Before my niece was born, I had never realized that kids can transform a family so much. Even though before Urvi (my niece) came into our lives, we had really never felt that there was something lacking. But her presence somehow makes it all the more complete. She has not only changed the dynamics of our relationships with each other, she actually acts like an anchor keeping us all together and making us realize our responsibilities as adults around her.
Recently we were in Himachal with my parents to celebrate Diwali and Urvi had also come with her mom & dad. And the result was that after merely 4 days of the vacation we felt as relaxed as if we had come back from an year long sabbatical. You forget all the worries and stress when kids are around.
Urvi's best friend is her Nana Ji, although she ensures that she keep everyone happy :). Everyone had bought diwali gifts for her and my Dad had arranged something special for her - some homemade snacks for better health. Since winters are coming Mom was also busy weaving warm clothes for her. Everyone was trying to ensure there was always a big smile on her face, and good health is very important for a cheerful personality in kids.
She is just 2 years old and is not yet able to speak complete sentences. But she can express her thoughts by saying different words and with body language. Her mom had taught her to say 'Happy Diwali' to everyone and to request for no crackers. She was very cutely wishing everyone 'Happy Diwali' and 'टाके no no' :). After Luxmi poojan, I took out some basic crackers ( फुलझड़ी , चकरी & अनार ). Urvi was also there and as I took one फुलझड़ी near the candle, Urvi said 'no no Mama Ji' and I requested her to light only one. And if she doesn't like it then we will not do more. She didn't look too convinced.
Soon after her mom came out and asked me if I want unhealthy people around me and specifically mentioned about Urvi. This simple sentence made me realize that a healthy child makes a happy home and why do we want to spoil this for few small things, which can be easily ignored.
Somehow it became a topic of discussion for the evening and we started discussing about the ways we can take preventive steps to keep our kids healthy. Soon after everyone realized that it's also important to keep ourselves in good health so that we can take care of her. Somehow this was the first time I listened to all these discussions so seriously and pledged to follow some of the suggestions shared by my parents.
During the discussion, my Dad reminded me of my boarding days when he used to bring a box of Dabur Chyavanprash every month and somehow this was a common practice followed by every parent of kids in my hostel. And it's still used in our family.
This post is inspired by 'A healthy child makes a happy home' campaign by Dabur - https://www.liveveda.com/daburchyawanprash/
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