Make festival celebrations at home more meaningful for youngsters

Staying at home during Navratri, Diwali and the entire festive season can be gloomy, especially for active young people. But as they say, better safe than sorry, and we have learnt our lesson from last the harrowing experiences of the recent past. How can you light it up for your kids at home this year? Here are our suggestions; all of them are worth trying out.   
 
Discuss books, mythology, movies  
Be it a fierce goddess fighting demons or Ram trying to pray to the same goddess for victory, whether it is Ganesha visiting us or Lakshmi, festivals always have stories. Open the fascinating world of mythology for your kids. It’s a great incentive to get them reading. You can also show them mythological movies from various countries, and fun but educative videos such as the Ted animation series on mythology from YouTube. For teenagers, this is your chance to show them how video games derive their stories from myths.  

Explain festivals and the cycle of nature 
Festivals in most cultures are linked with seasonal changes and the agricultural cycle of sowing and reaping. If your child is 10 years or above, explain the importance of how nature has inspired traditions and festivals. It will open a new window for them, and help them appreciate our deep link with nature more. 

Make social media a positive experience   
Usually, parents are bugged by their kids’ overuse of social media. But connecting with friends and family for festivals can turn social media into a saviour. Though you can’t meet, you can have virtual festivities together. Many kids, especially those above 12 years of age, are often distressed at not being able to dash around with friends like before. But a virtual festival will give them ideas of how to utilise social media for deeper interaction apart from just chatting and following posts.  

DIY time with family  
A home festival is the perfect setting for encouraging budding artists, photographers, actors, gardeners, interior decorators and even fashion designers. Encourage your kids to create what they like, and showcase it to an admiring virtual crowd. They would remember the festival for a long time, and their confidence would get a boost.