A few days ago, we all woke up to the news of Ratan Tata’s passing. Since then, I’ve been reading countless stories about how he impacted the lives of so many people—those he knew and even those he didn’t. It got me thinking, What does true success really look like? While I was mulling over this, my daughter came to me excitedly, sharing how one of her classmates had scored a perfect 100/100 in their mid-term exams. I could see it in her eyes—she saw that as success. And why wouldn’t she? As kids, they’re constantly shown that grades are a way to be recognized, praised, and celebrated. It’s natural for them to think that’s the ultimate goal. But as we started talking more, it hit me how much the idea of success changes as we grow up. For kids, success often starts with those grades or trophies. As adults, though, our definitions can shift in so many directions. For some, it’s about climbing the career ladder, making money, or gaining recognition. For others, it’s more about perso...
AI and Children—Is There Something in Common? One of the most fundamental questions of our time is: As AI becomes more intelligent, what will happen to humanity? Will it surpass us? Will it take over jobs meant for our children. These questions can stir anxiety, but understanding a deeper connection between AI and human development—especially in children—might offer clarity and even comfort. Data: The Common Thread When a child is born, the first six years of life are almost entirely devoted to data collection . Yes— DATA is the key word here. This data includes both cognitive and emotional inputs. It forms the blueprint for how a child will think, feel, behave, and interact with the world. For example, if a child sees violence being justified in movies or experiences aggression at home due to parental stress, those become data points in their brain. The child learns: "This is how the world works." Similarly, AI systems are shaped by the data they are...
As I am putting together my years of research in early education into structured format on The7cs and I am revisiting my notes. One question dawned upon me. Approaching early years with an experiential learning has to be the only way then why most of us are ok with traditional way? As I started thinking more it dawned upon me that educators who curated book and desk model of education did not realize that early years of child's development are not same as later years. There is so much more that needs to done for optimal brain development and we cannot achieve that with book and desk model. Here are few thoughts of mine on this subject. When we think of education, we often imagine books, desks, and structured lessons. But apply that image to a toddler—and it quickly falls apart. The early years of a child’s life are fundamentally different from the school years. During this time, the brain is developing at an extraordinary pace. Often called the “sponge years,” ages 0 to 6 a...
A few days ago, we all woke up to the news of Ratan Tata’s passing. Since then, I’ve been reading countless stories about how he impacted the lives of so many people—those he knew and even those he didn’t. It got me thinking, What does true success really look like? While I was mulling over this, my daughter came to me excitedly, sharing how one of her classmates had scored a perfect 100/100 in their mid-term exams. I could see it in her eyes—she saw that as success. And why wouldn’t she? As kids, they’re constantly shown that grades are a way to be recognized, praised, and celebrated. It’s natural for them to think that’s the ultimate goal. But as we started talking more, it hit me how much the idea of success changes as we grow up. For kids, success often starts with those grades or trophies. As adults, though, our definitions can shift in so many directions. For some, it’s about climbing the career ladder, making money, or gaining recognition. For others, it’s more about perso...
As a child, I often rode through rice fields, watching small plants shooting up from still water. I'd marvel at the patience farmers must have for the entire growth process. Looking back now, I realize the universal law of pause is fundamental to life. In these pauses, we discover the beauty unfolding in every experience. Yet, in today's world, we're constantly seeking distractions. Even for our children, we fill their schedules to keep them occupied, with toys, activities, and screens. This constant stimulation prevents them from learning how to pause and appreciate. Our brains are shaped by our early environment, but it's equally vital to provide opportunities for them to understand the power of pause. Instead of rushing to entertain your child, take them for a walk to experience the beauty around them. Star or cloud gazing can be another enriching activity. Sitting quietly and listening to a beautiful song together can also foster appreciation. So, take a pause, ...
I can vividly recall the first time I left my three-year-old alone in his preschool. It felt like my heart sank inside me. A thousand questions raced through my mind: What if he needs something? Who will feed him? What if another child hurts him? Today, he's a 17-year-old young man who tells me, "Take a break, you need rest. I'll take care of things." It's amazing how parents grow alongside their children. When our children start going to preschool alone, they're confronted with new people, environments, and routines. For parents, it's one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences. Having been in the preschool environment for almost two decades now, I've seen that children take a day or two to realize they're safe and can have fun in this new environment. However, it takes much longer for us as adults to trust and have faith in the caregivers. Every moment in these environments teaches children something or lays the foundation for their future life....
