PUNE: Walnut Child Development Clinics, a Pune-headquartered network of child development centres founded in 2019, is urging parents to replace “wait and watch” with “early checks” when they notice small but repeated developmental concerns. Many challenges begin quietly, then become harder for the child and family as school demands increase and daily routines get more complex. A simple screening or early assessment can help families understand whether a child is within typical developmental variation, needs monitoring, or would benefit from timely support.

Walnut Clinics recommends a basic check-up when parents notice repeated developmental concerns. These may include late talking, unclear speech, limited eye contact, difficulty following instructions, frequent meltdowns, or short attention span. Other signs can include clumsiness, sensory sensitivities (noise, touch, or textures), feeding challenges, delays in play skills, or struggles with pre-academic readiness. Early action can reduce frustration for the child, bring clarity to caregivers, and make home and school support more structured and doable.

Walnut Clinics offers integrated care through a coordinated team of certified Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Special Educators, and Behavioural Therapists, working together under one roof. Services include early screening and assessments, speech therapy, fluency and voice therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, behavioural therapy, remedial education, paediatric physiotherapy, parent counselling, and group therapy/support sessions. The clinics commonly support children with autism, ADHD, speech delay, learning disabilities, sensory processing concerns, and developmental delays.

“Parents often tell us they were hoping their child would ‘grow out of it,” said Dr. Chanchal Agrawal, Founder & Clinical Director, Walnut Child Development Clinics. “Sometimes that happens, but when it doesn’t, the child may start feeling ‘I can’t’ long before anyone says it out loud. An early screening isn’t about labels; it’s about clarity on what’s typical, what needs watching, and what we can begin strengthening right away.”

“Walnut was built on one simple belief: families shouldn’t have to run from one specialist to another for answers,” said the Founding Team at Walnut Child Development Clinics. “When professionals collaborate, speech, occupational therapy, psychology, special education, and behaviour support, parents get a clearer roadmap, children get consistent goals, and progress becomes visible not just in the clinic, but at home and in the classroom.”

Walnut’s programmes focus on functional, measurable skills, including communication, attention, play, self-care, handwriting readiness, motor planning, emotional regulation, and classroom participation, with a strong focus on a holistic approach that supports the child across home, school, and social environments. Therapy plans are personalised, reviewed at regular intervals, and designed to be parent-friendly so families can practice strategies confidently at home, and schools can align support where needed.

With 5,000+ families served, Walnut Child Development Clinics currently operates in Kharadi, Fatima Nagar, Tingre Nagar, PCMC, and Baramati. Appointments are available for in-clinic evaluations, therapy programmes,s and parent guidance sessions.

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The centre is for all children, including those with neurodivergent developmental profiles or learning differences, and provides screening assessments in the early years to pick up delays and refer children for appropriate medical or therapeutic evaluation. Regular developmental check-ups help identify whether a child is on track or needs extra support. Children art artwork is displayed in the form of an activity sheet in sequence, creating a visual record of progress made by kids in fine motor skills, coordination, and confidence, giving clinicians and parents a simple way to follow the child’s journey. The Center also supports first-time parents in their parenting journey, helping them understand normal development and age-appropriate milestones with clarity and confidence.

The Child Development Department, “Roots to Wings”, is led by Consultant Occupational Therapist *Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala. The core medical team includes **Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Abhijit Botre, **Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Sandesh Runwal, *Neonatologist & Paediatrician Dr. Ashwin Borade, and Speech Therapist Ms Mrunmayi Londe, supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and special educators.

The centre offers developmental and behavioural assessments; physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language therapies; psychological counselling and remedial education. Individualised therapy goals are set after evaluation and reviewed at regular intervals. Parent-training sessions, group workshops, and awareness talks for schools and neighbourhood communities help red flags be recognised early and children referred without delay. As part of this initiative, Inamdar Hospital also trains kindergarten teachers to recognise early developmental and emotional concerns and support children with neurodevelopmental needs in the classroom, with some sessions held alongside group therapies to link classroom and clinical care.

Speaking about the vision behind Roots to Wings, Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala said, “Parents often tell us they felt something was ‘not quite right’ but did not know where to go or whom to ask. We want families to find accurate guidance, timely intervention, and a place where they feel heard, supported, and never judged.”

The team at Roots to Wings believes that developmental health is as important as physical health. They emphasise that neurodevelopmental differences – such as communication delays, learning difficulties, or attention-related concerns – are not simply “naughtiness” or “laziness”, and that many children do better when these issues are recognised early and managed with understanding. They encourage every parent to consider at least one visit to a child development centre if they are unsure about any aspect of their child’s progress. Even when the signs are subtle, or everything seems normal, the reassurance and clarity can be a lifelong gift. The mission behind Roots to Wings is to support a healthier, happier next generation and stand beside parents, so no one has to look back and wonder if a simple early visit could have given their child an easier, brighter start.

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HINJAWADI, PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration that blended love for parents with concern for the environment, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi, celebrated Parents’ Day with a meaningful outdoor activity, a community hike, and a plantation drive at Quadron Hill.

Gathering the school’s fundamental values of family bonding, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning, the celebration witnessed active participation by students and parents from all grades, from little tots at Montessori to confident learners in Grade 9.

The morning started with a spirited hike up Quadron Hill, as over 60 parents accompanied their children in enjoying the beauty of nature and well-being. The sound of families’ laughter was heard throughout the trails, making the morning a happy, collective experience.

The day’s highlight was a special plantation drive. With close to 80 saplings being planted by parent-student pairs, the green initiative was a beacon of growth, fostering, and shared responsibility in building a greener tomorrow. Every sapling symbolized a promise to nurture, guard, and cultivate together as a community.

Adding some creativity and emotional flair, students sang soulful music specially dedicated to their parents, giving thanks and appreciation in song. The celebration was rounded out by endearing handmade gifts: love-made neckties for fathers, and “Super Mom” badges pinned with pride on mothers’ offerings that brought smiles, giggles, and a few tears of joy.

“Parents’ Day is a call to the unseen but invaluable support families bring in a child’s life. By infusing celebration with purpose, we tried to make memories joyous, meaningful, and value-based,” said Sonika Kochhar Girotra, Principal, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi. “It was heartwarming to witness our students and parents connect over nature and purpose, the golden blend of learning and compassion.”

Ryan International Academy keeps redefining learning by integrating it harmoniously with intention, compassion, and social connection, one touching event at a time.

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PUNE: Godrej Jersey recently surveyed Indian parents to understand their rationale for giving milk to their children. While some highlighted the need to remain fit and weight management in addition to gaining some energy and as a meal replacement, 62%of Pune-based parents and 60% of parents across the country said that they give milk to their kids to maintain intake of calcium.

Titled ‘Bottoms Up…India Says Cheers to Milk!’ the comprehensive study covering consumer responses from Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, provides valuable insights into evolving consumer preferences and industry trends. Beyond understanding the parents’ rationale for giving milk to their children, the survey also tried to understand which milk-based products they prefer for their kids.

Commenting on the findings, Bhupendra Suri, CEO, of Godrej Jersey said, “Multiple research studies globally and in India have proven the nutritional value of milk which is good for children. Consisting of high nutritional quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, it is widely an imperative for growing children. Amidst this, it is encouraging to see from our consumer survey why parents prefer to give milk to their kids.”

Another interesting insight that came from the report was that 90% of Indian kids drink milk more than 4-5 times a week and more than 40% of parents were open to considering flavored milk as a school meal, or for consumption during the day, or more specifically during playtime!

The survey was designed and conducted by YouGov. Creamline Dairy Products Limited, a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), a diversified food and agri-business conglomerate of Godrej Group sells the products under the brand name Godrej Jersey.

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PUNE: Join us this Mother’s Day for a unique celebration at the ‘MomStory Pregnancy Carnival’, hosted by MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, a leading maternity and childcare provider in Pune. This event is an opportunity for all the expecting couples where they can enjoy a morning filled with excitement, education, and engagement, highlighted by the presence of the celebrity chief guest, Bipasha Basu.

    Date: Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Time: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM

    Venue: The Jewel Ballroom, The Westin, Koregaon Park, Pune (Ground Floor)

The carnival promises an array of activities exclusively tailored for expecting couples:

• Get Famous – Snap memorable photos with Bipasha Basu.
• Get Chatty – Participate in interactive sessions with Bipasha, sharing insights and experiences.
• Get Toned – Join in on Zumba sessions led by expert instructors, tailored for pregnancy wellness.
• Get Lucky – Win exciting prizes through various lucky draws.
• Get Energized – Dive into engaging activities designed for expecting couples to enjoy together.

Bonus – Take advantage of special on-the-spot booking offers for MomStory’s luxurious birthing suites and comprehensive maternity care services.

Prior Registration is compulsory due to limited spots available. To secure your place and celebrate Mother’s Day in a special way, please call on 8888822222 to register. Hurry, as spots are filling fast!

The MomStory Pregnancy Carnival is your chance to celebrate the joy of parenthood in a festive atmosphere filled with fun, learning, and community building. Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune is excited to host this special event dedicated to expectant mothers and their families.

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PUNE: Expanding the reach of the micro-schooling concept in India, Dreamtime Learning Hub is set to add another micro-schooling hub in one of the largest IT cities, Pune. Located at Kalyani Nagar, a prime residential and commercial hub in eastern Pune, the hub aims to provide an interactive and immersive learning experience. The hub is partnered with Goenka Education and named Goenka Education’s Dreamtime Learning Hub.  It is aesthetically designed and offers learning experiences with a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology.

The company launched its first micro-school in Hyderabad in March 2023 and within one year, it received a favorable response from parents and students across the city.

Micro-schooling is a community-based concept that exclusively focuses on hyper-personalized curriculum and is also becoming an emerging trend in the Indian market. Many parents, such as kids from affluent families, HNIs, or the entertainment industry, are shifting to micro-schooling due to its flexibility, personalized learning, and competitive costs compared to traditional schools. It is also driven by a growing demand for flexible education options and has a smaller student-teacher ratio.

Lina Ashar, Founder of Dreamtime Learning Hub, said, “We are excited to expand and open our first micro-schooling hub in Pune, following the success of our hub in Hyderabad. It is exciting to see the adoption of personalized learning among parents compared to the traditional model. This huge transition has been phenomenal over the past year, and our positive response in Hyderabad increased our pace to strengthen our presence in other major cities. We have observed a huge population of nuclear families in the city, and it is a challenge for every parent to balance between their work life and their child’s education. To help them meet the gap, our micro-schooling hub will prove to be a one-of-a-kind school focusing on personalized learning.  With this, we aim to emphasize the importance of a hyper-personalized curriculum and believe education should be a life-changing experience for every kid.”

The first microschooling hub in Pune provides tech-enabled experiential learning for learners aged 3 to 16 years old. It also brings an exclusive community of 180 learners who can co-create and learn alongside the child in an experiential, engaging, and collaborative environment. The hub also adopts a collaborative approach and focuses on social-emotional learning.

Sudhir Chandra Goenka, Chairman of Goenka Global Education said, “I am proud to foster a strong association with Ms Lina Ashar and drive her legacy and her dream project to new heights. Creating a distinctive path for young minds, she has dedicatedly worked hard to transform the concept of learning and teaching methodology. We have been continuously thriving in our presence in the education segment, and over the years, we have built a learning community that inspires children. This partnership will add our recognition in society and expand the image of Ms Lina Ashar as an industry expert in hyper-personalised learning”.

Giving a wider realm to personalized learning, Dreamtime Learning Hub offers exceptional facilities that cater to the diverse learning needs of students. The facilities include the community hub, studio space, drone, robotic space, learning hub, tree house, animal petting corner, and more, providing learners with opportunities that promote academic and personal growth.

With these best-in-class facilities, Dreamtime Learning Hub paved the way for future expansion. Hence, the company aims to replicate its model in other academic hubs such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi.

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The survey received data from over 400 pet parents, and the results revealed that 38% of GenZ pet parents are willing to shift to online vet consultations. Additionally, 51% of pet parents in Tier I cities express a strong desire for online veterinary consultations, while 44% of pet parents from Tier II and III cities would readily embrace online consultations for specialized expertise. However, only 16% of pet parents avail of online consultations in India, and 30% of pet parents encounter challenges with the accessibility of veterinary services in their respective areas.

India is home to over 32 million pets, and the Indian pet healthcare industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.17%, with the potential to reach up to INR 7000 crore. However, the country boasts only 5,000-7,000 companion veterinarians, resulting in a ratio of just one vet for every 5,000 pets. This significant gap in the ratio underscores the essential role of tele-consultations in bridging this gap. It will help people gain access to expert veterinarians for their furry babies.

The growing awareness of Indian pet parents has led to increased demand for specialized services and a surge in veterinary clinics and pet insurance offerings. Aman Tekriwal, co-founder of Supertails, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “The insights from this survey shed light on the challenges faced by India’s pet-parenting community, particularly those seeking healthcare for their pets. It is evident that pawrents often encounter difficulties due to limited resources. This survey reveals the importance of creating awareness on online veterinary consultations and pet healthcare as there is a huge scope for pet care brands to solve the issues being faced by pet parents in India.“

In a country where pets are now beloved members of the family, access to quality pet healthcare is paramount. However, the survey shows that only 35% of dog parents adhere to regular 3-month check-ups, compared to 32% of cat parents. This highlights the critical need for pet parents to recognize the importance of regular veterinary consultations for the overall well-being of their furry companions.

The data also revealed that 49% of pet parents tend to overlook the importance of timely deworming for their furry friends. Similarly, around 41% of pet parents occasionally forget to ensure that their pets receive their vaccinations as scheduled. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for education and awareness initiatives regarding essential pet healthcare practices, particularly emphasizing the vital roles of both deworming and vaccinations in ensuring the overall well-being of our cherished animal companions.

In conclusion, the survey conducted by Supertails highlights the growing demand for online veterinary consultations in India. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by India’s pet-parenting community and the significance of creating awareness on online veterinary consultations and pet healthcare. With the pet healthcare industry expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.17%, there is a huge scope for pet care brands to solve the issues being faced by pet parents in India.

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The Unaccompanied Minor service can be booked on the airline’s website, airindiaexpress.com, or airport sales counters at a starting price of [?]5,000. Young flyers will be welcomed personally by the airline staff at the terminal before the airport security checks and assisted throughout all the regulated travel formalities at the airport. A valid photo identification document for both the child and the parent or guardian is required at departure and arrival for verification, and the parent or guardian is required to accompany the child to the airport and arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure for domestic flights.

On arrival, airline staff will accompany and assist the child through the airport arrival process until they are safely reunited with their parent or guardian. The Unaccompanied Minor services are the latest in a host of integrated product and service offerings extended by Air India Express and AIX Connect in the run-up to their merger.

Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, shared, “We are always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience of our guests. With the extension of Unaccompanied Minor services to all our domestic sectors, we aim to provide a comfortable and welcoming flying experience to young explorers traveling solo. The well-being of our young flyers is of paramount importance to us, and our dedicated staff will ensure a seamless and secure journey for young travelers from check-in till arrival.“

Air India Express and AirAsia India are widely credited for offering a delicious range of oven-hot meals as part of the in-flight dining brand, ‘Gourmair,’ including kids meals, healthy, vegan, and Jain options, MasterChef Specials, Regional Favourites, All-Day Breakfast, Seasonal Fruits, Lite Bites and Delectable Desserts. Young flyers will also be in for a treat with the airline’s in-flight entertainment hub, Airflix. AirFlix offers a host of customized options, including games, ed-tech content, articles, and much more, to keep young flyers engaged throughout their journey.

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INDIA: Over 80%of parents surveyed in a study on Cross-Country Parental Awareness of Early Interventions in relation to baby skincare are keen to embrace preventative treatments in order to delay the onset of dry, itchy, sensitive skin conditions (which may or may not be related to atopic or eczema prone skin). Helping protect the child was the key reason the parents gave while looking for preventative treatment. In India, 57% of parents are likely to use a moisturizer, before symptoms appeared, even if they suspected their child was high-risk of developing sensitive skin conditions. Just 26% of the parents were either unsure or unlikely to use moisturizer to delay the onset of eczema-like symptoms.

Emerging research from an independent clinical study conducted out of the University of Cork suggests that early intervention methods in atopic-prone skin may help to protect the skin barrier which consequently may reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis[1]. These methods include consulting a child’s doctor for a recommended plan of action, daily application of emollients, and practicing gentle skincare routines.

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SCREENING TO UNDERSTAND SENSITIVE SKIN CONDITIONS

Recent data as shared at the 25^th World Congress of Dermatology in Singapore suggests that children with a family history of allergic conditions may benefit from screening to assess their likelihood of developing dry, itchy, sensitive skin conditions (which may or may not be related to atopic or eczema prone skin). Kenvue’s Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. subsidiary supported a study to investigate whether certain markers of skin health could predict the risk of having atopic or eczema-prone skin, in children from birth.  The study found that specific markers of skin inflammation tended to be higher in children who later developed atopic dermatitis. This advancement in health care suggests that skin health markers might have a place in clinical practice to be used to predict the progression of the condition. Additionally, these markers may help identify individuals who could benefit from early measures, such as using moisturizers to maintain skin health.

Keshan Gunasinghe, Head of APAC R&D for Kenvue said, “This emergent study that we have presented at the World Congress of Dermatology helps us understand skin surface markers for children at risk of developing dry, itchy, sensitive skin conditions (which may or may not be related to atopic or eczema prone skin). These insights will be pivotal as we continue delivering innovative and trusted pediatric skin health solutions built on strong scientific evidence through close collaboration with the pediatric dermatology community.”

GAP BETWEEN AWARENESS OF HOW TO DELAY SYMPTOMS, AND ACTION TAKEN

Daily emollient use is a cornerstone of managing compromised skin barrier conditions, in order to maintain skin hydration and reduce water loss due to the dysfunction of the epidermal barrier (outermost layer of the skin). A breakdown in the epidermal barrier due to Atopic prone skin contributes to water loss, which can lead to xerosis (dry skin).

A deterioration in the condition can negatively impact a child’s psychological health and daily life. Only 1 in 4 parents surveyed felt that dry, itchy, sensitive skin conditions (which may or may not be related to atopic or eczema-prone skin) impacted a child’s quality of sleep and associated sleep disturbances with the condition while over 50% associate the condition with irritability and around 12% with low self-esteem.

The survey signals that there is a knowledge gap between awareness of sensitive skin conditions and their preventative solutions versus action taken to appropriately reduce the frequency of symptoms exhibited. 45% of parents in India did not realize there were any preventative solutions available while over 69% of parents were not aware that they needed to use preventative solutions.

In fact, over 55% of parents are unsure about the significance of preventative measures & the potential cost associated with the prevention approach.

Gunasinghe said, “We know that all parents want what is best for their child and it is heartening that a majority would try preventative methods, including consulting with their healthcare professional first. The application of emollients should be part of parents’ management routine for atopic or eczema-prone skin[2]. 1% colloidal oatmeal-based emollients help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, potentially preventing the penetration of allergens and fostering subsequent allergen sensitization.[3]”

[1] Ní Chaoimh C, Lad D, Nico C, Puppels GJ, Wong XFCC, Common JE, Murray DM, Irvine AD, Hourihane JO. Early initiation of short-term emollient use for the prevention of atopic dermatitis in high-risk infants-The STOP-AD randomized controlled trial. Allergy. 2023 Apr;78(4):984-994. doi 10.1111/all.15491. Epub 2022 Sep 8. PMID: 35997592.

[2] Cezmi A. Akdis, Mubeccel Akdis, Thomas Bieber, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adults: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology/American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology/PRACTALL Consensus Report

[3] Skin Barrier Basics for People With Eczema

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Unfortunately, in the UK, despite a considerable number of people enquiring about this role, there is a shortage of foster carers. One of the main reasons for this is that prospective foster carers worry that they will not be able to create a strong bond with a foster child. However, there are several simple things foster carers can do to increase their chances of bonding with a foster child. If you like the idea of being a foster carer and want to know how to bond with a foster child, check out the tips below. Bonding with a foster child is often much easier than you’d think:

1.      Spend Time with Them

Perhaps the easiest way to bond with your foster child is by spending quality time with them. This doesn’t just mean having dinner together or being in the same room when they get home from school. It means spending quality time with them doing something they enjoy.

2.      Listen to Them

Whether you’re fostering in Coventry or another part of the UK, there’s a high possibility that your child has been through some trauma. Foster carers who want to create a strong bond with their foster children need to be willing to listen to them about their experiences or anything else they want to discuss. However, you mustn’t force this conversation. Your foster child will talk to you when they are ready.

3.      Praise

Another great tip to help you bond with your foster child is to praise them at every opportunity. If your foster child displays any kind of positive behavior, even if it’s only a small thing, make sure you tell them how proud you are of them.

4.      Offer Physical Contact

Research suggests that bonding with a foster child can be enhanced by touch. Most children enjoy some form of physical contact, such as being hugged by their foster carers, or handholding. However, it’s essential to be aware that some children may have experienced physical abuse and may not appreciate this. Talk to your foster child about what is acceptable to them before you try any of these things.

While being a foster carer has many benefits, welcoming a new child into your home can be daunting. Many foster carers worry that they will struggle to create a strong bond with the children they are placed with. However, thankfully, this is very rarely the case. Most foster carers feel an instant bond with the children in their care.

Image by pachecopablo90 from Pixabay

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