While doing my meditation this morning, a beautiful realisation dawned on me. One of the things I truly love about my work is that the values I strive to instill in kids through my books, workshops, and community events – are the values I find myself naturally embracing in my life. It’s a beautiful spillover effect, having a positive influence not just on me, but also trickling down to my son.

Embracing Eco-Conscious Practices

Since writing my book “City of Stars” in 2019, eco-conscious practices have become second nature to us. We celebrate festivals and birthdays with reusable decorations, avoiding balloons and other single-use plastics. We also carry our water bottles everywhere to practice sustainability in our daily lives. This commitment also extends to the products I design. I carefully selected the materials and designed the ‘Wishing and Giving Green Christmas Kit’ for a recent workshop to ensure no waste is generated, allowing children to truly experience the spirit of a ‘Green Christmas.’

The True Spirit of Giving

The insights from the workshop also inspired me to embody the true spirit of giving. This month, I’ve gone beyond traditional donations. I not only gave away gently used clothes and shoes to keep my helpers warm and comfortable but also shared nutritious food to support their well-being. I did not blink an eye before giving away my old smartphone (which I had earlier planned to sell) to a helper whose phone had been stolen. This is when I realised that I have truly embodied the spirt of giving.

I have also come to realise that while giving to the poor or needy is important and easier, we often overlook the importance of giving back to our own families. Inspired by my Christmas workshop, where most children expressed their strong desire to play with their parents, I have started making a conscious effort to play regularly with my 10-year-old son whenever he wishes. To give back, he has started helping in household chores without being asked. In fact, in all my personal relationships, I am learning to give first instead of wishing or expecting from others.

Value-Creating Festive Gifting

Thus, every workshop, book, or event I design becomes an opportunity to not only share the values I cherish but also to cultivate those values within myself. This is how – through the ripple effect of giving – the joy of my work becomes boundless!

In particular, our book ‘City of Stars’ book (available in storybook and calendar formats) and ‘Wishing and Giving Green Christmas Kit‘ are ideal gifts for kids (ages 6-11), highlighting values relevant to this Christmas/holiday season. Feel free to message if you would like to order.

I recently met Naysa, a 14-year-old who was the youngest player on our badminton team and the youngest woman in the tournament. During a strategy session, she mostly stayed quiet until her older brother—on the opposing team—came up in the discussion. With hesitation, she admitted, “I can’t beat Bhaiya.” Without a second thought, I said, “Why not? Girls can achieve anything if they want to!” That moment became a catalyst, reminding me how self-belief is often the first step to breaking barriers.

Pushing Boundaries: Lessons from My Professional Journey

As I reflected on my words, I realized they echoed my own journey. From consulting to building LitJoys, I’ve often stepped into roles outside my comfort zone. Whether it was negotiating tough vendor deals, creating my website from scratch, or designing business plans without formal training, I’ve challenged myself to rise above perceived limits.

Similarly, Naysa’s resilience shone during the tournament. Though she lost her first match, she quickly adapted. By suggesting a new pairing strategy, she reignited her fighting spirit. Not only did she rise to the challenge against her brother, but she also held her own against taller, stronger, and more experienced players.

Resilience in Action: Staying Calm Under Pressure

What struck me most was Naysa’s unwavering composure. Facing powerful smashes and high-pressure moments, she remained calm and focused. This mental strength set her apart and reinforced that success isn’t just about winning—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the mindset to keep going. Even though our team didn’t win, Naysa emerged as a true champion. Her determination and “Never Give Up” spirit inspired everyone around her, including me.

Celebrating the Spirit of Never Giving Up

Naysa and I have a breakfast date planned to celebrate her incredible performance—a reminder of the power of self-belief, resilience, and stepping out of comfort zones.

Her journey is a testament to what girls can achieve when they believe in themselves and fight through challenges.

Here’s to all the young women like Naysa, proving that strength comes from within, and boundaries are meant to be broken!

For more inspiring stories and tips on raising resilient, confident children, join the LitJoys WhatsApp community at bit.ly/49lnh7N. Let’s nurture a new generation of unstoppable minds!

Making Learning Hindi Fun for Kids

A few years ago, I created a Hindi Riddle and Puzzle Book to make learning Hindi more engaging for kids. Back then, I struggled to get my five-year-old son interested in the language, and I knew other parents were going through similar battles. So, as part of LitJoys, I wanted to design something that would make learning Hindi more fun and rewarding for kids.

Then, during a morning walk, a senior member of our community made an interesting point. She said, “You know, in places like France or Germany, people are proud of their languages. Here, it seems like we’re moving away from Hindi.” She added, “Ekta, maybe you could help change that.” Her words stayed with me. I wanted to create something that not only made learning Hindi interesting, but also helped kids feel proud of their official language.

Designing a Hindi Door Plate: A Creative Fusion of Festivals

I realized that while the puzzle book helped get kids excited about learning Hindi, it didn’t necessarily spark pride in the language. I thought about it and asked myself, “What do kids love doing?” They love drawing and writing their names—so why not use that as a way to help them connect with Hindi?

I also wanted to make it fun, so I decided to incorporate Halloween theme since it’s something kids enjoy. And since Diwali is around the same time, a “Festive Fusion” theme just felt right. That’s how the idea of a Halloween-themed Hindi door plate took shape: something kids would enjoy making and feel proud to display.

Co-Creating Creative Activities for Kids: Designing with My Son

When I shared the idea with my son, he raised an eyebrow at first. He’d never thought about combining Hindi and Halloween! But after a moment, he smiled and said, “Mumma, not a bad idea.” That was the green light I needed.

This time, instead of creating everything myself, I decided to involve him from the start. At ten, he has his own creative ideas and is great at thinking things through. He helped decide on the size of the MDF door plates, chose Halloween elements, and even suggested using sawdust for adding texture to the letters—a fun alternative for kids who find painting tricky. I had planned to stick with just pumpkins, but he convinced me to add bats to make it extra spooky!

Designing together was a shift from how I usually work. Instead of finalizing a prototype and then testing it out, we built it as a team. It made the process more fun, and the final design felt like something we truly created together.

Bringing the Festive Fusion Workshop to Life for Kids

With our door plate ready, I decided to bring the project to the kids in our community through a workshop at our library. Kids from ages 5-15 will get an opportunity to make their own Halloween-themed Hindi door plate and try out the concept. I am excited to see how different kids respond to the idea, and how their creativity unfolds. I am also making the kit available as a DIY activity to do at home for those who are traveling to their hometown this Diwali.

While this project can work with any theme—Halloween, Diwali, Christmas, or others—I hope that it inspires families to take pride in Hindi and enjoy learning it together. Hindi is a language that connects us across regions and communities, and I’d love to see more people celebrating it.

Join Us for Creative Festive Fusion Fun!

I’m excited to see these young creators bring Halloween and Hindi together in a way that’s fun and meaningful. And I hope this is just the start of more ways for kids to experience the joy of learning Hindi.

The next morning, while on my walk, I met an author who writes Hindi books for older children and adults. He had recently compiled a list of Hindi poems for kids, written by his friend, and these poems were short, sweet, and quirky, with catchy illustrations. This sparked an idea—why not invite a group of children to recite these poems? The humour and fun in them seemed perfect to capture the kids’ attention.

As names started pouring in, the excitement grew. Many kids wanted to read their poems, some they had written, and others they found online. I encouraged them to choose whatever they wanted to share, as I firmly believe learning should never be forced—there should always be joy in it!

On Hindi Diwas, a wonderful group of enthusiastic kids arrived to recite their poems. Some added actions to their performances, while others let the words speak for themselves. I was particularly amazed by a 4-year-old boy who recited a poem with fantastic gestures. One of the moms, a supporter of Pratham Books, joined us to read a delightful Hindi story, Goal, from their collection. The event wrapped up with a memorable poem about Golgappas, read by a father-son duo who had composed it together. Seeing such active involvement from parents, especially fathers, was heartening. It echoed the core idea behind my books, which are written in a conversational style between a child, Abdu, and his parents. Creating these shared moments of joy, or as I call them, LitJoys, while learning together is at the heart of everything I strive to achieve. This Hindi Diwas event was a perfect example of joyful, collaborative learning that left everyone smiling.

Celebrating Father’s Day with a Unique Book Club Session

For our inaugural session, I chose Father’s Day as the perfect occasion to reflect on the importance of appreciating those around us—not just on special days, but every day. Wanting to break away from the typical book club format, I invited three speakers, representing a wide range of ages and experiences—from 8 to 80.

One of our speakers, a young woman, shared a heartfelt poem about her childhood memories with her father, who passed away prematurely. Her words beautifully captured the bittersweet nostalgia of growing up with and then without a father. Next, a grandfather in our community spoke about the challenge of instilling the right values in children from an early age through books, highlighting how literature can shape young minds.

The highlight for me, however, was my 8-year-old son’s contribution. He spoke about how his relationship with his father grew stronger through their shared love of reading, especially with fun comics like Tintin and Asterix. Hearing him express his joy in bonding with his father over books was a truly proud moment.

A Community United by Stories and Memories

What made the session even more special was the audience’s involvement. Many members came forward to share their own reading journeys and cherished memories with their fathers, along with words of appreciation. It was a heartwarming experience that reinforced the power of books to connect us across generations.

This session marked the beginning of what I hope will be a series of meaningful book club meetings in our community. By encouraging everyone to share their stories and perspectives, we can continue to foster a culture of reading, appreciation, and connection.

Join Us in Our Journey

If you’re passionate about building a love for reading within your community, we’d love to hear your ideas and experiences. Let’s create more moments where we come together, not just as book lovers, but as a community that values the simple joys of shared stories.

Celebrating Independence Day with Purpose in Gurugram

This past Independence Day was one for the books in the Exotica community, Gurugram. As a proud member of the Children’s Committee, I had the honor of organizing the “Eco-Friendly Freedom Run for Children,” a special event that catered to kids aged 3 to 16. Despite the unpredictable weather, we were thrilled to see over a hundred young participants join in, reflecting our community’s resilience and vibrant spirit.

Sustainability and Health: Core Values in Event Design

At LitJoys, we believe in nurturing healthy, happy children through thoughtful design, and this event was no exception. Every detail of the run was meticulously planned with sustainability and child-friendly challenges in mind. From eco-friendly fabric ribbons marking the start and finish lines to certificates and medals designed to encourage every child, we ensured that the event was environmentally conscious and motivating.

We also promoted the importance of reducing plastic waste by encouraging participants to bring their water bottles. The refreshments were equally thoughtful, featuring healthy snacks like bananas and granola bars, aligning with our commitment to children’s health and well-being.

Fostering Community Unity and Involvement

The success of this event was not just in the turnout but in the meaningful involvement of the entire community. Senior citizens volunteered to distribute refreshments and ensure safety, while security guards cheered on the young runners, and housekeeping staff worked tirelessly to clear the rain-soaked roads. This intergenerational collaboration turned a simple run into a powerful display of community unity and support.

A Proud Moment: Seeing the Potential in Our Children

The excitement and joy on the kids’ faces as they received their finisher certificates and medals made every effort worthwhile. A particularly proud moment for me was watching my 9-year-old son complete the 5k run as the youngest and fastest participant. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of free play and fewer restrictions for children, as these opportunities help them reach their true potential.

Inspiration for Future Events

The overwhelmingly positive response from our community has inspired me to continue designing events that bring joy to children and instill important values for a brighter future.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Community Stories

Have you experienced a similar sense of community spirit? I’d love to hear your stories and continue the conversation on how we can all contribute to a better future for our children.

Red is the colour of the season, but for my little boy and me, the colour pink has brought joy this Christmas! I loved playing with dolls when I was little, but grew up hating the colour pink. Like many other girls, every other piece of toy or clothing I was gifted when I was little was pink. My mom continued to gift me pink even after I turned 30. “Oh, you look so pretty in pink,” she would go when I would often complain “why do you always buy me pink?” But I could never see the prettiness in pink until my little boy developed a love for the colour.

It all started when he wanted to wear the pink hairband of his closest friend. He was more excited to ride the bright pink cycle gifted accidentally on his 3rd birthday than the red one we bought. And then we read the book The Day the Crayons Quit, in which the social notion that pink is for girls was happily broken.

From that day onwards it was pink all over for him. He wanted to colour everything pink, including the squares of a chessboard and the flag of Japan. He wanted to buy everything pink, from souvenir dolls to water bottles and toothpastes. And when he refused to wear a sweater early morning, he happily wore a pink one. And just like that, I started seeing prettiness in pink.

I made my son and his boyfriends colour their favourite objects in pink on a playdate. In the park, we started collecting beautiful pink flowers that had fallen from the Kachnar trees with heart-shaped leaves. When I asked my little one to come up with a list of things that brought joy to him over this past year, clearly the colour pink won the most hearts. So, this Christmas, to celebrate our love for pink and to keep the joyful spirit of the season, we decided to decorate our tree by making his favourite objects, from aeroplanes to strawberries and zeros, in pink besides other colours. And brought home a pink poinsettia to put under our tree to bring more joy to our hearts.

High levels of isolation and over-exposure to screens because of online learning and lack of real-time experiences are making children more anxious and angry and may lead to psychological stress. Furthermore, being locked in at home, kids are spending most of the time with their parents and finding it hard to cope with their parents’ passive-aggressive reactions towards their behaviour. 

Amidst these times, it is critical to properly deal with children’s emotions so that their mental health is not permanently impacted. As parents, you can make this challenging situation a lot more easier for your children by adopting the following ways: 

Spend Quality Time with Your Children

Take a break from your busy work schedules to spend time with your children, by reading together, playing games or engaging in other enjoyable indoor activities for kids, such as gardening, baking, dancing or colouring. This will help in calming their minds and will create a deeper bond between you and your children as well. Even spending 30 minutes to an hour with your children everyday can go a long way in making them happier.  

Connect Children with Nature

In the absence of interacting much with their peers, get them to interact with nature and make friends with the plants, birds and other living beings. Watering plants or bird-feeding, for example, will bring your children great joy and will help them cope with the isolation effects of lockdown. It will also instill a great sense of empathy in them, which is the most fundamental skill of our times.

Happy Healthy Parents Make Happy Healthy Children

In these trying times, it is imperative to keep your own mental health in check as well. Take some time out of your busy schedule and indulge in exercise and your hobbies like walking, running, playing a sport, yoga, meditation, reading, gardening, cooking or more for stress management or rejuvenating yourself. Children often imitate their parent’s behaviour. If you shout at them, they will yell back. Instead, try to stay calm when you are dealing with them. 

Lend an Ear to Your Children and Appreciate Them

You should provide enough support to your children to minimise their anxiety and anger. Lend a listening ear to them when they are sharing their feelings or emotions. When your children are having a meltdown, instead of reacting and accusing them of negative behaviour, give them a hug and indulge together in a fun activity for kids and reason out with them when they are calm. Also appreciate the small things they do everyday, to give a valuable boost to their self-esteem and bring back their smiles.

Here’s a fun activity for kids that I did with my 6 year old son to make him more aware of his feelings:

“I asked him to draw a big heart on a piece of paper and write down what having a ‘vast or a big heart’ means to him. He came up with traits like ‘Does not get angry’, ‘Does not bully or tease’ and ‘Believes in the goodness of everyone.’ I then asked him to put the drawing on the pin-up board on his desk so that he can see it every day and always remember them. Now whenever he gets angry or indulges in any negative behaviour, I remind him of the ‘vast heart’. As a result of this activity, he has become more aware of his feelings and is making a conscious effort to change them.”

– Ekta Ohri, Founder-LitJoys

DON’Ts

Do not disrespect your child’s perspective or emotions 

It may seem like a small issue to you but for your child it means a big thing. Don’t say things like “why are you making fuss over such a small thing.There’s nothing to get so upset about.” They will end up rebelling or feeling more angry otherwise.

Do not tell your child how to feel

Don’t make comments like Don’t be angry,” or “Stop getting so upset!” They may cause children to get even more upset in response. In contrast, however, they frequently calm down when we parents simply help identify their feelings.

Do not lose your temper 

It’s important to model the behavior you want to see for your child. If you lose it and start yelling and throwing an adult-style tantrum of your own, your child will see this type of behavior as something that’s acceptable at your house.

DO’s 

Ask what’s wrong

Kids just want to be heard, and throwing a tantrum is often the best way they know how to express themselves. Taking your child seriously by asking what’s wrong and actually listening to the response can help. Hold your child and give them your full attention so they have time to explain.

Give clear explanations instead of just saying “no”

Many parents just say “no” and “because I said so” instead of explaining the reason why, but that’s frustrating for kids. You don’t have to give a long-winded explanation, but providing a reason for your actions will help the child make sense of things and feel more in control of the situation.

Help your child feel loved no matter what 

Sometimes kids throw tantrums because they just want some extra love and attention. Withholding love is never a good policy when it comes to disciplining a child. No matter what, your child should know that you love them no matter what. Hug your child and say “I love you,” even if you’re very frustrated with their behavior.