Jaipur: The state women and child development department has launched a drive to increase fathers’ role in early childhood care, using parent-anganwadi meetings (PAMs) to focus on child development, nutrition and health.Monday’s meetings were held across the state on the themes “The Role of the Father in a Child’s Life” and “Nutrition, Balanced Diet, and Health”. Officials urged fathers and other male family members to take greater responsibility in childcare, saying their involvement helps build emotional security, confidence and a positive home environment for children.Officials said the meetings carried the message: “Walking while holding a father’s hand gives a child the strength to face the entire world.”Poonam, secretary of the department, said, “A father’s role is extremely important in the holistic development of children. Through these PAMs, efforts are being made to give fresh momentum to public awareness regarding children’s nutrition, health, education, and overall development.”Officials said the meetings included discussions on children’s overall development, nutrition, health, early childhood care and education, and the role of the family.“This time, special emphasis was placed on increasing the participation of fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other male guardians. The meeting aimed to make male family members active participants and to raise awareness about their responsibilities,” said Vasudev Malawat, director for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).Parents were also briefed on research indicating that children who receive adequate time and guidance from fathers show better intellectual, social and emotional development.“Fathers instil life values such as courage, patience, discipline and responsibility in their children. Further, their participation leads to positive improvements in the children’s academic achievements,” Malawat added.Anganwadi workers also discussed the centres’ upcoming action plans, regular attendance, pre-school activities and changes in children’s nutrition-related habits.
