Warangal: Responsive parenting key for kids growth

Warangal: Birth defects, genetic disorders, drug use, alcohol consumption, malnutrition, consanguineous marriages etc increase the risk of physical and mental deformity, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairman Mandala Parashuramulu said. Speaking at a meeting that focused on the 'Role of NGOs in the Development of Physically and Mentally Challenged Children' organised by Jeevadhara Divine Centre at Rampur Parish here on Wednesday. He dwelt at length about the core issues faced by the differently-abled children and responsive parenting which helps understand and respond to children's needs.

"Responsive parenting plays a crucial role in child health and development, both in the short and long term. Parents need to spend more time to look after their wards, besides keeping a tab on their development," Parashuramulu said. He stated that specially-abled children need human touch and loving affection at every stage of their lives for their healthy emotional and neurobiological development.

"It's commendable to see that 23 orphanage centres functioning in the Warangal Urban district with the help of philanthropists. This apart, there are some selfless individuals like Father Jerome, who have been working for the welfare of the orphans by collecting funds from altruists," he said.

He emphasised the need for chalking out more programmes with adequate funds for the development and empowerment of differently-abled persons. Father Joji Reddy, Anand, DCPO P Santhosh Kumar, Children Protection Officer S Praveen Kumar, A Anitha, Philip Lazarus, Banda Ramaleela, V Chandraprakash, Kalyan, Vishali and Rajani were among others present.