keep them engaged on some alternatives, beyond harmful screen entertainment.
Do let us know – if you know of a child friendly space outdoors or indoors that you really enjoyed at /near Gurugram – so others reading this blog can benefit too from your experience.
Note: If you are looking for the best preschool, daycare facilities at South City-1 & Tata Primanti then we welcome to visit our school for admission for 2024-25 session.
WE STARTED OUR FIRST SCHOOL IN 2004.
OUR SCHOOLS & AFTERNOON DAYCARE CENTERS ARE COMPACT GREEN CAMPUSES – WHERE A LOT OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (PHYSICAL – NOT DIGITAL) TAKES PLACE WITH CHILDREN IN MOST WEEKS. SMALLER CAMPUS – WITH ONLY 2 SECTIONS – LIMITED CHILDREN , ALLOW US TO FOCUS ON EACH CHILD’S GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT PROPERLY.
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