How to make this Diwali special for your children?

The house is sparkling clean, new clothes are waiting in the cupboard, the smell of sweets and savoury snacks wafts all over the house. And now all we have to do is wait for the big day. For children Diwali is a time to receive gifts, burst crackers and to gorge on sweets. Here are a few ways in which you can bond with your little ones this Diwali and make this festive season a memory that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s start at the very beginning…

Children love stories. Start this Diwali by telling them the story of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. They will be fascinated to know that the festival is called ‘Deepavali’ because it means a row of lights, which is how Ayodhya was decorated after his return. Not only will they enjoy the story but it will also present you a chance to teach them a few important life lessons.

Let there be light…

There’s no time like Diwali to let your creative juices flow.  All you need is colourful papers, a basic crafts kit, your imagination and voila! You have a beautiful lantern to hang outside the window. Buy clay diyas of various sizes and shapes and with the help of your children paint them in vibrant hues. When you place them at the door during Diwali, the radiance on your children’s faces will outdo that of the flame of the diya.

Let colour into your life…

The festival of Diwali not only comes with light but also with an explosion of colours. Rangolis adorn the doors of houses. Go eco-friendly this time and take the help of your tiny tots to make colourful patterns at the door using flowers and petals. You could even give them an old plate or a CD along with glue and assorted grains and cereals and take joy in seeing the patterns emerging from your child’s imagination.

Let there be music…

What is a celebration without music and dance? Look up songs related to Diwali and teach them to your children. You can sing together as you make a rangoli outside the doorstep or while placing diyas all over the house. There’s only one thing as joyous as singing, if not more joyous – dancing. Throw a Diwali party for the young ones and enjoy some fun moves with them.

Let’s feast…

Diwali is a time for special treats – both sweet and savoury. And if they are homemade, even better. As you prepare Diwali treats, take the help of your children. It could be filling the stuffing into a karnaji or making a few tiny laddoos, they will enjoy being a part of the process of preparation because it will only add to the anticipation of the event.

Let’s be safe…

With levels of pollution increasing – both air and sound, children should be taught from an early age that this beautiful festival can be celebrated n a cracker free way. Despite this if you wish to buy crackers, make sure to buy them form authorised vendors only. Teach your child the importance of remaining safe at all time by insisting they tie their hair back while lighting the crackers and by making sure they have safe footwear on their feet.

Enjoy this glorious festival! Happy Diwali!

Aptech International Preschool celebrates all festivals. You and your little ones are always welcome to join the celebrations. Wish to know more details about our celebrations? Contact your nearest Aptech preschool.