(The forthcoming book: From the Principal’s Desk – A Journey of Lessons)
Dr Arun Prakash
Once upon a time, in a quiet little town nestled between rolling hills and endless fields, there lived a warm-hearted woman named Shina Rawat and her spirited young daughter, Ariana. Shina was known around town as someone who seemed to carry sunshine in her pocket, always quick with a smile and a kind word. But to Ariana, she was simply “Mama”—her greatest friend, guide, and playmate.
Ariana was a bundle of joy and curiosity, a little girl with wide eyes that sparkled with wonder at the world around her. Shina and Ariana’s days were filled with laughter, small adventures, and tender moments that may have looked ordinary to others but held a magic all their own.
But this isn’t just any fairy tale; it’s a story about how the simplest, smallest acts of love and patience can build an extraordinary human being.
From the very beginning, Shina had a mission. She wasn’t just aiming to raise a child; she was nurturing a mind, a heart, a whole person. Inspired by the wisdom in Marilee Sprenger’s The Developing Brain: Birth to Age Eight, Shina understood that these early years were like a precious gift. She knew the science: in these years, a child’s brain is like a sparkler on New Year’s Eve, shooting off a million new connections every second. Yes, every second! Imagine little fireworks going off in Ariana’s mind as she smiled, cried, babbled, or just watched the world around her. All these tiny moments were building pathways in her brain that would help her think, feel, and connect with others for years to come.
Now, Shina also knew that after this grand fireworks show, the brain would start to “prune”—like a gardener trimming away leaves so the plant can grow strong and healthy. This “pruning” process would help Ariana’s brain focus on the connections she’d need the most. But for these connections to become strong and last a lifetime, Shina knew she had to give Ariana a steady, loving environment. Think of it like building a house. No one would build a home on shaky ground, right? Shina saw to it that Ariana’s “foundation” was strong, and she didn’t use just ABCs or flashcards. Instead, she used hugs, laughter, and plenty of encouragement. Sprenger’s research showed her that love and stability, even in small moments, make a child’s mind grow stronger and happier.
The Foundation of Love and Safety
In those early years, every cuddle, every shared laugh, and every comforting word became the sturdy ground beneath Ariana’s growing confidence. Shina always made sure that Ariana felt safe and loved, especially in the moments that were hardest. When Ariana stumbled as a toddler, Shina didn’t rush in to fix everything. Instead, she would say, “You’re strong, my dear! Let’s give it another go.” She taught Ariana not to be afraid of trying and falling—an approach that built resilience and bravery into her very being. This wasn’t just kindness; it was science, too. Shina knew that every encouraging word helped build the neural “muscle” of resilience in Ariana’s mind, a skill she would need for the rest of her life.
The Power of Play and Curiosity
Shina understood that playtime wasn’t just fun; it was learning in action. When Ariana played with building blocks, creating castles, or making up stories with her dolls, Shina knew her daughter was actively strengthening her brain. So, when Ariana’s towers of blocks came crashing down, Shina didn’t rebuild them for her. She sat nearby and simply said, “What do you think happened?” In that moment, Ariana learned a little lesson in problem-solving and grit. Every block, every puzzle piece, was wiring her brain for creativity, persistence, and the joy of learning.
To add a sprinkle of adventure, Shina often let Ariana play outdoors. She’d let her explore the garden, touch the flowers, and even get her hands muddy. One rainy afternoon, Ariana stomped in puddles with uncontainable joy, splashing mud everywhere. “My little explorer!” Shina laughed, knowing that these messy, tactile experiences were actually teaching Ariana to think, observe, and ask questions about the world. This was her brain on fire, soaking up everything, all while Ariana just thought she was having the best time in the world.
The Magic of Encouragement and Emotional Awareness
One of Shina’s most beautiful gifts to Ariana was teaching her to recognize and manage her emotions. From the time Ariana could understand, Shina would ask her questions like, “How are you feeling?” or “Did something make you sad today?” When Ariana felt frustrated, Shina didn’t tell her to stop crying or “be a big girl.” Instead, she’d say, “It’s okay to feel upset. We all feel that way sometimes.” Little did Ariana know, these simple conversations were strengthening her ability to handle her own emotions—a skill that would become one of her greatest assets.
But it wasn’t all serious conversations. Shina added a playful twist to Ariana’s emotional learning. One day, when Ariana threw a small tantrum over a missing toy, Shina put on a silly face, saying, “Oh no! It sounds like a job for the ‘Toy Detective!’” Soon, Ariana was laughing through her tears, and together, they turned the tantrum into a playful hunt. Shina had cleverly turned a moment of frustration into a lesson in problem-solving and emotional balance.
The Freedom to Fail and Try Again
Shina had read that failures, even small ones, are vital for a child’s development. So, whenever Ariana struggled, whether it was figuring out a new toy or learning to tie her shoes, Shina didn’t rush to do it for her. Instead, she’d say, “It’s okay to find it hard. Just give it another shot. I know you’ll get it!” This small act of letting Ariana struggle a bit was helping her develop persistence, a trait that Shina knew would be essential as she grew older.
One time, when Ariana tried to climb the monkey bars and fell, Shina gave her a hug, dusted her off, and said, “Let’s practice together.” With Shina’s encouragement, Ariana kept trying, and finally, with a determined little face, she made it across. That small moment was a big triumph, one that built her confidence and taught her that with patience, she could accomplish anything.
Nurturing Compassion and Empathy
Shina was committed to raising a child who not only succeeded but also cared about others. When Ariana was old enough, they started volunteering together at local events, like helping at the animal shelter or planting trees in the neighbourhood. Shina encouraged her to care for every puppy and plant as if they were her own. One day, when Ariana saw a friend fall at school, she rushed over, asking, “Are you okay?” Her empathy was blooming, and Shina felt a warm pride knowing that these early experiences had helped shape her compassionate heart.
To build on this, Shina made kindness a part of their bedtime routine. Each night, they’d talk about one kind thing they did that day or something they were thankful for. This little ritual wasn’t just about closing the day; it was helping Ariana build a positive mindset, one that recognized the importance of gratitude and kindness.
Encouraging Curiosity and a Love of Learning
By the time Ariana was ready for school, Shina had helped her develop a natural love for learning. She encouraged Ariana to ask questions, even if it was the same “Why?” a hundred times. She let Ariana’s interests guide her activities, whether it was drawing, singing, or endlessly asking why the sky was blue. When Ariana showed an interest in animals, Shina took her to the zoo, and they’d spend hours learning about every creature there.
Shina had one simple rule in the house: “Never stop being curious.” This freedom to explore, question, and wonder helped Ariana’s brain grow in a way that no textbook could. The result was a child who not only loved learning but also thrived in it, carrying a spirit of curiosity wherever she went.
Through it all, Shina stayed patient, steady, and focused on the little things that science and love taught her that mattered most. Ariana blossomed, not because of some magic formula, but because of the daily, gentle ways her mother nurtured her. Today, Ariana stands as a confident, resilient, and compassionate young woman who faces the world with courage and kindness.
Shina’s story with Ariana reminds us all that raising a remarkable child doesn’t require special tools or grand gestures. It’s in the hugs, the patience, the quiet encouragement, and the freedom to explore and fail. Every moment—whether it was in the messy playtimes or the bedtime talks—was a stepping stone to Ariana’s success. The “golden time” of those early years was, in every sense, golden, not just because of what Ariana learned but because of the love that built her foundation.
And as Shina often says with a smile, “There’s no instruction manual for this journey—just a heart full of love and a little guidance from the experts.”
Next : Preparing your child for formal schooling
