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Uma Vaidya keeps her children busy in Kadma on Wednesday. Picture by Bhola Prasad
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Too hot to holiday with kids outside town? Travel around the world in the cool comfort of home, thanks to good old television.
At least, that’s what Kadma-based working couple Shirish and Uma Vaidya would advise. Shirish, an executive with an Adityapur-based private company, and Uma, a librarian at DBMS English School, are simply too scared to let their two children Paras (11) and Rashi (4) face the 40-plus heat.
“Initially we thought we would travel this vacation. But it is simply too hot and sweaty. Home is health, as of now,” laughs Shirish.
He is right, because excessive heat poses a formidable health hazard for children. Playing outdoors often causes dehydration, which can lead to dizziness, fainting and muscle cramps. Sunburns and heat rashes are also common summer gripes.
So while Shirish heads off to work every morning, wife Uma — on vacation, thanks to her school job — and the two children stay put at home during the day.
They watch toon shows such as Tom and Jerry, Chhota Bheem, Ben 10 or films like My Friend Ganesha, Anaconda and the Terminator series.
“My mom does not allow me to play outside since it is too hot. I go for tuition early in the morning. Then at home, I watch cartoons or play with my kid sister or spend time with my video games or carom, chess or Brainvita,” says Carmel Junior College fifth grader Paras.
Rashi, an LKG student in the same school, likes TV, but loves her pink teddy bear even more. She also has a monkey and dolls for company. And finally, she plays teacher to her mother.
“She has taught me ABC,” Uma smiles. “She has also painted on every notebook available in this house.”
Apart from TV, fun and games, the parents ensure some summer basics.
“Our daily diet is light, with very little oil and spices. Dahi everyday is a must. Yes, the children do look forward to ice creams, but I make it a point to give my family water-rich fruits, glucose and a whole lot of plain water,” says the conscientious mother.
Does beating the heat mean giving up on summer vacation fun?
Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com
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